What It Is:
Though there are exceptions, many car shoppers still view the minivan as synonymous with the plague. This handiest of all vehicles, with sliding doors that provide easy access to the kids as well as seats that offer a comfortable and commanding view of the road, carries with it a stigma like no other.
Perhaps that’s why Mazda slots its Mazda5 under the broad “Crossover/SUV/Multi Activity” heading.
However you categorize it, the Mazda5 provides all of the benefits of traditional minivan in a smaller package, one that’s been tweaked inside and out for 2012*. With a more distinct appearance and an extra helping of sportiness, this people mover will offer the buying public a freshened alternative to the Toyota Matrix and Scion xB, among others, when it goes on sale in early 2011.
*Since Mazda has yet to release official details about the U.S. version of the 2012 Mazda5, the information presented here is based on published European specifications and images.
What’s New for the 2012 Mazda Mazda5:
- The Mazda5 Now Flows: Mazda uses the Japanese term nagare, meaning flow, to describe the styling of the 2012 Mazda5. Up front is the smiling face that we’ve come to associate with the brand’s models over the past year, the flanks are set off by arguably elegant swooping lines, and the tail ditches its vertical lights for wraparound glass and horizontal lamps.
- More Comfort for More People: Along with its fresh look, the 2012 Mazda5 has been designed to deliver added comfort courtesy of wider front seats. The third-row configuration hasn’t changed, but a second-row, three-person bench replaces the previous 5’s matching set of captain’s chairs. Consequently, this updated little people hauler can accommodate up to seven passengers instead of six. Power rear sliding doors may be available to U.S. buyers, making entry and exit a bit easier for folks riding in back.
- More Zoom-Zoom: Mazda prides itself on being a brand dedicated to people who actually enjoy the act of driving, with the results felt in most every model it sells. The 2012 Mazda5 gets an extra injection of the family DNA by way of a stiffer body structure and suspension upgrades, elements working in tandem to improve handling.
- A New Engine Under the Hood: Along with the more sporting chassis is a new engine, though which one isn’t yet clear. The leading candidate is the 2.5-liter offered in the Mazda3, a four-banger that’s good for 167 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices should include a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic.
The Vehix View:
With seating for up to seven passengers, a versatile interior designed to deliver more comfort, and an expected bump in engine and chassis performance, the 2012 Mazda5 is a car that makes sense for a broad swath of drivers. And, since it falls under the “Crossover/SUV/Multi Activity” banner, it’s even suitable for the minivan-averse.