RECAP: 2012 Mazda5
Posted under: Are you looking for a looking for a minivan but love the nimbleness of a sports compact? Well, Mazda might just have what you’re looking for. Skipping the 2011 model year entirely, the 2012 Mazda5 adopts the new Nagare styling cues that appeared in the 2010 Mazda3 and Mazda6.
Nagare means "flow" in Japanese
In addition to the big “smile” on the front grill, the Mazda5 incorporates some flowing lines to the side body panels and a tapered rear end. Overall, it gives it a sportier, less boxy look that definitely set it apart from the typical minivan crowd. Also setting it apart is the size. About 20 inches shorter and at least 800lbs lighter than it’s nearest competitor, the Mazda5 could almost be considered a “microvan”. The weight advantage also give the Mazda5 impressive fuel economy for a minivan, pulling down 21/28(city/highway) and giving it a much sportier performance. Speaking of performance, Mazda upgraded the engine to a 2.5L 4-cylinder, the same one as the Sport and Grand Touring Mazda3, which gives the Mazda5 157hp and 163ft-lbs of torque. Married to a 6-speed manual transmission and you’re in for driving excitement most minivan owners secretly pine for from the HOV lane.Inside, you can expect to find a front cockpit designed with the driver in mind, everything is easily within reach without becoming distracting. 2nd row passengers are seated in captain’s chairs with hidden storage beneath the seats. The third row brings the passenger count up to 6 but when folded, gives you an impressive 27.5 cubic feet of storage space, great for trips to the grocery store or on vacation. While the 2012 model unfortunately does away with a factory navigation system, Touring and Grand Touring levels are still available with Bluetooth phone and audio control systems, trip computer, and multi-disc/mp3-compatible audio. All versions are SIRIUS™ Satellite-radio compatible and include auxiliary-audio input jack, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and two power outlets; one in the front and one in the storage area. In the safety department, the 5 has you covered. It comes standard with driver and passenger airbags as well as side impact and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats. It also comes standard with Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control Systems which reduces slipping and keeps your wheels on the road in challenging driving conditions. All in all, the 2012 Mazda5 is designed to stand out from the minivan pack; small, nimble and full of surprises.
The Mazda5 has the same big grin as the other members of the Mazda lineup.
(originally posted on Walkersrenton.com, February 07, 2011)