When the Mazda5 first appeared in 2006, it was the sole inhabitant of its category, since it really didn't have any direct competitors. Although vehicles of its type were popular in Asia, the Mazda5 was the first to introduce a compact, 3-row, fuel-efficient vehicle in North America. Since then, it's been joined by the Kia Rondo, with others like Ford Grand C-Max and the Chevrolet Orlando on the way.
Seemingly unfazed by the encroachment on its territory, the company feels that "competition is good for business" says Greg Young, Public Relations, Mazda Canada.
In a market that seems to be rebounding after the devastating recession of the last couple of years, the compact utility segment is up a healthy 17%. It and the large utility category are "driving the growth of the industry" says Young.
Since its inception, the Mazda5 has sold 50,000 units, and was in fact the number #2 selling nameplate (after the Mazda3) in the company's Canadian lineup last year.
Wisely, Mazda resisted the temptation to make the vehicle bigger, or make any dramatic structural changes, remaining "true to the basic concept, but improving key areas to make it more appealing" says Young.
Distinguishing it from the increasingly box-shaped crowd, the Mazda5 is the first production vehicle to showcase the new "Nagare" design language. Designed to resemble a "single bead of water with ripples intentionally left on the surface, such that the body’s lines express the flow of motion" the vehicle's sheetmetal is creased with dramatic, flowing waves.
The ever-popular sliding doors remain, but have been lightened for ease of use. The tailgate's lift has been heightened for maximum clearance.
Elements of the Nagare design theme are picked up throughout the cabin although it remains "very much about function" says Greg Young. "Interior flexibility is its key selling point".
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| Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com |
Seemingly unfazed by the encroachment on its territory, the company feels that "competition is good for business" says Greg Young, Public Relations, Mazda Canada.
In a market that seems to be rebounding after the devastating recession of the last couple of years, the compact utility segment is up a healthy 17%. It and the large utility category are "driving the growth of the industry" says Young.
Since its inception, the Mazda5 has sold 50,000 units, and was in fact the number #2 selling nameplate (after the Mazda3) in the company's Canadian lineup last year.
Wisely, Mazda resisted the temptation to make the vehicle bigger, or make any dramatic structural changes, remaining "true to the basic concept, but improving key areas to make it more appealing" says Young.
Distinguishing it from the increasingly box-shaped crowd, the Mazda5 is the first production vehicle to showcase the new "Nagare" design language. Designed to resemble a "single bead of water with ripples intentionally left on the surface, such that the body’s lines express the flow of motion" the vehicle's sheetmetal is creased with dramatic, flowing waves.
The ever-popular sliding doors remain, but have been lightened for ease of use. The tailgate's lift has been heightened for maximum clearance.
Elements of the Nagare design theme are picked up throughout the cabin although it remains "very much about function" says Greg Young. "Interior flexibility is its key selling point".
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| Photo: Mazda |