+ Razor-Sharp Handling
+ Great FE
+ Lots of Cargo Space
- Automatic transmission is not the best
- Bland Interior
- Love it or Leave it Styling
Introduction: Brilliant! The Mazda 5 is essentially a stretched, tall Mazda 3. Same engine, similar dash, and the road manners of a light compact. In my application, we folded the rear seat flat (which is more suited for those under 3-feet tall), and loaded up luggage for 4 and golf clubs (let me preface the cargo by the fact that I can’t golf worth a darn, but I gave it a shot – good exercise, I s’pose). Basically all things that a sedan couldn’t hold. So, we hit the road…
RH77 to Fam,
“So what do you think of the Mazda?”
Fam,
“I don’t know.”
“Any complaints, comments, nothing?”
“It seems to do the job.”
Later on…
“Does this have a 4-cylinder?”
“U-Betcha…”
“Not Bad…”
Translation: No complaints from anyone – we have a winner! Same from the driver – I thought it was great. More on that as we read-on.
In Europe, the “MPV” is the answer to the growing family. The maneuverability, FE, and available space for cargo or small children make it a good fit in narrow spaces and for tight budgets. Luckily, we now have that option in the U.S. Even better, there’s an available 5-speed manual! This definitely removes it from the “Mini-Van” category. We sure could use an infusion of more European-sized vehicles to cross the pond.
On the Outside: This is a puzzling combination. It looks like a tall car, but almost like a van. It’s edgy with the clear taillight lenses, squared-off lines, and sport wheels. It's a wagon, van, and car -- all at once.
Take a look at the mesh grille and sliding doors. Two seemingly opposite components on a vehicle. The windows roll down in those, by the way. So, what do you think?
On the Inside: Standard Mazda fare – nothing exciting, and perhaps a bit bland at times. The center cluster is sporty, though -- with a tach and LED that indicates your automatic transmission’s current gear (only 4 speeds, but 5 may be too much with the auto).
The gear selector is a conundrum. Most cars upshift by moving the selector forward, and downshift the manu-matic by pulling back. Not any Mazda I’ve driven. It will confuse you if you drive anything else the opposite way later. The steering wheel controls and auto-climate control add some creature comforts (a DVD sat-nav is available).
More on the interior…
The middle seats look uncomfortable, but no complaints from the older adults. Cubbies and cupholders abound. It’s a true family truckster.
…look at the cargo room back there.
The Drive: This is my favorite part of the report, as usual. Empty, the 5 handles beautifully. Sharp, even-handling and great steering response can be expected. The engine is smooth and quiet at any RPM – which implies, yes, higher RPM operation is needed. With the 4-speed, the engine turns at 3000+ RPM at highway speeds. With 4 adults and stuff, the 2.3L needed some extra revs to make the grade (literally), but you know what? That’s OK. The FE made up for it. Better yet – the 4-cylinder is the only engine offered. No V-6 to force upon the populace.
Loaded down, the sharp handling didn’t sacrifice ride quality. It was a good compromise. Around town, it drove like a car. One complaint: if you feel like downshifting at low-speed deceleration, expect a shuddering action from the transaxle. My guess is the transmission fluid pressure is weak at lower speeds. Solution: get the manual. Otherwise, brake pedal feedback was good, as was stopping distance.
Safety: You’re surrounded by airbags: curtain, etc. (standard). 4-wheel disc ABS w/BFD is standard. Stability control: not available.
Efficiency: It seemed like this higher-profile vehicle wasn’t bothered much by crosswinds. I’m not sure of the drag-coefficient, but it has to be class-leading (trick answer – not sure of what else is really in this class). Loaded-down, ~24 MPG resulted from a tank of high-speed and city driving. All-highway with just me: ~27 MPG. Truly an advantage in FE if you need the room.
Conclusion: If you don’t need a full-sized minivan, but need to haul 4 adults and lots of stuff, 2 adults and 4 kids, 2 adults with 2 kids and lots of stuff, etc – this is the car for you! In all honesty, the handling was truly enjoyable, while at the same time, cargo capacity, satisfied passengers and good FE results make it a complete package.
You must ask the question, “Do I really need the third row or more cargo space than a sedan or 5-door?”
Raw Data:
Model: 2007 Mazda 5
Trim: Touring
Retail Price as Tested: ~ $21,000 USD
EPA Class: Midsize Wagon
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic with LUTC and Manu-Matic shifter (WOT override)
Engine: DOHC 16-Valve Inline 4-cylinder, rated at 153 HP and 148 lb-ft torque
Drivetrain: FWD
Gross Weight: 3389 lbs
2007 EPA: 22 City, 27 Highway, 24 Combined Cycle
Speed Avg: 60 MPH
Distance: ~1100 Miles
Ambient Outside Temp: 40-70F
Circuit: KC – Branson, MO – Sioux City, Iowa - KC
FE Conclusion: On-par with the EPA
For the Hypermiler: For a family of 5-6 with small children, it’s definitely a fuel-friendly vehicle. 30 could easily be cracked. The 5-speed should offer better FE and bump-start ability. The sport handling can offer good cornering for conservation of momentum.
RH77
2007 Mazda 5 Touring
Linear Mode
