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- All-new compact crossover SUV receives highest safety rating from IIHS -

RICHMOND HILL, ON, March 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV was recognized today as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  The CX-5 received the organization's highest possible crash safety rating of "Good" in all four tests conducted.

"The 2013 CX-5 is Mazda's first production vehicle to receive the full suite of SKYACTIV Technologies, which focuses not only on fuel efficiency but also on safety and stability," said Don Romano, President of Mazda Canada Inc.  "Earning a 'Top Safety Pick' distinction from the IIHS further exemplifies Mazda's dedication for creating products that offer the best of everything that consumers want: fuel economy, performance, handling and, most importantly, safety."

Vehicles receive ratings based on results from the Institute's evaluations on front, side, and rear impact crash tests as well as a roof strength test (implemented in 2010), which measures occupant protection in the event of a rollover.  Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion specific to each crash angle and the injury impact on crash test dummies positioned within the vehicles at the time of collision.

The CX-5 starts at a competitive $22,995 MSRP.  Paired with the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, the entry-level GX is equipped with a high-level of standard amenities such as push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports.  The CX-5 offers the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in Canada at 5.7L/100 km, outperforming many hybrids.

Available options for CX-5 models include a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch color touch screen monitor, rearview camera, leather seats, a TomTom technology-based in-dash navigation system, a Bose® Surround Sound System, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system, and bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights with a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).

All CX-5s are equipped with the all-new SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis, which ensure a vehicle structure as reinforced and quiet as it is rigid and absorbs impacts.  The SKYACTIV-Chassis weighs less than current Mazda platforms and includes a front strut suspension and a multi-link rear format along with an assortment of design changes for added ride comfort.  The SKYACTIV-Body is comprised of 61 percent high-tensile steel, creating a lighter, stronger body with superior handling.  The all-new CX-5 also is the first production vehicle to utilize 1,800MPa ultra-high tensile steel, which is utilized in the front and rear bumper beams and results in parts that are 20 percent stronger and 10.6 pounds lighter than previous generation bumpers.

Other standard safety equipment includes six airbags (front, side, and full side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors), four wheel disk brakes, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a fold-away brake pedal assembly, front and rear crumple zones, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners, second row ISOFIX child seat tether anchors and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Founded in 1959, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, non-profit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage that result from crashes on the nation's highways and roads.  The Institute, along with affiliate the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), supports highway safety efforts and accident prevention through vehicle crash safety tests as well as consumer education, such as driver behavior and roadway designs.  For more information, visit www.iihs.org.

Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 165 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca

Image with caption: "2013 Mazda CX-5 (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120320_C6113_PHOTO_EN_11341.jpg