Mazda's Multi-Activity Showpiece Two opposing functions jumped out at me as noteworthy before I finished maneuvering the
Mazda5 out of the congested parking lot from whence it
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
came. Firstly, I was taken aback by the high level of operational refinement evident when I dipped into the throttle; secondly, I was startled by high degree of stopping power imparted by a slight nudge of the brake pedal. It seems the Mazda5 both starts and stops effortlessly, without generating any of the unpleasant side effects one might associate with a near-entry-level vehicle. With a starting MSRP in Canada of only $19,995, this front-wheel-drive, six-passenger mini, mini van is anything but a "low rent" version of the full-size thing. It's a very well put together example of how the many virtues of a minivan can be captured in a much smaller, more nimble package without sacrificing comfort, quality or driving pleasure.
The Mazda5 is based on a slightly enlarged
Mazda3 platform, giving it sufficient length for a rather unique 2+2+2-seating configuration; the last two rows accessible through a sliding door on each side of the vehicle.
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
This setup comfortably accommodates four large adults and a couple youngsters but don't be deceived into believing that the last two seats are off limits for adult frames. In fact six adults can ride in the Mazda5, albeit those in third class will be somewhat challenged for knee and elbowroom. Although legroom for the driver was adequate for my beanpoles, it could be on the sparse-side for particularly long-legged pilots. Also, I found the driver's foot-well to be fairly cramped. Large-shoed operators may find it awkward to gracefully dance with clutch, brake and throttle arrangement. Apart from these "size does matter" issues, I judged the Mazda5's cockpit to be remarkably comfortable, although a dollop more thigh support would improve matters for those with long femurs. Nonetheless, tremendously good forward, aft and side visibility added to the driving pleasure.
Mazda has applied the term, "Multi-Activity Vehicle" in describing the Mazda5. In keeping with the "multi" theme, the vehicle's split bench third
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
row seat can be folded flat for cargo hauling purposes. The two individual second row seats - mounted on fore and aft sliders to extend legroom or facilitate third row access - can also fold flat to extend the rear cargo area, providing up to 1257 litres of very usable stowage capacity. Mazda engineers certainly made good use of the real estate found within the Mazda5's tall cabin. The flexibility in seating-versus-cargo applications adds to the vehicle's usefulness, especially for those balancing recreational needs with child hauling duties. Add a sporty appearance to the Mazda5's overall versatility and the rest, such as excellent fuel efficiency and impeccable build quality, become icing on the zoom zoom cake.
