Road Test: 2010 Mazda MAZDA5 Touring
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There's really no reason not to buy a MAZDA5 this year. Sure the 2011 models of the "miniature minivan'? will have a fairly obvious facelift that includes a new aerodynamic exterior and jazzed up interior; the three-row, six-passenger MAZDA5 offers style, comfort and plenty of extras for families right now.
The MAZDA5 was introduced to the U.S. market in 2006. Mazda hoped to lure buyers that occasionally needed to transport extra people and cargo but still wanted a fuel-efficient, nimble vehicle.
The vehicle was a big enough hit with U.S. car buyers that Mazda refreshed it for the 2008 model year. Most notably, the center control panel was updated and the four-speed automatic was replaced with a five-speed automatic that is now standard.
That's only part of the story, of course, with the 2010 models.
Perhaps the most notable points to consider is the MAZDA5 has 44.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the third seat folded down. More good news is that the seats are fairly easy to fold and stay flat.
Families may be especially pleased to note the car isn't a gas hog either. The MAZDA5 Touring - such as the one tested - boasts 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway fuel economy. That bumps up to 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway with a manual transmission.
With an MSRP that starts at $22,000 ($18,745 for the MAZDA5 Sport), that's a deal that's difficult to beat.
2010 Mazda MAZDA5 Exterior
Call it box overload, but I've grown a bit weary of the craze that has put so many rolling squares on the road. Fortunately, the MAZDA5 has plenty of slopes and curves that give it a contemporary look without taking it over the top. In fact, the watchword for MAZDA5 might be quiet assurance. The wide stance - 108-inch wheelbase and 181.5 inch length - is just large enough to give it solid hauling capabilities and room without making it look and feel cavernous.
Overall the vehicle is just sporty enough, too, with 17-inch alloy wheels, a long, sloped hook, and curves aplenty. The front end resembles some of its Mazda siblings with flared headlamps, fog lights and the slight grin situated just below the hood latch.
The real selling point to many, though, is the oversized sliding doors. I didn't find it quite as friendly as the marketing claimed. The large doors were a bit bulky and halting when moved.
In fairness, though, I'm not used to sliding doors and the glitch could be isolated to the model I tested. Try the doors out yourself just to make sure you are comfortable with them.
The doors do create a wide opening that allow easy entry and exit even for those in the second and third rows. Plus they hug the sides of the car fairly tightly so they can be easily opened in snug places.
The 27.5-inch wide rear door openings are just 42.6 inches high. Families know that means even young kids can climb in and out with relative ease.
The tailgate has a two-stage opening feature that can be extended beyond its regular opening so taller people don't bang their heads on the hatch. If you don't think you'd need that, consider how often you stand on a curb or other elevated area when loading and unloading items and you'll quickly understand its convenience.
2010 Mazda MAZDA5 Interior
Don't most of us want a minivan that doesn't feel like a minivan?
The MAZDA5 is no sports car but it's fair to say its interior does rival a sedan. Most controls are mounted on the steering wheel and all of the controls are fairly intuitive. No rustling through the owner's manual while you sit in a rainstorm trying to figure out how to turn the rear wiper on.
A tire-pressure monitoring system and cruise control are standard and the audio system is fairly high end with six speakers.
Passengers will like the interior, too. The seats are 'theatre style,'? which means the farther back you go, the higher the seat. That's a nice feature especially for kids. And all the seating is comfortable. The seats are firm and the lumbar support is comfortable.
Plus extra air vents and cup holders are nice pluses for those in the second and third rows.
A hidden extra is the extra cargo space under the second-row seats. It's easy to see that would be especially handy for computers and other devices you don't want in direct view. You can even slide kids' books and bags under there to avoid the inevitable shoving match kids sometimes have over space and boundaries.
True, the third row of seats doesn't offer much legroom and it's fair to say that most adults likely won't be comfortable riding in them for long distances. Remember, though, the MAZDA5 is for those that want flexibility and occasionally transport extra people and items.
Many times, vans with three rows have almost as many gaping blind spots. Not so with the MAZDA5. Credit the large windows and mirrors with that.
2010 Mazda MAZDA5 Performance
I found the MAZDA5 was plenty nimble whether edging through tight parking lots or powering around other cars on the highway.
Some critics have complained that the vehicle's 2.3-liter DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine is too small. I found that puzzling. The MAZDA5 weighs in at just 3,422 pounds, which is about the same as most compact cars.
Although I didn't load the model down with people and cargo when I was testing it, I certainly didn't feel any lags or hesitation even when moving up fairly steep inclines.
Again, though, this isn't a sports car so if you're looking for plenty of speed with a full load in highway traffic, this might not be the car for you.
If what you seek is a reliable van that's easy to handle, though, this may well be for you.
The 'fun factor'? Mazda ballyhoos in many of its marketing campaigns is definitely apparent in this vehicle. So, too, are top-rate steering and braking. The grip of the car felt firm even when circling tight areas in inclement weather. There's no 'tippy'? feeling and the size is comfortable; you don't feel as if you're driving a school bus.
2010 Mazda MAZDA5 Safety
Mazda is rightfully proud that this vehicle has earned all five-star crash ratings - except one four star for side impact to the rear.
Credit the vehicle's advanced front air bags that use sensors to measure occupants' weights and other factors. Curtain airbags that run throughout the three rows, the tire pressure monitoring system we mentioned earlier, Dynamic Stability Control, and other safety features make the MAZDA5 a good bet for just about anyone wanting a flexible ride.
Mazda provide a vehicle for this road test review.