Industry Report: How Did Mazda Go from So Cold to So Hot?

The Mazda5 has enormous potential because of its size and our market's slant towards small cars, and the fact that it's a

The upcoming Mazda5, a 6-occupant mini-minivan based on compact Mazda3 architecture will be another boundary breaking vehicle from Mazda. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

derivative of the Mazda3 platform that has already proven to be extremely popular," commented Young.

But will Canadian consumers accept a compact 6-passenger minivan with rear sliding doors?

"I think people are going to get past the minivan stigma, and appreciate how fun to drive and practical it is," said Young. "Fuel prices should also help it do well."

The new mini-MPV arrives in Canada and the U.S. next spring, just before the nameplate's enthusiasts will be able to get their

The new "fun to drive and practical" mini-MPV arrives in Canada and the U.S. next spring. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

hands on a new 6 derivative that will redefine what a sport sedan means to Mazda. The MazdaSpeed6, the third model to take on the Speed suffix, will sport a 260 horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and all-wheel drive, the first time four driving wheels have been used since the 323 GT Turbo from the late '80s.

Following shortly thereafter will be the next-gen MX-5 Miata, promised not to look anything like the unorthodox Ibuki concept that caused quite a commotion among Miata faithful after debuting in Tokyo in 2003.