The recently launched 2013 CX-5 will effectively replace the CX-7 (as well as the Ford-sourced Tribute), meaning there won't really be a void in Mazda's product lineup. "CX-5 has a clearer competitive set, unlike CX-7, which was in the middle of two segments," explains Mazda product communications specialist Beverly Braga.

Dimensionally, the CX-5 is slightly smaller than the CX-7, but actually boasts more cargo capacity and overall interior volume. With the rear seats folded, the CX-5 can hold up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo (compared to 58.6 cubic feet in the CX-7) and has a total of 103.8 cubic feet of overall passenger space (101.7 in CX-7).

What's more, the CX-5's nifty new 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engine offers substantially better fuel economy than the base 2.5-liter four of the CX-7. And while we'll certainly miss the potency of the optional 2.3-liter turbo four of the CX-7 – a version of the mill used in the Mazdaspeed3 – we can easily do without its fuel economy ratings of 18/24 miles per gallon city/highway (or 17/21 when paired with all-wheel drive – ouch!).

This may be the end of the road for the CX-7 in the U.S., but Mazda says that sales of the crossover will still continue in other markets. The CX-7 will officially be phased out at the end of the 2012 model year.

... Sad times indeed

IRVINE, Calif., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported strong February U.S. sales of 25,651 vehicles, representing an increase of 32.3 percent versus last year and best February total sales since 1994.  On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, Mazda's February 2012 sales were up 27.0 percent.  Year-to-date sales through February are up 47.5 percent (44.5 percent DSR) versus last year, with 49,647 vehicles sold.

Key February sales notes:

• The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 small crossover SUV, named "2012 Crossover of the Year" from Autobytel, arrived at dealerships in the last week of February, registering 357 sales.  CX-5 is the first Mazda to fully encompass SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, the brand's engineering-focused philosophy toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency, and achieves the highest highway fuel economy (35 MPG) of any SUV in America.
• As fuel prices rise across the country, Mazda2 sales are up this month with 2,701 vehicles sold accounting for a 210.5 percent increase.
• Mazda3 sales of 11,275 vehicles accounted for a 39.6 percent increase over last year and its best monthly sales since July 2008.  The new 2012 Mazda3 features Mazda's innovative SKYACTIV-G engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission that achieves up to 40 MPG on the highway.
• Mazda 6 reported its best month since March 2008 with 5,101 vehicles sold, a 79.7 percent increase over last year.

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported its best January since 1994 with U.S. sales of 23,996 vehicles, accounting for a huge increase of 68.2 percent versus last year.

Earlier this month, the NHTSA and Ford Motor Company announced a recall of over 244,000 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles over a concern that the master cylinder reservoir could leak and cause an engine bay fire and with the Mazda Tribute being essentially the same vehicle under the sheet metal – it comes as no surprise that the Japanese automaker is also recalling their compact SUV for the same reason.

This recall affects 52,390 Mazda Tribute SUVs built between April 20th, 2000 and July 19th, 2002 and the recall relates to the same master cylinder reservoir cap that caused the earlier Ford Escape recall. In these vehicles, the master cylinder reservoir cap can leak over time and should this occur, the brake fluid can drip onto the electrical wiring harness that controls the antilock braking system. Brake fluid is incredibly corrosive so if left unattended, the leaking brake fluid can eat through the protective coating on the ABS wiring harness which could lead to a malfunction of the ABS system. Even worse, if the problem is left unattended for long enough, the protective coating could be melted away and with the presence of the flammable brake fluid as a fuel and the unprotected wires as an ignition source – this problem could lead to smoke from the engine bay and eventually, an engine bay fire.