Question Regarding Skyactiv Engine Performance and A/C in Hot Climates

spykerspyker Member Posts: 5
edited April 2018 in Mazda
I'm seriously considering leasing a 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring. I really like what I've seen.

I live in the southwestern U.S. where the summer temps are consistently in the upper 90's to lower 100's between May and September. It can easily still be 90 degrees at 11:00 p.m. during these months and it is common for the typical summer daytime high to hit 100 degrees.

My concern is that the 2.5L, 187 hp, 4 cylinder engine is not a turbo nor is it just a bit higher on the HP. My previous experience with non-turbo 4 cylinder engines is that they do a poor job running the A/C during the summer months in my climate.

The maximum fan blower speed was not that strong on my previous 4 cylinder vehicles and the engine tended to bog down when running the A/C. It is not fun stepping into a car that has been sitting outside for a couple of hours in 100 degree temps and having an inadequate A/C. Even with tinted windows.

I love the CX-5 in every other way, but the engine performance with regard to the A/C for my geographic region is a major concern. I don't want to be uncomfortable when driving it for 1/3 of the year due to a weak A/C.

What are your experiences with this engine in the hotter climates? Does the CX-5 do a good job keeping the vehicle cool even in extreme summer temperatures?

Thank you.

Comments

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    The problems you may have had in the past with AC systems isn't related directly to engine size. Cars with far less power than 187HP can have very effective AC. So I think it's more about the size of the compressor, how the AC system is engineered, glass area, color of the interior and exterior--things like that.

    Any car is going to struggle a bit if it's been sitting in 100 degree heat for any length of time. Of course, some cars have interesting bits of technology to help mitigate this problem---cooled seats, for one, and also solar-powered fans that keep the interior cool while you're parked.
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