2007 Mazda5 Review

[Spenny]

Mazda's Multi-Activity Showpiece

Two opposing functions jumped out at me as noteworthy before I finished maneuvering the Mazda5 out of the congested parking lot from whence it
came. Firstly, I was taken aback by the high level of operational refinement evident when I dipped into the throttle; secondly, I was startled by high degree of stopping power imparted by a slight nudge of the brake pedal. It seems the Mazda5 both starts and stops effortlessly, without generating any of the unpleasant side effects one might associate with a near-entry-level vehicle. With a starting MSRP in Canada of only $19,995, this front-wheel-drive, six-passenger mini, mini van is anything but a "low rent" version of the full-size thing. It's a very well put together example of how the many virtues of a minivan can be captured in a much smaller, more nimble package without sacrificing comfort, quality or driving pleasure.

The Mazda5 is based on a slightly enlarged Mazda3 platform, giving it sufficient length for a rather unique 2+2+2-seating configuration; the last two rows accessible through a sliding door on each side of the vehicle.

This setup comfortably accommodates four large adults and a couple youngsters but don't be deceived into believing that the last two seats are off limits for adult frames. In fact six adults can ride in the Mazda5, albeit those in third class will be somewhat challenged for knee and elbowroom. Although legroom for the driver was adequate for my beanpoles, it could be on the sparse-side for particularly long-legged pilots. Also, I found the driver's foot-well to be fairly cramped. Large-shoed operators may find it awkward to gracefully dance with clutch, brake and throttle arrangement. Apart from these "size does matter" issues, I judged the Mazda5's cockpit to be remarkably comfortable, although a dollop more thigh support would improve matters for those with long femurs. Nonetheless, tremendously good forward, aft and side visibility added to the driving pleasure.

Mazda has applied the term, "Multi-Activity Vehicle" in describing the Mazda5. In keeping with the "multi" theme, the vehicle's split bench third
row seat can be folded flat for cargo hauling purposes. The two individual second row seats - mounted on fore and aft sliders to extend legroom or facilitate third row access - can also fold flat to extend the rear cargo area, providing up to 1257 litres of very usable stowage capacity. Mazda engineers certainly made good use of the real estate found within the Mazda5's tall cabin. The flexibility in seating-versus-cargo applications adds to the vehicle's usefulness, especially for those balancing recreational needs with child hauling duties. Add a sporty appearance to the Mazda5's overall versatility and the rest, such as excellent fuel efficiency and impeccable build quality, become icing on the zoom zoom cake.

Generating polished performance under the driver's right foot is a 2.3 litre, DOHC 16-valve I-4 powerplant capable of producing 153 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm and 148 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm. It wasn't the
punch of this mill that impressed me but rather the refinement of its operation that drew a smile to my face. One would be hard-pressed to find a smoother running four-banger in any vehicle in the Mazda5's price range or higher. Within normal driving parameters, engine harmonics are near zero. Only when pushed hard does the little mill make its presence known- but not in the frenetic way many 4-cylinder units do. The output calmly produced is capable of moving the Mazda5 with respectable vigor, although I suspect that 6-occupants and a mountain pass would gang-up to pretty much neuter the spirited mill. Nonetheless, its miserly fuel consumption is more than enough to make-up for any lack of highway gusto, especially when the 5-speed manual transmission is in place. In such a case, expect to use 10.6 and 8.0 litres of regular unleaded per 100 kilometres of city and highway driving respectively (22 / 29 mpg).

My tester was equipped with the manual gearbox, which shifted with such ease it almost shifted itself, albeit throws were a little on the long side. When combined with the Mazda5's light, gradual clutch take-up, jerky
departures and hard gear changes were all but impossible to encounter. For those still reluctant to swing with the stick, a 4-speed autobox is available. Regardless of which transmission is doing the shifting, a full set of antilock disc brakes bolstered with Electronic BrakeForce Distribution (EBD) do the stopping. For my liking, this setup was excessively sensitive. Very gentle brake application was necessary if one was to avoid inflicting "head-bob" when slowing the vehicle. Perhaps the Mazda5's meager curb weight of 1,523 kg (3,351 lbs) contributed to its disposition toward rapid de-acceleration. After acclimatizing to the effectiveness of the middle pedal, I became much more appreciative of its responsiveness, but "responsiveness" was not limited to the Mazda5's braking performance.

Due to its leanness, the Mazda5 is lithe on its feet. Steering inputs are quickly transformed into well-composed directional changes. Overall, the
well-equipped, boxy little van exhibits outstanding nimbleness- more like that of a small sedan a six-seater van, and that's well enough on its own. Add to the vehicle's spryness a wonderfully smooth ride, and you've got an exceptionally talented people mover. And unlike many competitors within this emerging class of automobile, the Mazda5 is very quiet indeed. Neither wind or road noise interfere unduly with the serenity enjoyed in its cabin; and that serenity is perhaps the most notable of the Mazda5's urbane surprises, justly making it Mazda's affordable, Multi-Activity Vehicle showpiece.