Highlight: After a one-year hiatus, the Mazda5 has returned as a 2012 model.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $23,180 (Base price starts at $20,140)
Major Standard Features: 16-inch wheels/tires; 6-speed manual transmission; steering wheel mounted audio controls; second-row fold-out tray table with cargo storage and dual cupholders; automatic climate control; captain’s chairs second-row seats; fifty-fifty split fold down third-row seats; side curtain airbags with three rows of coverage; and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel
Standard Audio System: AM/FM/CD-Player with 6 speakers
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Bluetooth Compatibility: Standard on Touring and Grand Touring models only.
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder/157-hp
Standard Fuel Mileage: 21-city/28-hwy
What’s New: After a one-year hiatus, the six-seater Mazda5 returns after being reworked from the inside out for the 2011 model-year. The 5 now shares the same smiley face grille along with curves which are a trademark of the compact size Mazda3.
Pros: This micro minivan earns a lot of check marks in our books. With this micro minivan one can still maintain their cool points, while hauling around a young family, since it will be a tight squeeze for anything other than young kids to enter into the third row.
From the comfortable ride provided by the McPherson suspension system to the second-row captain’s chairs to the clear-sounding audio system to an easy-to-park vehicle, especially in small spaces, this people mover offers everything larger minivans offer, except in a pint sized package.
And fortunate for us the folks from Mazda provided us with a Touring model to review for a week. This midlevel model added on such features as 17-inch wheels, fog lights, an automatic transmission and Bluetooth compatibility. Our Touring model vehicle was also outfitted with such options as a four-month satellite radio subscription, a 6-disc CD changer and a power moonroof.
And for those in need of more high-end features in their 5, the Grand Touring model will fit the bill. With this model, one can expect such standard features as automatic on/off headlights, Xenon High-Intensity lights, heated mirrors, automatic rain-sensing wipers, a power sunroof and heated (front) leather seats.
Moreover, an overhead DVD entertainment system, an automatic day/night mirror and remote engine start can be added to the Grand Touring Package too in order to top-off the vehicle’s extensive list of features.
