Not up to the task
The Mazda3's 2.3-litre, four-cylinder engine may well be an excellent mill, it isn't adapted to all vehicles, especially when it comes to minivans. The 153-head stable has trouble getting the job done when snappy accelerations are required. The problem worsens considerably when hauling 6 occupants and their gear.
The transmission is hesitant, and the first gear goes long before clicking into second. It tends to stick to low engine speeds. The blend of the inadequate engine, the hesitant transmission and the low torque make for a wheezy Mazda5. Fuel consumption is high considering the size of the engine and the available power, averaging 10.8 litres per 100 km, especially when most of the driving was done without hauling any heavy loads.
Thankfully, the energetic steering system is faithful to the Mazda tradition. The automaker's engineers have a knack for creating nearly magical steering systems that enhance the driving experience. Handling is very good considering the shape of the 5, and its cornering capacity is stunning.
Competition
In its current incarnation, the Mazda5 is in a class all its own. Rivals nonetheless come in the form of the Kia Ronda EX ($23,345) and the Dodge Journey SE Plus ($22,170), both accommodating up to 7 passengers. My GS tester with automatic transmission and air conditioning was priced at $22,325.
Conclusion
Mazda intelligently interprets the needs of Canadian families, which average under two children per couple, and understands that the large minivan is becoming obsolete. With its reduced size and fun-to-drive personality, the Mazda5 will be popular with young parents that don't want to feel like they're making a huge sacrifice in the name of practicality.
However, better quality materials and a more powerful engine would definitely be commendable, improving both its performance and family hauler capabilities.
photo:Philippe Champoux, Jérôme Scaglia, Mazda
The Mazda3's 2.3-litre, four-cylinder engine may well be an excellent mill, it isn't adapted to all vehicles, especially when it comes to minivans. The 153-head stable has trouble getting the job done when snappy accelerations are required. The problem worsens considerably when hauling 6 occupants and their gear.
The transmission is hesitant, and the first gear goes long before clicking into second. It tends to stick to low engine speeds. The blend of the inadequate engine, the hesitant transmission and the low torque make for a wheezy Mazda5. Fuel consumption is high considering the size of the engine and the available power, averaging 10.8 litres per 100 km, especially when most of the driving was done without hauling any heavy loads.
Thankfully, the energetic steering system is faithful to the Mazda tradition. The automaker's engineers have a knack for creating nearly magical steering systems that enhance the driving experience. Handling is very good considering the shape of the 5, and its cornering capacity is stunning.
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| With the 5, Mazda intelligently interprets the needs of Canadian families. |
Competition
In its current incarnation, the Mazda5 is in a class all its own. Rivals nonetheless come in the form of the Kia Ronda EX ($23,345) and the Dodge Journey SE Plus ($22,170), both accommodating up to 7 passengers. My GS tester with automatic transmission and air conditioning was priced at $22,325.
Conclusion
Mazda intelligently interprets the needs of Canadian families, which average under two children per couple, and understands that the large minivan is becoming obsolete. With its reduced size and fun-to-drive personality, the Mazda5 will be popular with young parents that don't want to feel like they're making a huge sacrifice in the name of practicality.
However, better quality materials and a more powerful engine would definitely be commendable, improving both its performance and family hauler capabilities.
photo:Philippe Champoux, Jérôme Scaglia, Mazda
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