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2013 Mazda CX-5 GS

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The new 2.5 L SkyActiv-G engine in the Mazda6 is now available in the best-selling CX-5 crossover — and about time, too.

The CX-5 is very successful for Mazda. It’s the company’s number-two seller behind the Mazda3, and demand keeps exceeding supply. The auto maker has increased its production three times since the small CUV was launched a couple of years ago.

But the 2.0 L SkyActiv engine under its hood was frequently criticized for its lack of power. It was fuel-efficient and reliable, but stepping on the gas was often a disappointment.

When I drove a 2012 CX-5 earlier this year, I pulled away for the first time and then pulled over to look for the “Eco” button, assuming from its gutless response that it was switched to a special fuel-saving setting. But no, there was no Eco button, just an underpowered engine.

That 2.0 L engine will still be available with the GX base model of the 2014 CX-5, and its price will be unchanged at $22,995 and up, but the mid- and top-range models will be powered by the new 2.5 L engine.

It makes a big difference, too. I drove the top-end CX-5 GT for a morning down here and the car was responsive to overtake and reluctant to downshift on hills. Power was no longer an issue.

Aside from some colour changes and the addition of Smart City Brake Support to the tech package available with the GT, there are few other changes to the CX-5, but it doesn’t really need them now that the major issue has been addressed.

The new engine won’t use much more fuel than the smaller 2.0 L, but it will boost power by 19 per cent and torque by 23 per cent.

The price is increased by $500, so the front-wheel-drive GS starts at $28,650 and the all-wheel-drive GT starts at $33,250. The tech package costs an extra $400 over the previous version, now priced at $1,795.