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Don’t let its appearance
fool you, the Mazda5 is not a true minivan (see the
IFCAR
economy van comparison for a detailed explanation). Aside from the
sliding doors and (tiny but class-exclusive) third row seat, the 5 is similar
to the others in this group for being a tall hatchback/wagon based on a
compact sedan (in its case, the Mazda3.) It has a roomy and high-quality
interior for four adults and good ride and handling. It is the best family car
in this group for its versatility in hauling people and cargo, and general
competence. But consider the price tag that reaches past $18,000 to make the 5
one of the most expensive vehicles in this group, and it’s not for everyone.
The Mazda5 has a rather firm ride, but it is
very well-controlled and still reasonably absorbent. The 5 handles reasonably
well for a small wagon, but it doesn’t stand out here as it does against true
minivans. The steering is accurate, responsive, and reasonably communicative,
making it more enjoyable to drive than some of the sharper-handling cars in
this group. The 2.3-liter I4, the only engine offered, does not provide strong
acceleration, especially during highway-speed passing, and would probably run
into problems with passengers in all six seats. The engine gets noisy under
acceleration, and road noise is also noticeable. The Mazda5 isn’t even as
fuel-efficient as some larger V6-powered minivans, and tied for last place in
this group in that area.
Inside, the Mazda5’s front seats are high,
well-shaped, and comfortable, but too firm. The second row of seats is a pair
of buckets rather than a three-person bench like all the others, and they
adjust fore and aft . Optimally adjusted, the high, firm seats are quite roomy
and comfortable. The low, cramped third row only has enough room for adults to
physically fit when the second-row seats are adjusted to sacrifice that row’s
leg space. Of course, the fact that the third row is offered at all is in the
Mazda5’s favor, and it’s certainly more useful to have than not. The interior
uses high-quality materials that
fit together very well. The gauges are clear, and the instruments are
logically placed, appropriately sized, and quite easy to use. Entry/exit is
very easy to the first two rows. The second-row seats flip forward for
third-row access, but the lack of space still makes it difficult. Drivers sit
high and comfortably, aided by the standard tilt and telescoping steering
wheel, but rearward visibility is obstructed by thick roof pillars. Though
Mazda did not release technical specifications, there seems to be as much
cargo space behind the third row seat as some of the others here behind their
rearmost (second row) seats, and it folds flat easily to expand the space
(though folding the third seat limits the 5 to four passengers, as opposed to
five in all of the others’ two rows). The second-row seats also fold flat
easily, and open up a large and usefully-shaped cargo hold by wagon, if not by
minivan standards.
The Mazda5 has not been crash-tested by either
the IIHS or by NHTSA.
The Mazda5 reviewed here came in at $18,196,
well-equipped. At that price, it is well-equipped with all the expected
features for this class as well as alloy wheels.
Overall, the Mazda5
offers excellent versatility in carrying people and cargo, rides and handles
well, and has a high-quality interior. It’s not powerful or fuel-efficient,
and it’s rather expensive, but it’s the best family car in this group, and
unlike most of the others here, it is a legitimate alternative to a larger
vehicle.
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