« Tennessee on Short List for New Toyota Plant |
Main
| Toyota Chairman Resigns »
June 19, 2006
Mazda5, the Test Drive
The Mazda5 is such an awesome vehicle, in both conception and execution, that it should win multiple awards.
The only problem we see is -- what category would it qualify for?
That's because the Mazda5 is a true one-of-a-kind crossover vehicle. It combines the driving characteristics of a hatchback, with the dual sliding doors and three rows of seating of a minivan, with the stylishness of a small SUV.
We took to referring to it, when people asked "what that car was," as a mini minivan, because the dual sliding doors are such a dominant feature. Equipped with a 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder that produces 157 horsepower, we took the Mazda5 on a grueling journey up and down the "hills" of West Virginia, fully loaded with cargo, and the "car" performed admirably, never leaving us feeling like we were crawling uphill or in danger of losing maneuverability.
That leg of the journey was with the second and third rows of seats folded flat, and the Mazda5 hauled as much as just about any SUV we've driven.
One of the many cool features of the Mazda5 is the way the second row seats slide forward to allow access to the third row, which you might not think would be convenient given the vehicle's relatively smaller than full-size minivan architecture.
Because the vehicle is sort of a plus-sized hatchback [that hyrid category again] it gets GREAT gas mileage, it's rated 21 mpg in the city and 26 highway, but we averaged 29 mile sper gallon on a long haul, with about 25% city miles in the mix.
And driving it is a pleasure because even though it has all that functionality, there is also a rear hatch, throughout all the running around it felt like driving either a large hatchback or small wagon.
We think the Mazda5 is well-suited for urban types who want the function of a minivan without the stigma or the footprint, for sporty and outdoorsy types who want to haul gear and comrades, for young marrieds with their first kid or even retirees with an active lifestyle that includes grandkiddies.
The Mazda5 comes in two trim levels, the Sport starting at $17,995, that comes with 17-inch wheels, seating for six and standard Side-impact air bags and side air curtains. The Touring model includes all those features, starting at $19,510 and adds automatic climate control, a 6-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD changer, power sliding glass sunroof and fog lights, side sills and rear spoiler.
For a free price quote on the Mazda5 click here.
Posted by Frank at June 19, 2006 3:45 AM | Filed under 2006 Vehicles
| Auto News
| Mazda
| Test Drives