Mazda's Pint-sized Minivan Gets Better, Not Bigger

Dec. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Don’t be alarmed if you’re not too familiar with the Mazda 5. After all, Mazda sold only about 16,000 in 2010. Chrysler sold as many Town & Country minivans every two months last year, but Mazda’s is still an impressive feat, considering that the 5 has almost zero marketing support.

So let us reintroduce the Mazda 5, which has been updated for the 2012 model year with new sheet metal, a new engine, and a new dash. For those buyers enlightened enough to spec a manual transmission in their tiny van—about five percent of U.S. 5 adopters—the 5’s five-speed is replaced by a six-speed for 2012. Unfortunately, the van tested here was equipped with an automatic. Mazda says this mini-minivan is aimed at young families looking to move up from an economy car but who don’t want the high sticker price or sluggish handling of a bigger van. Given that narrow niche, the 5 would probably sell in small numbers even if it did receive marketing support. The fully loaded Grand Touring model we tested—sunroof, automatic xenon headlights, heated power mirrors, Sirius satellite radio, leather seats (heated in front)—comes in under the magic $25,000 limbo stick, at $24,670.

Under the hood, the Mazda 5 freshens up with a 2.5-liter inline-four similar to that in the 3, 6, and CX-7. Compared with the outgoing 2.3-liter, the 2.5 has 4 more hp—157—at a power peak 500 rpm earlier, at 6000. Torque increases 15 lb-ft to 163 and also tops out 500 rpm lower, at 4000. Highway fuel economy inches up 1 mpg to 28, although our as-tested result of 23 is closer to the 21-mpg city figure. On the test track, the new vanlet runs from 0 to 60 mph in nine seconds flat and covers the quarter-mile in 17.1 at 82 mph. It’s far from blistering but is 0.4 second quicker to 60 than before.

The Mazda 5 handles better than the meager steady-state cornering figure of 0.81 g would suggest. Turn the steering wheel, and the front tires change path without delay. All the controls and responses are in harmony, making it easy (and fun) to wring the most out of the Mazda 5. When was the last time you wanted to wring anything but your own neck in a minivan?

A Mazda 5 with a manual would be quicker, of course, and less expensive, too—the manual is only available in the $19,990 Sport model. More important, its mere availability is a reminder that Mazda is one of the few brands that continue to cater to people who care about driving. That mind-set is evident even in the slushbox-equipped 5 that we tested. Most of the fun of the Mazda 3 is here, only with about 500 extra pounds. So, although the Mazda 5 isn’t the Miata of minivans—nothing really is—it is a reminder that family hauling doesn’t mean you have to give up on fun driving.

Mazda of Cool Springs is your Central Tennessee Mazda dealer. Our Sales Department’s goal is to provide you with the best new car buying experience possible. If you’re looking for a pre-owned vehicle in Central Tennessee, Mazda of Cool Springs has a wide variety to choose from!  At Mazda of Cool Springs Service Department, our highly qualified technicians are here to provide exceptional service in a timely manner. From oil changes to transmission replacements, we are dedicated to maintaining top tier customer service, for both new and pre-owned car buyers! We are here to assist you every step of the way from the purchase of your new or pre-owned vehicle with financing and quotes to service and parts maintenance.  It's our commitment to earn your business every day.

Mazda of Cool Springs is centrally located in Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, and neighbors to Nashville, Madison, Antioch, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Dickson, and Columbia.

Feel free to browse our online inventory, www.mazdaofcoolsprings.com or stop by Mazda of Cool Springs located at 200 Comtide Court in Franklin, Tennessee and test drive a new Mazda or one of our pre-owned vehicles today!

Contact Information:

Mazda of Cool Springs
200 Comtide Court
Franklin, TN 37067

www.mazdaofcoolsprings.com

Sales:  888-766-5992
Service:  888-765-3412

Hours:

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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Sunday: Closed

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