Someoen recently said to me they didnt get why Mazda was coming out with the Mazda5


In person it looks alot less like a minivan and more like a Toyota Matrix(imo). I think its a great little people mover. seating for 6 although in otehr countries they get a fold away 7th seat



and all of those seats fold flat for plenty of configuration changes for fitting in cargo. Now this "space wagon" niche is starting to heat up and i could see why Mazda would want a piece of the pie. But last night i thought of another reason that i hope turns out to be true-

A. Ford licensed the hybrid Tech from Toyota
B Mazda doesnt have a Hybrid

How about a Hybrid Mazda5! all of that cargo and passenger space inside afairly compact and agile body and chasis = give it liek 40 -50 mpgh with a hybrid drive- that would be the grocery getter and family getaway vehicle to have!


discuss

 

It's good that Mazda is one of the first to jump into this fray in the U.S. Don't be like GM and come out with a competitor nearly 4-5 years when the trend starts to die (HHR). However, being one of the first ones out doesn't necessitate a superior product. Mazda did a good job in doing some research before bringing out this vehicle for U.S. consumption, and I hope it sells well.

 

Mazda5 = the anti-minivan/SUV car

 

it would be more fun if it had a FI 3-rotor 13B.... but alas, a regular engine.. :D

Actually I saw a couple of these driving around in Europe. They really fit into the European definition of a "large people mover". (Which by American standard means a "standard size vehicle") They don't look as bad in person as some might suspect.

If people want (as ZoomZoomH said) an anti-minivan, minivan.. then the Mazda5 might be the ticket.

Now.. how many people are going to get confused by the MX-5 and Mazda5 names..

 

I still haven't figured out what the hell a Mazda 5 is.... and I think that might be a problem.

 

Think protege 5 but bigger or think mpv but smaller...lol

 

Mazda 5 seems like a good idea. It's basically a people mover for those that may occassionally need to move people around but not also. It's like the commercial where the Saturn own that bought an Ion but because of a kid, they suddenly need a SUV. It's basically a wagon that can drive fit people like a minivan, great idea, I like it.

 

here's why NOT the Mazda5

geeze Mazda, protect your fuel tanks!!!

 

maybe mazda need remedial training in exhaust heat management