Reaching out to small families
It's obvious that the minivan market is in a downward spiral, because more and more manufacturers are abandoning that segment in favour of sport-utility vehicles. That's too bad, because the practicality of a minivan is undeniable, but it's simply out of fashion.
Suddenly arrives the Mazda5, which we could call a microvan. It's nothing revolutionary, since a lot of similar vehicles are found in Europe. The concept is simple yet effective: maximize interior space in a compact-car footprint. In the case of the Mazda5, the result is interesting; 6-passenger capacity, 4-cylinder engine, affordable price.
Manual or automatic
Only one engine is offered in the 5; it's the same 16-valve, 2.3-liter unit found in the 3 and 6 models. With 153 horsepower pulling 1,523 kg (3,358 lbs), acceleration is honest but not electrifying. From a standstill, 100 km/h comes up in 9 seconds with the manual tranny.
The Mazda5's got swell road manners, with a typical Mazda sporty character. A 3 Sport is obviously more manoeuvrable, but the 5 handles itself pretty well. The steering is quick and offers an appreciable level of precision.
On the highway, the engine revolution is too high. At 110 km/h, the tach shows 3,200 rpm which raises the noise level in the cockpit and, of course, hurts fuel economy. At equal speed, the optional 4-speed automatic is better, if only slightly.
Efficient interior
Unlike other similar vehicles that offer room for 5 passengers, the Mazda5 can accommodate 6. In fact, only the Rondo does better by offering seating for 7, as an option.
However, those who have young kids like me will tell you that with two booster seats tied to the rear bench seat of a compact car, the third seat is pretty much compromised. In the Mazda5, the 2nd row has two separate seats and a small bench in the 3rd row. So, if you're lucky enough to have triplets, for example, there's room for everyone and their kiddie seats.
It's obvious that the minivan market is in a downward spiral, because more and more manufacturers are abandoning that segment in favour of sport-utility vehicles. That's too bad, because the practicality of a minivan is undeniable, but it's simply out of fashion.
 |
| The versatility of a minivan in a more compact format. |
Suddenly arrives the Mazda5, which we could call a microvan. It's nothing revolutionary, since a lot of similar vehicles are found in Europe. The concept is simple yet effective: maximize interior space in a compact-car footprint. In the case of the Mazda5, the result is interesting; 6-passenger capacity, 4-cylinder engine, affordable price.
Manual or automatic
Only one engine is offered in the 5; it's the same 16-valve, 2.3-liter unit found in the 3 and 6 models. With 153 horsepower pulling 1,523 kg (3,358 lbs), acceleration is honest but not electrifying. From a standstill, 100 km/h comes up in 9 seconds with the manual tranny.
The Mazda5's got swell road manners, with a typical Mazda sporty character. A 3 Sport is obviously more manoeuvrable, but the 5 handles itself pretty well. The steering is quick and offers an appreciable level of precision.
On the highway, the engine revolution is too high. At 110 km/h, the tach shows 3,200 rpm which raises the noise level in the cockpit and, of course, hurts fuel economy. At equal speed, the optional 4-speed automatic is better, if only slightly.
Efficient interior
Unlike other similar vehicles that offer room for 5 passengers, the Mazda5 can accommodate 6. In fact, only the Rondo does better by offering seating for 7, as an option.
However, those who have young kids like me will tell you that with two booster seats tied to the rear bench seat of a compact car, the third seat is pretty much compromised. In the Mazda5, the 2nd row has two separate seats and a small bench in the 3rd row. So, if you're lucky enough to have triplets, for example, there's room for everyone and their kiddie seats.
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| The 5 is one of a few vehicles in this price range to offer seating for 6. |