http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/07mazda5.htmTest Drive: 2007 Mazda5 GT, 5-speed manual
2007 Mazda5 GT
Review and photos by Greg Wilson
Noth Vancouver, B.C. - It may be called the Mazda5, but the magic number is '6'; as in six passengers. This tall, roomy "micro-van" is based on the Mazda3 Sport hatchback platform, but is longer and taller and seats six people in three rows of seats.
Ranging in price from about $20,000 to $25,000, the Mazda5 is an ideal vehicle for parents with two or three children who don't want, or can't afford, a bigger minivan or SUV. As it's smaller than a minivan, the Mazda5 is more fun to drive and a lot easier to park. And with a 153-hp 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, the Mazda5 is easier on gas than larger, V6-powered minivans, particularly during city driving.
Micro-vans or 'space wagons' are very popular in Europe and Asia, but in Canada, the only other vehicle like it is the Kia Rondo. As gas prices rise and diesel engines become more popular, I expect we will see more of these enter the Canadian marketplace.
Interior packaging is clever
Though based on the Mazda3, the 5 has larger exterior dimensions: the wheelbase has been stretched by 110 mm (4.3 in.) and overall length is up by 125 mm (4.9 in.). Height has been increased by a substantial 165 mm (6.5 in.) to 1630 mm (64.1 in.). This explains how Mazda could get three rows of seats into a compact platform.
Passenger and cargo-carrying flexibility is a key feature of the Mazda5: like a minivan, the Mazda5 has two sliding rear side doors and a large lift-up rear hatch, all with large openings and a low step-in height that makes it easy for passengers to get in and out, or to stow cargo. The sliding side doors and the rear hatch are easier to open than those of most minivans, obviating the need for power sliding doors and power tailgates that add additional cost to minivans. However, the Mazda5 GT model does have a power cinching mechanism that latches the side doors when they're almost closed. The sliding side doors are very handy in crowded parking lots where there are other cars parked next to yours - you can get your kids in and out without the risk of banging the rear doors against other cars.
The Mazda5's clever interior has three rows of seats in a 2/2/2 configuration: two front bucket seats, two centre buckets, and two rear seats. Both second and third row seatbacks will fold down flat creating a roomy cargo area that will swallow major appliances. If your new fridge is too long, you can always leave the rear hatch open and attach a red flag to the exposed end.
One design flaw though: the second row seats require pulling up the seat cushions against the front seatbacks and pulling down the second row seatbacks (with the head restraints). This creates a flat loading surface but prevents the right front passenger seat from folding flat for a potentially longer load area on the right side.
Still, the Mazda5's passenger/cargo carrying possibilities are numerous: for example if you need to transport two children and two hockey sticks, you can fold down the second and third row seats on one side and put the kids in the second and third row seats on the other side. Or you can fold down both third row seats and slide the hockey sticks in between the separate centre bucket seats.
Admittedly, if you're transporting two adults and four kids, you're not going to get four hockey sticks, four pair of skates and hockey gear behind the third row seat. A roof rack or roof cargo box might be a good investment for these situations (these are available as Mazda accessories).
With its tall roof and ingenious cabin design, passenger legroom and headroom are surprisingly good. The third row seats aren't as roomy as the second row seats, but there is actually enough room for two adults in the third row because of the high ceiling and the fact that the second row seats can slide forwards for additional third-row legroom. To get into the third row seats, passengers can "walk" between the second row seats, or flip and slide the second row buckets forward.
The second row seats have reclining seatbacks, inboard folding armrests and plenty of elbow room because they're separated by a few inches. These give young children "their own space" and may prevent those, "He hit me!", "No, she hit me first", "No, I didn't!" territorial squabbles.
On GT models, a handy tray and storage unit with cupholders, which is located underneath the second row seat on the driver's side, can be flipped out to fit between the second row seats. This is very handy for keeping kid's toys, gadgets and even trash that might otherwise end up on the floor. Another bonus: with the centre tray in place, the storage area under the seat cushion serves as a hiding place for things you want to keep out of sight. Other storage spaces include a bi-level bin between the front seats, glove-box, door pockets with bottle holders, and driver's seatback pocket. All three rows have dual cupholders.
Front occupants have very comfortable cloth reclining bucket seats and the driver's seat features a height adjuster, lumbar adjuster and inboard folding armrest. Leather seats (heated in front) are available as an option on the GT model.
The instrument panel is a simple and attractive layout with large easy to read gauges, bright trim in the centre stack, simple radio and heater controls, and a high-mounted gearshift lever that's easy to reach. The steering wheel tilts up and down and slides in and out.
As a family vehicle, safety is important to Mazda5 buyers. Standard safety features on the 2007 model include child-proof door locks on the sliding side doors, child seat anchor brackets, whiplash-reducing height-adjustable front seat head restraints, height adjustable head restraints at all six seating positions, and three point safety belts at all six positions. Side and side curtain airbags are optional on base GS and standard on uplevel GT models, but for 2008, side and curtain airbags will be standard on all Mazda5 models. If you want a base model, it's probably worth waiting until the 2008 Mazda5s arrive.
Driving impressions
The Mazda5 is not all about utility - it's a very attractive vehicle as well. Despite being quite tall, it looks rather sleek.
Its body coloured bumpers, honeycomb grille, side sills, high-mounted vertically-stacked taillights with a chrome background and clear lenses, and standard 16-inch alloy wheels make this box-on-wheels look very sporty. GT models add front fog lights, rear spoiler, and 17-inch tires and alloys.
2008 Mazda5's will have slightly revised bumpers and grille, new LED taillamps on GT models, and new alloy wheels.
The 5 also features the 3 Sport's 153-hp 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual tranny (optional four-speed automatic), fully independent suspension, four wheel disc brakes with standard ABS, and rack and pinion variable-assist power steering system.
But as it is 198 kg (437 lb.) heavier than a Mazda3 Sport, there is a corresponding, but not unexpected reduction in performance and fuel economy. With a full load of passengers and cargo on board, acceleration can be laboured, particularly when passing on the highway - but for typical urban and suburban commuting duties, the Mazda5 is quite adequate.
Official fuel consumption figures with the manual transmission are 10.6/8.0 city/hwy and with the automatic transmission 11.2/8.3 city/hwy. My manual equipped tester averaged about 9.6 L/100 km using Regular gas, not far off the official combined fuel economy rating. That's not as good as a Mazda3, but better than any minivan on the market.
The standard five-speed manual shifter is located high up on the centre console where the lever is easy to reach. Shift action is easy with a modicum of clunking, and clutch effort is light. The manual transmission makes the Mazda5 a more sporty driving proposition, but most buyers will probably choose the four-speed automatic transmission, which will be upgraded to a five-speed automatic for 2008.
When cornering, the Mazda5 feels more top-heavy than a Mazda3 - which it is - but it's still very nimble for a six-passenger people-mover and a lot sportier than a minivan. The ride is a bit firm at times, but comfortable on the highway, and steering effort is easy when parking. Driver visibility is quite good, and its compact dimensions and tight turning circle of 10.6 metres (34.7 ft.) make it easy to manoeuvre in tight places. A rear defroster and wiper with intermittent setting were appreciated during poor weather.
All Mazda5s are front-wheel drive - there is no four-wheel drive model, and there's no pretence about off-road ability: this is strictly a pavement-only family hauler.
Pricing and standard equipment
2007 Mazda5's come in two trim levels: GS ($19,995) and GT ($22,895). The only options on both trim levels are air conditioning with automatic temperature control ($1,100) and four-speed automatic transmission ($1,000). Leather seats are available on the GT for $1,130.
Standard on the GS is the five-speed manual transmission, 16-inch tires and alloy wheels, disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, power windows with driver's one-touch down feature, AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers and steering wheel-mounted controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power locks with keyless entry and folding key, power mirrors, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper, and floor mats.
The GT adds 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, side and curtain airbags, heated body-coloured mirrors, front fog lights, rear spoiler, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, "easy-close" electric-assist sliding doors, power glass moonroof, anti-theft alarm system, and centre row fold-out cargo tray and storage bin.
I was disappointed that some important features are optional accessories installed only by the dealer. For example, an engine block heater is $42; in-dash six-CD/MP3 player $687; cassette player $279; and cargo cover $207. These prices don't include installation costs.
2008 Mazda5 GS models, with a price not yet announced, will add new standard side and curtain airbags, black-out gauges, an auxiliary audio input jack, another armrest on the front passenger seat, new outer armrests on the second row seats, and two new interior colours: sand and black. The optional automatic transmission will now be a five-speed automatic with sport mode.
The 2008 Mazda5 GT will feature new standard LED taillamps and a new dark grey & silver instrument panel. New options include air conditioning with second-row cool air vents with fan-speed control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and a new navigation system with CD changer.
Verdict
A six-passenger people-mover with good looks, easy driving manners and decent fuel economy, the Mazda5 is an affordable "urban-friendly" alternative to a minivan, but passing performance from its four-cylinder engine can be laboured.
Pricing: 2007 Mazda5 GT
Base price: $22,895
Options: $1,205 (Automatic climate control, $1,100 Indigo Blue Mica paint, $105)
Freight: $1,390
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $25,590 Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives
