[Zabo]

Recently started looking for my mom and my aunt who are up on their ford leases. Needless to say both have been utterly dissatisfied with their '09-'11 Fords but are caught in the Z plan trap where in the end they get a better deal at the price of quality.

But that's another story for another day.

Recently did learn that Ford and Mazda still honor Z plan pricing for Mazdas so with that in mind my Aunt had me look into the new CX-5 crossover from Mazda. Essentially a Kuga/Escape on roids with an available 6spd stick.

The Skyactiv tech is interesting, looks like they went the same route GM did with the Alpha and built the new tech and chassis from the ground up with performance on the mind for their whole range. CX-5 is no exception.

Just wondering if any of those out there who have driven or owned any of the post Ford Mazdas can attest to them getting a bit better and the powerplants being more stout and less.. prone to complaining as I've found Ford's new plants have?

Also, Ford failed hard, CX-5 ranks 2nd place in crossover hawt behind the 'Nox for the size. I'd drive that thing in a heartbeat as a DD with a 6spd. GM.. I hope you've got something in the pipe for Cadillac's revamped SRX or a possible lower rung baby 'Nox.