William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 10, 2012 If you have been wondering how much the new 2013 SRT Viper will cost, Chrysler has the answer. Today, the company has announced the Viper will start at $97,395* (excludes $1,995 destination charge). That will net you 8.4L V10 engine with 640 HP and 600 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed manual transmission. Stepping up to the Viper GTS gets you a two-mode suspension and premium interior furnishings. The pricetag also rises to $120,395 (plus destination). Orders for the new Viper begin in mid-November. Source: Chrysler William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Chrysler Group Announces Pricing for 2013 SRT Viper Models Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand's flagship performance machine returns with more power and performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and creature comforts Two new models include SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS All-aluminum, mid-front 8.4-liter V-10 engine delivers 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world Triple-digit weight reduction results in Viper best power-to-weight ratio Dealer orders expected to open in mid-November 2012 September 10, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand today announced pricing for the two models of the all-new 2013 SRT Viper. 2013 SRT Viper Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2013 SRT Viper model is $97,395 (excluding $1,995 destination) The SRT Viper offers a blend of extreme performance and deliberate preservation of what has become the iconic DNA of the Viper to deliver a supercar that continues to bring the driver as close as possible to the machine 2013 SRT Viper GTS MSRP for the 2013 SRT Viper GTS model is $120,395 (excluding $1,995 destination) The SRT Viper GTS builds on the DNA of the SRT Viper model with more technologically advanced solutions, like two-mode active suspension, to allow this world-class GTS to find new capabilities on the track while also opening up its envelope as a more premium and mature evolution of the classic, extreme performance formula Under the hood of both models is the all-aluminum, mid-front 8.4-liter V-10 engine that delivers 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world. Both SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS models offer new interior and exterior designs incorporating premium materials. New exterior surfaces with aerodynamically functional details are beautifully integrated into the high-tech carbon fiber and aluminum skin, which helps produce a triple-digit weight reduction and a Viper best power-to-weight ratio. On the inside, designers and engineers strived to rethink all touch points; and upgrade all material appointments and technologies. Production of the iconic supercar will begin at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit – the home for Viper since 1995 – in November 2012. Dealer orders are expected to begin in mid-November 2012.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 10, 2012 Last week, Honda announced the new 2013 Accord. Today, the company has released pricing on the sedan and coupe models. The Accord sedan starts at $21,680 (excludes $790 destination charge), while the Coupe starts at $23,350 (excludes $790 destination charge). That gets you Honda's new EarthDreams 2.4L four-cylinder producing 185 HP and 181 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual. The CVT will add $800 to the bottom line. Want a V6 model? The Accord V6 Sedan starts at $30,070, while the coupe starts at $30,350 (both excluding $790 destination charge). The V6 produces 278 HP and goes through either a CVT (sedan and coupe) or a six-speed manual (coupe). William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 2013 Honda Accord Adds Thousands of Dollars in New Standard Features with an MSRP Starting Under $22,000 Pricing for all-new Accord remains consistent with outgoing model TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 10, 2012 – The dynamic all-new 2013 Honda Accord Sedan will debut at U.S. dealers nationwide on September 19, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from $21,680 for the well-equipped Accord LX to $33,430 for the luxurious Accord Touring model, plus a destination and handling charge of $790 per vehicle. The Accord Coupe will go on sale October 15 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $23,350 for the sporty LX-S model plus a destination and handling charge1. The all-new Accord adds thousands of dollars worth of standard features and technologies with average pricing across the sedan lineup increasing by less than $300. The price of the most popular Accord LX (4-cylinder) trim is up by only $200. The 2013 Honda Accord has been fully redesigned from the ground up to deliver new levels of refinement, sophistication, fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive performance in the midsize segment. Every new Accord is equipped with alloy wheels, and standard features now also include a rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, USB/iPod® integration, Pandora® internet radio compatibility, SMS text message function, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system. “The 2013 Accord excels in all areas with sophisticated design, a luxurious interior, world-class dynamic performance, class-leading standard features and legendary Honda quality, all at a tremendous value for the customer,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., “2012 is the year of the midsize sedan, and the new Accord will once again solidify Honda’s position at the head of the pack.” New to the Accord Sedan lineup for 2013 are the Sport and Touring models. The Accord Sport targets younger buyers with the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights,10-way power driver’s seats, a decklid spoiler, dual chrome exhaust finishers, paddle shifters (on CVT models), a stiffer tower strut bar and exclusive suspension and steering tuning. Positioned between the Accord LX and Accord EX, the Sport model is equipped with the 2.4-liter direct-injected all-aluminum VTEC® engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Sport model is value priced with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $23,390 plus a destination and handling charge1. The luxurious and technology-packed Accord Touring is equipped with a powerful V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with Honda’s first application of LED headlights and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the Accord Touring sedan is priced with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $33,430 plus a destination and handling charge1. The 2013 Accord lineup is powered by a wide array of new Earth Dreams™ powertrains, which includes the first U.S. application of Honda’s next-generation 2.4-liter direct-injected VTEC 4-cylinder engine. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe will also offer a more powerful and efficient Earth Dreams VTEC V-6. Three transmissions are available, including the first-ever application of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models, a six-speed automatic on V-6 models, and 6-speed manual transmissions on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models and the 3.5-liter V-6 Coupe. The 2013 Accord successfully balances fun-to-drive performance with fuel efficiency. Accord Sedan 4-cylinder models paired to the CVT earn an impressive 27/36/30 mpg2 city/highway/combined EPA fuel economy ratings (an increase of 3/2/3 mpg compared to the previous model) and the V-6 models achieve class-leading EPA fuel economy ratings of 21/34/25 city/highway/combined mpg2 (an increase of 1/4/1 compared to the previous model) making it the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicle in the V-6 midsize sedan class. Other new Accord technologies include the first application of the all-new cloud-based HondaLink™ system featuring Aha™, which lets drivers put away their smartphones and still stay connected to the people, music and social media they love. Also debuting on the 2013 Accord is Honda LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera integrated with the passenger-side mirror and the vehicle’s 8-inch color display to provide for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. LaneWatch is standard equipment on EX and above versions of the Sedan, and EX-L versions of the Coupe. Celebrating 30 years of Accord production in the United States, the all-new 2013 Honda represents the expanding capabilities of Honda in North America. The Accord is produced by Honda of America Mfg. Inc. in Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Its engines are produced at Honda plants in Anna, Ohio and the transmissions are produced at Russells Point, Ohio, and in Tallapoosa, Georgia. The Marysville Auto Plant earned a Silver Plant Quality Award from J.D. Power and Associates in its 2012 Initial Quality Study. The 2013 Honda Accord is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty. 2013 Accord Sedan Pricing: Model Transmission Pricing EPA ratings2 city/highway/combined 4-cylinder models Accord LX 6-speed MT $21,680 24/34/28 CVT $22,480 27/36/30 Accord Sport 6-speed MT $23,390 24/34/28 CVT $24,190 26/35/29 Accord EX 6-speed MT $24,605 24/34/28 CVT $25,405 27/36/30 Accord EX-L CVT $27,995 27/36/30 Accord EX-L with Navi CVT $29,995 27/36/30 V-6 models Accord EX-L V-6 6-speed AT $30,070 21/34/25 Accord EX-L Navi V-6 6-speed AT $32,070 21/34/25 Accord Touring V-6 6-speed AT $33,430 21/34/25 2013 Accord Coupe Pricing: Model Transmission Pricing EPA ratings2 city/highway/combined 4-cylinder models Accord LX-S 6-speed MT $23,350 24/34/28 CVT $24,200 26/35/29 Accord EX 6-speed MT $25,025 24/34/28 CVT $25,875 26/35/29 Accord EX-L CVT $28,070 26/35/29 Accord EX-L Navi CVT $30,070 26/35/29 V-6 models Accord EX-L V-6 6-speed MT $30,350 18/28/22 6-speed AT $30,350 21/32/25 Accord EX-L Navi V-6 6-speed MT $32,350 18/28/22 6-speed AT $32,350 21/32/25

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 10, 2012 Last Thursday, Morgan Stanley released a report saying GM should sell off Opel and settle it losses. The report says GM has lost $10 to $20 billion over the past three years to Opel. If GM keeps the brand, the report says it will cost it up to another $12 billion over the next 10 years. Closing Opel isn't a good option at all says the report due to the enormous costs of winding down manufacturing operations in Europe. The report goes on to say that if GM was to sell Opel, that it would cost between $7 and $13 billion dollars. UBS auto analyst Colin Langan told the Detroit Free Press that if GM was to sell off Opel, it could have some problems trying to find a buyer. "Automakers that want to grow in Europe would likely look to build capacity in lower-cost eastern Europe, rather than acquire high-cost western European facilities," Langan said. "We are committed to Opel and believe we can restore it to long-term profitability," GM spokesman Jim Cain told the Detroit Free Press when asked about the report. Source: Detroit Free Press William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 7, 2012 For the past few months, we’ve been reporting on the possible death of the Dodge Challenger to make way for new model called the Barrcuda for SRT. It could be we’re reporting the death of the Challenger too soon. According to Automotive News, both the Challenger and Barrcuda will co-exist in the 2015 model year. So how will two models exist with each other? The Challenger will stick with the base model and a R/T while the Barrcuda takes the SRT. For 2015, the new Challenger will ride on an updated platform that should see about two or three inches cut off the wheelbase. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 6, 2012 Some new spy shots have come in today showing a camouflaged Cadillac ELR doing some hot-weather testing somewhere in the Southwest U.S. Despite GM's best efforts to cover-up the ELR mule, you can easily tell the three-bar grille and corporate crest visible on all Cadillacs. The overall shape is similar to the Converj concept shown back in 2009. The ELR is expected to come with the Voltec powertrain from Volt. Expect the ELR to have more power since it will weigh more than the Volt. A larger battery is also being talked. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 6, 2012 Ford is making some big waves today in the van market. At a event today in Amsterdam, Ford unveiled the new Transit and Transit Connect. We'll begin with the 2014 Transit Connect. Ford has really done a good job of bringing Connect in line with their new design language. Up front, the Transit Connect wears a trapezoidal grille smaller, sleeker headlamps, and more pronounced foglamps. The back features slimmer taillights and a tailgate. No word whether the barn doors on the current Connect will be available. Ford is staying quiet on what will be the powertrain lineup will be, but has said the European model will receive "highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines," while in the U.S., we'll get "a tailored range of gasoline powertrains." The 2014 Transit Connect arrives in late 2013. And it's bigger brother Ford also revealed the new Transit which will take the place of the E-Series van here in the U.S. The Transit will come variety of body styles, incorporating both short and long wheelbases, as well as standard- and tall-roof models for both Europe and the U.S. For Europe, the Transit will be available in front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive and use Ford's 2.2L Duratorq TDCi diesel inline-four. For the U.S., we will only get rear-wheel drive. Engines will include a "powerful diesel option" and Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost V6. The new Transit arrives in late 2013. William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 3 Ford Reveals All-New Global Transit and Transit Connect Commercial Vehicles at 'Go Further' Event • Ford unveils its new generation of Transit commercial vehicles, developed on all-new global platforms for sale in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets • Tough, functional and professional, the all-new Ford Transit brings a new level of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market; it replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit in Europe and worldwide markets, and replaces the E-Series in North America • Stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect delivers outstanding performance across load carrying ability, dependability and fuel economy, for a best-in-class cost of ownership package AMSTERDAM, Sept. 6, 2012 – Ford today revealed a new generation of world-class Transit commercial vehicles at its "Go Further" event. Developed under its "One Ford" global product strategy in Europe, the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect models will be sold in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets, with product ranges tailored to the needs of customers in each region. "These new products will carry more, work harder, last longer, and cost our customers less to operate – just as Ford Transits have done for 47 years," said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The unprecedented launch of two all-new Transit models will extend Ford's leadership in serving commercial vehicle customers around the world." The introduction of the new generation Transit and Transit Connect models is a major step in Ford's commitment to completely redesign its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe by the end of 2013. Using the latest global platforms, the two models highlight Ford's new approach to delivering the next generation of class-leading commercial vehicles to meet the needs of customers in all worldwide markets. The new range builds on almost 50 years of experience in creating market-leading commercial vans and was engineered at Ford's Centre of Excellence for commercial vehicles in Europe; applying global product development resources. The all-new Ford Transit replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit derivatives in Europe and other worldwide markets, and will eventually replace the popular Ford E-Series range in North America. Tough, functional and professional, new Transit brings new levels of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market. Offering a comprehensive range of body styles and derivatives, with multiple wheelbases, roof heights and new chassis cowl versions, all-new and more capable Transit is tailored to the needs of key worldwide markets. For Europe, a full range of Transit bodystyles and derivatives, offering front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, will be powered by the latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel. In North America, customers can choose from several engines, including the proven 3.5-litre EcoBoost or a powerful diesel option; each features rear-wheel drive and at least 25 percent better fuel economy than a comparable E-Series. Multiple roof heights and wheelbases will be available. North American Transit vans will be manufactured in Kansas City, alongside the Ford F-150. The stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect will deliver new standards for the sub-one-tonne segment for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability. Available in a choice of short and long wheelbase versions, the new Transit Connect will offer European and North American customers the most flexible and functional loadbox in the segment, with a host of innovative features to enhance everyday productivity. Transit Connect features the latest low-CO2 powertrain technologies to deliver best-in-class fuel economy in all of its target markets. In Europe, the engine line-up will include highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines, while the U.S. market will benefit from a tailored range of gasoline powertrains. The new model has a stylish cockpit with car-like design and craftsmanship, and offers the latest Ford interior technologies and driver assistance features. The Ford Transit brand has established a legendary reputation for toughness and dependability, and the new global Transit products have been engineered to extend that tradition. Both the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect have been subjected to Ford's ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering millions of miles of arduous testing in laboratories, at proving grounds and on customer fleets. "Our new global Ford Transit products will be totally fit for purpose," said Samardzich. "These are the strongest, most capable and most efficient commercial vans we have ever built – this is the start of a new chapter in the Transit success story." In Europe, deliveries of the all-new Transit and Transit Connect are due to start by the end of 2013. The two new global models join the Transit Custom in Ford's renewed commercial vehicle line-up for Europe. Targeting the one-tonne market, the all-new Transit Custom is now on sale across European markets. It will not be introduced in North America but will be launched in other selected other global markets later.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 6, 2012 The General Motors, PSA alliance has hit a wall. According to German news magazine, Der Spiegel, one part of GM-PSA alliance has been taken out. The part dealt with GM sharing the Insignia platform with Citroën and Peugeot to build their next-generation midsize sedans.That would also allow Citroën and Peugeot vehicles to roll off the line at the Rüsselsheim plant, thus allowing the plant to use up all available capacity. Why was this part taken out? Der Spiegel says Buick and GM China complained, stating the deal would cause the vehicles to compete too closely. Managers are also questioning the cooperation between the two companies. "It would be premature to assume that anything had been agreed upon before and has now been reversed," the spokesman said to Reuters, adding that discussions were continuing with an emphasis on cooperation in purchasing, logistics and product development. Source: Der Spiegel, Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 6, 2012 Mazda is not in the best of health. The past year has been a struggle for the ’zoom-zoom’ brand; Mazda’s growing reliance on their plants in Japan despite other automakers leaving to other places due to the rising yen, leaving the production line at the Flat Rock, MI plant, laying off workers at their U.S. headquarters, and other troubling news, all contribute to a disconcerting future. The company is banking on two items that will hopefully begin to turn their fortunes around. The first item is the new SKYACTIV technology which is claimed to improve fuel- efficiency while keeping the ‘zoom-zoom’ the brand is known for. The second item is Mazda’s new compact crossover, the CX-5. The new crossover will be featuring the full suite of SKYACTIV and new design language that will be appearing on future Mazdas. Can SKYACTIV deliver on its promises? Is the new CX-5 the vehicle to begin turning the tide? Next: Outside Exterior The CX-5 is Mazda’s first production model to use their new Kodo ("Soul of Motion") design language. Overall, the design is almost a carbon copy of the Minagi concept shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Up front, the most prominent design cue on the CX-5 is the large, five-point grille. This takes the place of the goofy smile grille that is prominent on many Mazda vehicles. Sitting on either side of the grille are a set of optional HID headlights (come as part of the $1,185 tech package). Along the side, Mazda has extended the line running along the front fenders partway into the front doors. Mazda also has a distinct character line running along near the bottom of doors, looking like a wave. The back end has a rounded shape, which is partly hidden by a spoiler sitting on top. "What is key is that in any market we operate in, Mazda's market share is small. Our customers are not people who go with the flow, but who make their own decisions and want something distinctive. That gives me lots of freedom," said Mazda’s chief designer, Akira Tamatani when asked about the design of the new Mazda CX-5 and 6. We think Mazda has succeeded on making the CX-5 very distinctive from its counterparts. Next: Inside Interior Distinctive isn’t the first or last or any word I would use to describe the interior of the CX-5. The interior design is very plain and the use of black throughout the interior can make you feel somewhat depressed. I wished Mazda could have taken some of Kodo design cues from the exterior or use some other color in the interior. Otherwise, the interior materials are the class average. Fit and finish is excellent. The CX-5 Touring comes with standard cloth seats. The seats provide enough adjustments to find a comfortable position, and have enough bolstering to keep you and your passengers in the seat whenever you decide to go for a run. Backseat passengers will find enough room for their head and legs. However, if you decide to take the CX-5 on a long trip, be prepared to pack a pillow or two. The seats don’t have enough padding for long distances and you will be aching when you get to your destination. As for standard equipment, the CX-5 Touring comes pretty loaded. You get keyless entry and ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 5.8-inch color display for the radio, and AM/FM/HD/CD/Aux/USB/Bluetooth audio system. Mazda has done something interesting with the optional navigation system on the CX-5. Like Chrysler, Mazda has turned to a navigation company, TomTom in this case, to provide maps and data. The system worked perfectly and was able to get me to wherever I needed without any problems. My only wish is that Mazda could have made the screen a little larger than 5.8-inches. Next: Under the Hood Powertrain Before we go into the CX-5’s powertrain, it would be a perfect time to explain what the big deal is with Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology. SKYACTIV is Mazda’s umbrella term for their new technology used in its new powertrains and weight-loss (we’ll dive into that when we get to the ride and drive section), which is aimed to improve fuel economy while keeping the zoom-zoomness. The first half of the SKYACTIV tech appeared this year in the compact Mazda3; the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder and the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. Mazda put a lot of engineering effort into the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G to make sure they met their goals of performance and fuel economy. The 2.0L includes direct-injection, a special exhaust manifold which allows the engine compression to be at an impressive 13:1 ratio, and a unique piston design. Those efforts led to the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G to produce 155 HP (@ 6000 RPM) and 150 lb-ft of torque (@ 4000 RPM). A lot of work also went into the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. When leaving from a stop, the transmission uses a torque converter to get you going very smoothly. Once the CX-5 reaches a certain speed, the torque converter locks up and the transmission switches to a clutch pack, which makes every makes every shift happen quickly. This combination allows the CX-5 to return some impressive fuel economy numbers. The EPA puts the CX-5 Touring with front-wheel drive at 26 City/32 Highway/29 combined. All-wheel drive drops fuel economy to 25 City/31 Highway/28 combined. Does the SKYACTIV powertain deliver on its promises? Almost. The 2.0L SKYACTIV-G doesn’t have enough low-end torque to get you on your way from a stop as quick as you would like. There is a SKYACTIV Diesel engine coming and a rumored 2.5L SKYACTIV-G being prepared for next model year which could solve this problem. Plus, the six-speed automatic is slow to react whenever you need it needs to downshift, causing the you to either push further down on the accelerator or throwing the transmission into the manual mode and downshift yourself. Otherwise, the SKYACTIV powertrain is an amazing feat of engineering. Once you’re on your way, the 2.0L keeps up with traffic very well, whether in the city or on the highway. The six-speed automatic delivered smooth and quick shifts. Then there’s the fuel economy. On the first day I had the CX-5, I got 29 MPG driving on suburban roads. Not bad for a crossover I thought. The rest of the time, the CX-5 and I went to Northern Michigan for vacation where it averaged an impressive 37 MPG on rural and highway roads. Next: On the Road Ride & Drive We explained one half of Mazda’s SkyActiv technologies, the powertrain in the last section. Now it’s onto the other half of the SkyActiv, the weight-loss. The CX-5 is the first Mazda vehicle to be built from the ground up with this idea. The body is this first application of a new lightweight steel which allows the vehicle to shed weight while retaining rigidity of regular steel. Mazda also cut weight wherever they could, right down to the bolts used in the vehicle. This weight-loss not only helps in the fuel economy, it also makes the CX-5 more agile when driving enthusiastically. Along with the light-weight mantra, Mazda uses independent front and rear suspension, and an electric rack-and-pinion steering system. This combination makes the CX-5 a joy to drive on your favorite road. The suspension reduces body roll and keeps the CX-5 stable when corning. The steering is weighted just right and provides the same feel and accuracy like you would find on smaller Mazdas. When taking the CX-5 on the test loop I put all of the vehicles in for evaluation, I had to keep reminding myself; this is a crossover, not a sports car. As for driving around to get to work or other places, the CX-5 provides a composed and well-damped ride on smooth surfaces. On rough roads, the CX-5 could use a little bit more damping as some bumps and jostles make their way inside. On the highway, there is minimal wind, road, and engine noise. Visibility is good in the front and side. Rear visibility is poor due to the large d-pillars, but Mazda does make a rear-view camera standard on the Touring model. Next: The Verdict Verdict Mazda deserves a pat on the back with the new CX-5 and SKYACTIV. The SKYACTIV technology almost delivers on its promise of delivering performance and fuel economy in one package. The CX-5 is one of the best driving and best looking small crossovers on the market. Combine the two together and what you get is one very good crossover. There are some faults to CX-5 though. The interior is very plain when compared to the exterior and the seats could use a little bit more padding. Also, the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine needs a bit more oomph on the low-end and the six-speed automatic needs to be quicker on the downshifts on certain situations. Mazda put a tall order on the CX-5 and SKYACTIV to begin reversing their poor fortunes. Judging from the sales charts, it looks like Mazda is starting to slowly turn around to a better time. Disclaimer: Mazda provided the vehicle, insurance, and one tank of gas Cheers Distinctive Exterior Styling Impressive Fuel Economy Loads of standard equipment Smooth and quick automatic transmission Handling in sporty and normal driving Light curb weight Back seat space Jeers 2.0L lacking low-end oomph Six-speed slowness to downshift in certain situations Interior lacking some pizzaz Seats lacking in padding Year - 2013 Make – Mazda Model – CX-5 Trim – Touring Engine – SKYACTIV-G 2.0LFour-Cylinder Driveline – Front-Wheel Drive, Six-speed automatic Horsepower @ RPM - 155 @ 6000 Torque @ RPM – 150 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined – 26/32/29 Curb Weight – 3272 lbs Location of Manufacture – Hiroshima, Japan Base Price - $23,895.00 As Tested Price - $27,005.00* (Includes $795 Destination Charge) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.