2007 Mazda5 GT Road Test

Generating polished performance under the driver's right foot is a 2.3 litre, DOHC 16-valve I-4 powerplant capable of producing 153 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm and 148 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm. It wasn't the

(Photo: Rob Rothwell)

punch of this mill that impressed me but rather the refinement of its operation that drew a smile to my face. One would be hard-pressed to find a smoother running four-banger in any vehicle in the Mazda5's price range or higher. Within normal driving parameters, engine harmonics are near zero. Only when pushed hard does the little mill make its presence known- but not in the frenetic way many 4-cylinder units do. The output calmly produced is capable of moving the Mazda5 with respectable vigor, although I suspect that 6-occupants and a mountain pass would gang-up to pretty much neuter the spirited mill. Nonetheless, its miserly fuel consumption is more than enough to make-up for any lack of highway gusto, especially when the 5-speed manual transmission is in place. In such a case, expect to use 10.6 and 8.0 litres of regular unleaded per 100 kilometres of city and highway driving respectively (22 / 29 mpg).

My tester was equipped with the manual gearbox, which shifted with such ease it almost shifted itself, albeit throws were a little on the long side. When combined with the Mazda5's light, gradual clutch take-up, jerky

(Photo: Rob Rothwell)

departures and hard gear changes were all but impossible to encounter. For those still reluctant to swing with the stick, a 4-speed autobox is available. Regardless of which transmission is doing the shifting, a full set of antilock disc brakes bolstered with Electronic BrakeForce Distribution (EBD) do the stopping. For my liking, this setup was excessively sensitive. Very gentle brake application was necessary if one was to avoid inflicting "head-bob" when slowing the vehicle. Perhaps the Mazda5's meager curb weight of 1,523 kg (3,351 lbs) contributed to its disposition toward rapid de-acceleration. After acclimatizing to the effectiveness of the middle pedal, I became much more appreciative of its responsiveness, but "responsiveness" was not limited to the Mazda5's braking performance.

Due to its leanness, the Mazda5 is lithe on its feet. Steering inputs are quickly transformed into well-composed directional changes. Overall, the

(Photo: Rob Rothwell)

well-equipped, boxy little van exhibits outstanding nimbleness- more like that of a small sedan a six-seater van, and that's well enough on its own. Add to the vehicle's spryness a wonderfully smooth ride, and you've got an exceptionally talented people mover. And unlike many competitors within this emerging class of automobile, the Mazda5 is very quiet indeed. Neither wind or road noise interfere unduly with the serenity enjoyed in its cabin; and that serenity is perhaps the most notable of the Mazda5's urbane surprises, justly making it Mazda's affordable, Multi-Activity Vehicle showpiece.

(Photo: Rob Rothwell)

Strengths:
Exceptional versatility
Smooth, quiet ride
Nimbleness
Good fuel economy
Attractive pricing

Weaknesses:
Mediocre power
Tight footwell
Moderate driver legroom
Sensitive brakes