Under the hood, the Mazda5 gets the same engine swap as the 3. Gone is the 2.3-litre unit, replaced by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder that’s more fuel-efficient, although the lower final-drive ratio might be responsible for that. Our average of 9.3 L/100 km during a round-trip drive to New Hampshire for Christmas is a good result, but we were expecting it to drop below the nines. At 100 km/h, the tach needle is pointing at 2,200 rpm.
The bigger engine only gains 4 ponies, up from 153 to 157, while torque is up from 148 pound-feet of torque to 163. Small improvements that are nothing to get all excited about, but the Mazda5 doesn’t need to be a hot rod, either. The 2012 model with the 5-speed automatic gets to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds.
Suspension and steering components are unchanged in the new Mazda5, which isn’t a bad thing. The microvan clearly isn’t a chore to drive, exhibiting sharp turn-in and good reflexes on the open road. According to Mazda, spring rates have been increased for improved straight-line stability, but we didn’t notice much of a difference.
Compared to a Mazda3, though, you will feel the higher center of gravity putting pressure on the outer rear wheel during cornering, but overall, the Mazda5 delivers on the company’s promise of dynamic driving vehicles.
What also hasn’t changed is one of the 5’s greatest virtues. The undeniable versatility of sliding side doors means kids can easily get in and out without dinging other vehicles parked around you at McDonald’s. The high roof also means you won’t put your back out while trying to buckle in the Munchkins.
Thanks to clever interior packaging, the second-row captain’s chairs can slide fore and aft or fold down for extra cargo carrying capability. Small but valuable objects can also be concealed under their seat cushions. The third-row seat is best suited for children, but willing adults can squeeze in for short trips.
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| The Mazda5 is now equipped with a 2.5-litre engine, more powerful and more fuel-efficient. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The bigger engine only gains 4 ponies, up from 153 to 157, while torque is up from 148 pound-feet of torque to 163. Small improvements that are nothing to get all excited about, but the Mazda5 doesn’t need to be a hot rod, either. The 2012 model with the 5-speed automatic gets to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds.
Suspension and steering components are unchanged in the new Mazda5, which isn’t a bad thing. The microvan clearly isn’t a chore to drive, exhibiting sharp turn-in and good reflexes on the open road. According to Mazda, spring rates have been increased for improved straight-line stability, but we didn’t notice much of a difference.
Compared to a Mazda3, though, you will feel the higher center of gravity putting pressure on the outer rear wheel during cornering, but overall, the Mazda5 delivers on the company’s promise of dynamic driving vehicles.
What also hasn’t changed is one of the 5’s greatest virtues. The undeniable versatility of sliding side doors means kids can easily get in and out without dinging other vehicles parked around you at McDonald’s. The high roof also means you won’t put your back out while trying to buckle in the Munchkins.
Thanks to clever interior packaging, the second-row captain’s chairs can slide fore and aft or fold down for extra cargo carrying capability. Small but valuable objects can also be concealed under their seat cushions. The third-row seat is best suited for children, but willing adults can squeeze in for short trips.
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| The sliding side doors are so practical with kids. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |