Mazda to Introduce New Mini-MPV at Paris Auto Show

Mazda5 to be First Mini-MPV Sold in North America

Mazda will be focusing the majority of its efforts on a new release for this year's 2004 Paris Auto Show. Having seen great

Unlike most automakers' "space wagons", Mazda will not only be exporting the new model to Europe but also North America. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

success from its revamped model lineup, including the internationally acclaimed Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6 and RX-8, Mazda will move into a new segment with its upcoming Mazda5 mini-MPV.

Why does this matter to Canadians? Unlike most automakers' "space wagons", Mazda will not only be exporting the new model to Europe but also North America, offering Canadian and American consumers the opportunity to purchase an efficient people hauler much smaller than the current oversized crop of "minivans".

The new model is derived from the MX-Flexa Concept which was first displayed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Similar

The Mazda5 is derived from the MX-Flexa Concept, which was first displayed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

to the procedure that saw the MX Sportif become the Mazda3 Sport (5-Door), Mazda displayed the MX-Flexa to judge public opinion on what it hoped would become the new 5. The general consensus was positive, and therefore the new model is becoming reality.

Again, similar to Mazda's recent onslaught of new models, the production 5 gets the concept's bold and stylish exterior styling, including key defining features such as the brand's sharp and angular corporate face. Like the Flexa the 5 also features two large-format sliding doors for ease of entry and exit.