Say good-bye to the Mazda Tribute and say hello to the Mazda CX-5, the latter representing this Japanese automaker’s latest attempt to compete in the “cute ute” segment. Small crossover SUVs are popular, but the Tribute is dated, a rebadged Ford Escape that just hasn’t been able to keep up with the Escape and its environmentally-friendly seats, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in this competitive segment.

As Ford unveils its new Escape, Mazda has done likewise with its newest model. Unlike the Tribute, the CX-5 was developed separately from Ford although both have been introduced at the same time. Some platform collaboration has continued, but the sheetmetal, powertrains, interiors and everything else is unique to each brand.

L.A. Debut

The backdrop for the CX-5′s introduction was the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Indeed, if you want to view this vehicle yourself, you can stop by the Los Angeles Convention Center downtown through November 27 to gauge what this vehicle is all about. The show is open all throughout Thanksgiving weekend, so finish your turkey early of skip the Black Friday madness and head over to the convention center.

The 2013 CX-5 features Mazda’s SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. Yes, it is written all in caps, but to avoid annoying subsequent mentions of Skyactive Technology will be only be in title case. Perhaps Mazda wants to emphasize that its current crop of vehicles is far different from what has recently been offered, thus the “shout out” which every copywriter knows makes for bad form.

In any case, we’re not here to edit Mazda’s website, rather to tell you about this five passenger vehicle. And you know what? There is certainly a lot to say.

Skyactive Technology

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. And that is where Skyactiv comes in. Mazda describes Skyactiv as “…an all-encompassing, deeply embedded philosophy that obtaining more power, torque and miles per gallon does not need to come at the expense of fuel economy, design and safety.” The first instance of its use was in the Mazda3 and now it comes to the Mazda CX-5.

Notably, this engine has the highest compression ratio of any mass produced production car, coming in a ratio of 13.0-to-1. Output of 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and torque measured at 150 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm denotes how much power is in this engine which redlines at 6,500 rpm. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The CX-5 has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

Fuel economy is superior to what is found in this class with the front-wheel-drive manual coming in at an estimated 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway. For the FWD automatic, you’ll see 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. The AWD, available only in automatic, should return 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway according to Auto Tribute.

CX-5 Dimensions

Mazda has placed the CX-5 on a 106.3 inch wheelbase, the longest in this segment. Standard 17-inch rubber can be upgraded to 19-inch wheels. Mazda is making a lot of noise about this vehicle’s interior room, noting that front head and legroom is excellent and pointing to the rear seat’s 40/20/40 seating configuration which allows for two or three passengers. This also allows for creative ways to house cargo. Further spec details will be forthcoming.

Cabin amenities include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, iPod audio playback and a 9-speaker Bose sound system. You also get HD RadioTM Technology, a subscription-free digital AM and FM broadcast radio service and on-screen information with additional programming choices via HD2 and HD3 channels.

TomTom Technology

The CUV also makes use of TomTom technology-based navigation system, which features premium North American maps, advanced lane guidance, intuitive voice recognition and real-time traffic. In addition, USB and auxiliary jack connections are located in the center console storage bin and can be accessed via the infotainment touch screen.

Pricing and additional package details will be announced in 2012 just before this vehicle goes on sale. And, yes, a diesel version is likely to follow notes Susanna Schick.

Photos: Mazda USA

Soon after its release, the NHTSA has issued a recall for the next gen Mazda3...ouch!

I was in L.A. last fall when Mazda rolled out the 2010 Mazda3, a very popular sport compact that has sold quite well for the Japanese automaker. Already in showrooms, the all new Mazda3 has been well received by fans and critics alike.

Unfortunately, the Mazda3 has also been slapped with its very first recall.

Mazda Recall No. 5409D

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 25,400 copies of the Mazda3 are subject to a recall due to a potential electrical problem.

Apparently, a clearance between the engine harness and the housing of the the starter motor may be insufficient. Because of this problem, the covering of the harness may be damaged through vibration while the car is being driven which may cause a short-circuit between certain harness wires and the starter housing.

As a result, the problem just might result in an engine control malfunction and/or poor shift quality. In other words, you could lose control of the car should a fuse blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.

Contact Mazda For More Information

If you own the affected model, you can contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 for additional information.

Mazda says that dealers will have the engine harness inspected and will add a protector clip on the affected section of the harness and, if necessary, the harness will be repaired. As with all such recalls, the work performed will be done at the manufacturer’s expense with the first recalls set to begin on May 6, 2009.

Finally, you can call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit http://www.safercar.gov/ for detailed information about the recall. The website has plenty of information about other vehicle recalls as well as safety tips such as rollover protection and how to protect yourself if riding in a passenger van.

Zoom Zoom!

Photo credit: Mazda USA

Designed for the North American market, the 2009 Mazda6 will be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Mich, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company.

Mazda is unabashedly giddy about the sedan citing:

“This is the most important new vehicle Mazda has launched in a decade,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO, from Denver, where the car was unveiled to Mazda dealers a day earlier at the company’s North American Dealer Meeting. “The midsize sedan segment — where MAZDA6 competes — is a real battleground, with some of the best vehicles in the industry going toe-to-toe for sales. This new MAZDA6 was designed and engineered specifically for the North American market — the third Mazda in a row to be so — and will take on the very best cars from Asia, Europe and the U.S.”

The other models alluded to by Mr. O’ Sullivan were the CX-7 and the CX-9, a pair of crossover vehicles introduced over the past few years by Mazda. The CX-9 was named the 2008 North American Truck of the Year at this year’s auto show in Detroit.

The Mazda6 will offer both a 2.5L I4 and a 3.7L V6 engine with various five and six-speed automatic transmission choices. Suspension will be all-independent, with four-wheel disc brakes and standard ABS and dynamic stability control. The sedan will be available in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim levels with varying levels of standard and optional equipment.

As the sedan nears production, Mazda promises to share additional information about the car, details we plan on presenting to you here.

Photo copyright Mazda North American Operations