With very little advertising or promotional fanfare, the distinctive Mazda 5 has carved out a nice niche for itself. Best described as a mini minivan (although Mazda prefers 'Multi Activity Vehicle'), the four-cylinder-powered Mazda 5 is light on the wallet and versatile. A nicely-appointed Mazda5 is in the same ball park as a value-priced mid-side sedan, but includes three rows and seating for six. Young families on a budget should put this on their shopping list.
Mazda spends few corporate dollars promoting this vehicle in the U.S. It may not have to as its low starting price and decent fuel economy need very little explaining. It was originally built for markets outside the U.S. where small sells big.
Don't expect fancy upgrades; just the basics please. Dual rear sliding doors operate manually with no power option in any trim. The same goes for the rear hatch; human powered at all times. Front wheel drive is standard with no all-wheel option. However, if one wants to get a little crazy, an in-dash navigation system ($2,000) is available in the up level Grand Touring trim as are heated leather-trimmed seats.
Besides Grand Touring, Mazda 5 is available in Sport and Touring editions. The sole powertrain is a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve engine with variable valve timing. This power plant generates 153 horsepower. Fuel economy is un-minivan like with 21 miles per gallon in city travel and 27 mpg on the highway when mated to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. And how many minivans offer manual transmission? The entry sport trim comes with five-speed manual transmission standard with one mile better fuel economy in both categories. Unleaded regular fills the 15.9-gallon tank.
Mazda totally revamped its "5" in the 2008 model yea r. Very little changes in 2010 from the 2009 incarnation save for traction control and stability control now standard in all trims (nice move). Mazda 5 joined the U.S. lineup in 2006. Shortly thereafter, the diminutive Mazda MPV minivan went into retirement.
The $17,995 starting price for the five-speed manual Sport includes air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, rear window defroster, rear wiper, second-row air vents with speed control, anti-lock brakes, front air bags, front seat side-impact air bags, curtain air bags for all three rows, brake assist and steering wheel-mounted secondary audio controls. With automatic transmission, Sport starts at $19,435.
Our mid-grade Touring tester checked in at $21,250 with only rear bumper guards ($50) and Sirius Satellite radio ($430 plus monthly subscription fee-first six months free) as options. The bottom line ended at an easy-on-the-wallet $22,480 with $750 destination charge. For those who appreciate moon roofs, they're standard in Touring and Grand Touring. A top level Grand Touring checks in at $23,005.
A small number of options are available. An overhead rear seat entertainment system ($1,200), and the aforementioned Sirius Satellite Radio ($430) are optional in all trims. For those tech heads in need of Bluetooth hand's free connectivity, it's available as standard equipment in the up level Grand Touring.
Mazda 5's architecture is based on the nimble, compact, Mazda 3 sedan platform, then gets streeeetcheed. Weighing in at a rather svelte 3,475 pounds, it's one of the most fun-to-drive three-row vehicle available thanks in part to fully independent suspension (a feature more at home in sports cars than minivans).
Front seats are narrow and stiff. Great for proper posture but some may find them uninviting. Each has a fold up arm rest on the inside. Cloth seating is a norm in Sport and Touring while heated leatherette seats are standard in Grand Touring. Between the seats are dual cup holders and hand-operated parking brake.
Two captain's chairs with under seat storage come standard in row two; no bench seating is available. Cushions flip forward, to gain access to storage below. Seat backs may then be folded flat (as can third-row backs) for optimum storage. A fold-down table with beverage holders between the two captain's chair is a nice touch. In row two, side windows power down with a touch of a button; nice touch on doors that slide back, not open out. Row three consists of a 50/50 split bench seating two. The vehicle includes theatre-style seating where row three is slightly elevated from row two. With the third row prone, a small bags of groceries can be stowed in a row, but no big luggage or golf bags.
The Mazda5's low profile makes entering and exiting the front row a snap. It's as easy to slide in as a conventional sedan. Since rear side doors slide back, entry into row two is a breeze, although manually sliding side doors need some muscle to close from the inside. Second row captain's chairs manually slide forward to gain access to row three, after which a bit of contorting is needed. With folks occupying second and third rows, knee room can get tight. Pre-teens will fit most comfortably in row three but in a pinch, teenagers can adapt.
The flat, back lit analog instrument panel is easy to gauge at a glance. A roomy two-sectioned glove box accommodates a good amount of stuff. Headroom in rows one and two is tremendous even with a moon roof. Row three's not bad either. The center console includes three large dials for fan speed and temperature. Fan direction requires a push of one of the dial centers. The fuel tank release lever is on the floor left of the driver's chair.
Exterior wise, diminutive 17-inch all-season tires come standard in all trims. The Mazda 5's silhouette is not dissimilar from an elongated Honda Fit, one of the best-selling subcompacts. Tall vertical tail lights flank the rear hatch glass window. The hatch is hinged at the top so the light weight manual door opens from the bottom. Anyone taller than six feet must bend a bit when loading and unloading. Cat's eye headlight housings flank a small front grill and contort into the front portion of the hood while wrapping to the side. The steeply angled windshield contrast nicely with the diminutive hood. An air dam below the grille is the most prominent element of the front end. Touring and Grand Touring models add a rear spoiler standard (optional in Sport).
At highway speeds, expect some wind noise. Mazda 5 could benefit from side-view mirrors with a more aerodynamic design now part of the 2010 three-row Mazda CX-9 crossover. The brake pedal has a relatively long throw and is not overly sensitive. Plenty of side glass eliminates glaring blind spots.
When traveling with a couple folks, the four-cylinder engine has adequate power; when loaded, the engine works overtime. For short trips to school or the mall, Mazda 5 can handle five kids plus Mom. Planning a long cross country trip with five or more vacationers? Pile into a conventional minivan.
The powertrain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles while the basic warranty covering most other parts is for three years or 36,000 miles.
This vehicle is not for everyone. That said, it's a great option for young families looking for a low entry price point vehicle with versatility and decent fuel economy that's nimble and fun to drive.
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