Mazda CX-5 Puts It Through the Goal Posts for Chicago Bears Tailgaters

LAKE VILLA, ILL. (09/04/2012)(readMedia)-- With the Chicago Bears opening their season at home against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 9, local fans are already making preparations for the tailgating festivities. For those considering a new football-friendly ride to carry their BBQ gear, there's the 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover, which was recently named by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com to their 10 Best Tailgating Vehicles of 2012 list.

Kbb.com editors recognized the Mazda CX-5 for having enough space to stock the necessary tailgating provisions, but paid particular attention to its impressive fuel economy, which allows owners to save extra money for buying those goods in the first place. Returning up to 35 mpg on the highway, the CX-5 is the most fuel-efficient SUV in America during freeway driving, yet it features the space to seat up to five football fans, or up to 65.4 cubic-feet of tailgating gear with the rear seats folded down.

"Many Chicago Bears fans love the tailgating ritual almost as much as they love their team, and the money they save at the pump by driving the CX-5 can instead be used for beverages or souvenirs inside the game," said Tom McGovern, general manager of Rosen Mazda Lake Villa, an Illinois Mazda dealer. "The CX-5 also has a surprising amount of space for its high level of efficiency, meaning you can bring all the pre-game essentials to Soldier Field."

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 offers either a standard 60/40 rear-seat split or a 40/20/40 split on the Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, giving tailgaters the versatility they need on game day. Meanwhile, an available nine-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System and optional Bluetooth audio streaming let fans enjoy their favorite tunes to the fullest as they grill. During the often-chaotic exodus after the game, an available Blind Spot Monitoring System makes it easier to navigate the stadium traffic safely.

For students that are looking forward to their own high school or college football games, kbb.com recently recommended another Mazda on its 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012 list. Included for its sporty style, spacious interior and safety features, the 2012 Mazda3 met the list's requirement of being available for less than $16,000 according to Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price, making it an affordable choice for students or tuition-paying parents.

Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Mazda3 still offers upscale details despite its low pricing, including optional fog lights, LED taillights, heated side mirrors and a class-exclusive Adaptive Front-lighting System that improves visibility while cornering. Like the CX-5, the Mazda3 is also available with a Blind Spot Monitoring System, while active front headrests give drivers additional peace of mind.

"Whether students are moving across the country for college or just commuting daily for high school, the Mazda3 fits the bill, offering the safety features that put mom and dad at ease," added McGovern. "Plus, the car's stylish exterior will stand out for semesters to come, and its handling can give students plenty of thrills on the road."

About Rosen Mazda Lake Villa:

Rosen Mazda Lake Villa provides Chicagoland Mazda shoppers with a wide selection of popular new and used Mazda vehicles, from the Mazda3 and Mazda6 to the Mazda CX-5 and CX-9. Conveniently located for Chicago and Milwaukee commuters, Rosen Mazda Lake Villa employs a committed staff of Mazda experts to help customers find the perfect car or crossover SUV for their lifestyles, and the dealership's service department is second to none. Visit their showroom at 855 East Grand Ave. in Lake Villa, Ill., call them at 847-461-9967 or browse their online inventory at www.rosenmazdalv.com. They can also be found on Facebook.