2010 Mazda 5 Review

The 2010 Mazda 5 is based on the front-wheel-drive 2004-2009 generation Mazda 3 compact car, but has a longer, taller body with seating for six, minivan-style sliding rear-side doors, and a one-piece liftgate. The six-person Mazda5 features flexible seating that can be reconfigured to maximize occupant or cargo space.  The Mazda5 is classified by the EPA as a mid-size wagon, but it is typically referred to as a "micro van" or "mini minivan" in the US.  The Mazda5 made its US debut in 2006.  The Mazda5 has been on sale over seas, where it is called the Mazda Premacy, since 1999.  Since the 2006 model had already been on sale abroad Mazda has launched a redesigned model just two years after its US introduction.  The Mazda5 is built on the same Ford C1 platform as the Mazda3, the Ford Focus, and a few of Volvo's smaller models.  All Mazda5's have three rows of seating. The 2010 Mazda 5 is largely unchanged. The only change is a significant one: stability control and traction control are now standard on all of the Mazda5's trim levels.

Mazda 5 Power and Handling

 All Mazda5's are equipped with a 2.3 liter inline four cylinder motor which is good for 153 horsepower.  Unlike previous years, variable valve timing, which improves engine efficiency, is now standard on all models.  Entry level 5's dubbed "Sport" have a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment but most are equipped with the new five-speed automatic gearbox.  Suspension features MacPherson struts in front and a multilink setup in back. The Mazda 5 is front wheel drive. The Mazda5 is more utilitarian than fun, but it's more fun to drive than any other minivan. It tucks into tight parking spaces, thanks in no small part to a turning circle that bests all the competition by several feet. It gets an EPA-rated 21/27 mpg City/Highway when equipped with the five-speed automatic.

Design of the Mazda Minivan

The Mazda5 has a wedge shape that's characterized by a raked windshield and a relatively upright rear liftgate. Large sliding doors and a low floor allow easy entry and exit. The 2008 refresh brought a restyled front grill and new head and tail lamps for the exterior.  Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring versions are available. Mazda5 was introduced as a 2006 model, then restyled and updated for 2008. The Mazda 5 is inexpensive, starting at $17,995.The mid-level Touring model retails for less than $21,000, while a loaded Grand Touring model with navigation and Sirius satellite radio lists for less than $27,000. The Mazda5 is basically a mini-minivan, with sliding doors and a vertical liftgate out back, in addition to styling reminiscent of minivan.

Mazda 5 Cabin Features

 Seating comes in three rows of two. The 2nd- and 3rd-rows fold, and the 2nd-row seats recline and slide fore and aft to adjust for cargo or passenger space. A sunroof is standard on Touring and Grand Touring. Grand Touring has leather upholstery, heated front seats, and xenon headlamps. A navigation system is optional for Grand Touring.
Those customers looking for a few extra bells and whistles should opt for a Touring Mazda5.  Popular stand alone options include a rear DVD entertainment system, in-dash navigation, satellite radio, and remote start. A large speedometer dominates the three-gauge cluster, and the gearshift is mounted on a center panel. The Mazda5's second-row seats can slide and recline.

2010 Mazda 5 Lineup

Mazda 5 Sport comes with automatic climate control; cruise control; tilt/telescoping steering wheel with speed and sound controls; power windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack; front bucket seats with fold-down inboard armrests; driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment; folding second-row bucket seats with inboard and outboard armrests; a fold-out table with storage and cupholders for the second row; third-row split-folding seat; interior air filter; four passenger assist grips; and carpeted floor mats. An attractive and durable-looking fabric covers the seats and door panels with seat side bolsters and insets wearing contrasting textures.

Mazda 5 Touring makes the Sport's Popular Equipment package standard, and adds a power glass sunroof, leather covers for the steering wheel and shift knob, fog lamps, LED taillamps, and black headlamp and taillamp bezels.

Mazda 5 Grand Touring adds leather seats with matching cloth door inserts, heated front seats, automatic xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, heated power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a wireless cell phone link. An optional navigation system ($2,000) is exclusive to the Grand Touring.

Conclusions

Mazda's subcompact crossover is tiny yet versatile, seating up to six passengers or hauling just about any shape cargo thanks to its two rows of folding seats. Standard safety features include six airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist, brake force distribution, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Aimed at young professional families with active lifestyles, the Mazda5 comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. Competitors include the Honda Fit and Kia Rondo.