Mazda to Introduce New Mini-MPV at Paris Auto Show

Designed for small but growing families on the move, Mazda developed the 5 from the inside out. The compact van features a seating

Although it will share the same platform as the Mazda3, the Mazda5 will have seating for up to seven occupants. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

system the company refers to as "6 + One", amazingly featuring up to seven-occupant seating in an extremely compact package. Mazda says that depending on where the vehicle is sold it can be purchased in two configurations, either incorporating three rows of bucket seats with a flexible center storage space or instead a third bench row.

That's a lot of people to fit into a vehicle the size of a Mazda3. Yes, the Mazda5 will ride on Ford's advanced C1 global platform, which not only underpins the Mazda3 but also the Ford Focus C-Max, a similar vehicle to the 5 that's also currently unavailable on our shores.

Heralded for its high rigidity, effective Control-Blade multi-link rear suspension and advanced hydroelectric steering, the 5 is bound to see great success with inspiring driving dynamics, without compromising the Mazda family "zoom-zoom" image.

Four motors, two gasoline and two diesel, have been announced for the 5, however, information on specific displacement and

The Mazda5 should feature the MX Flexa concept's flexible interior accommodations. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

power output have yet to be revealed. One thing is for sure, the diesels will not be for the North American market, at least not yet. Most likely the 165 horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine will be one of the featured motors, and a sure candidate for the U.S. and Canada.

Mazda will be releasing more information on the subject of its new space wagon in the days approaching the Paris show, filling in the gaps on powertrain information, specification, pricing and global availability. Although the mini-MPV segment is well established in Europe, the 5 will be the first of its kind for North America. Stay tuned for more information.