New 2011 Mazda MAZDA5 a Sportier, Fuel-Efficient Alternative to Minivans
Minivans are typically known for their family-friendly values and boxy, uninspired appearance. As a fresh alternative to this aging vehicle category, Mazda offers up the new 2011 Mazda MAZDA5. By taking everything that was great about the previous model - superior gas mileage, sporty driving, affordable price tag, etc. - and adding a vastly more appealing exterior design, Mazda has taken a well-reviewed vehicle and made it even better.
If you're in the market for a stylish, yet extremely functional way to tote the kids to school, then keep reading to learn about the many benefits of the new 2011 Mazda MAZDA5.
2011 Mazda MAZDA5 Styling
Though the 2010 MAZDA5 was heralded by much of the car community as a great alternative to the classic minivan, many drivers couldn't get past the vehicle's quirky exterior styling. Mazda remedies this with an all-new design that is more aggressive and eye-catching than the previous model. Creases cut into the sides of the car to create an aerodynamic appeal and a smiling front end gives a hint of the sporty engine underneath.
Inside, the proportions of the MAZDA5 have grown to provide even more passenger space than the previous model. While final details about the interior are still unknown, Mazda has already reported that the MAZDA5 will seat an impressive seven passengers and come outfitted with an all-around better build quality. As such, you can expect fewer cheap plastics in exchange for softer materials and a more inviting driving environment. Additionally, the new interior will boast a more contemporary design that should pair well to the new exterior.
2011 Mazda MAZDA5 Performance
The Mazda MAZDA5 comes loaded with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Engine specs for the MAZDA5 have yet to be released. However, the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 carries the same engine and offers 148 horsepower. Given that the previous MAZDA5 offered 153 horsepower, you can likely expect a similar driving experience from the new model.
Fuel mileage has yet to be announced, but it's safe to say that the new MAZDA5 will outperform every minivan competitor on the market. For 2010, the MAZDA5 offered a maximum of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway (24 mpg combined). The nearest competitors come in at 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway (20 mpg combined).
Improving the MAZDA5's environmental street cred is the possibility of idle-stop technology. This new technology is available on the MAZDA5 in international markets and is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 15 percent. City fuel mileage also receives a boost in performance thanks to the car's ability to burn zero gasoline when idle. Hopefully, this eco-friendly technology will be made available on the U.S. model.
2011 Mazda MAZDA5 Pricing
The 2011 Mazda MAZDA5 will start with a base price around $18,000 when it hits dealerships this fall. That figure is about $5,000 less than pretty much every minivan it competes with. Of course, it should be noted that the new 2011 Mazda MAZDA5 doesn't offer the same amount of cargo room as a full-fledged minivan (maximum cargo room is 52.7 cubic feet).
Still if you can make do with the smaller proportions, then the MAZDA5 may serve as a more affordable, fuel-efficient alternative to such vehicles as the Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna.