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Weekend roadtest : Mazda5 slides into showrooms
publication date: Oct 30, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
The new generation
Mazda5 is now on sale.
Debuting the latest Nagare design theme to be used on
other models, the Mazda 5 is in showrooms with twin sliding rear side doors and
underneath are the latest engines, fuel saving stop/ start technology and
versatile seven-seat interior.
Initially the Mazda5
will be sold with 115ps 1.8 and 150ps 2.0 petrol engines and a 115ps 1.6
turbo-diesel comes in January. All have six speed gearboxes and will be sold in
TS, TS2 and Sport trim levels priced between £17,695 and £21,495,
with standard six airbags, stability and traction control systems, ISOFIX child
seat mountings in the back, air conditioning, cruise control, six speakers and
alloys. Satnav will be available as an integrated option in the New Year. |  |
With the MPV market
contracting, Mazda is selling proportionally more than its rivals and
anticipates about 2,500 Mazda5 models will be bought in Britain next year. The
high currency exchange price of the Yen is reducing the profit margins and
holding back sales compared to European made rivals which only have to contend
with the Euro & Pound exchange rate.
Mazda is also staying
away from the high volume Motability market where its main rivals are able to
use their exchange rate advantage to offset their lease sales. While Mazda
simply isn't in a position to go after the mass market it means that the new
Mazda5 will be more exclusive and therefore better hold onto its residual value
at resale.
| | | | That's good news for
the 65pc of buyers expected to be retail customers of the new Mazda5 who are
seeking individuality, practicality and versatility.
Mazda expect the 2.0
petrol Sport to be the UK's best seller. Unfortunately, there is no automatic version in the pipeline.
The strong selling
point in the Mazda5 design is not only its flowing shape but the fact it has
twin sliding doors either side, ideal in cramped car parks or narrow garages
and top versions come with power assisted opening and closing for ultimate
convenience. The unusual
seven-seat layout, with the middle one in first row flipping under the adjacent
cushion, means the luggage space can rise from 112 litres to 426 litres with
four seats used or a maximum 1,566 litres up to the back of the front seats.
The sliding doors open by over 68cms and there is a 13cm foot step and low
43cms step up. Sport models get standard power assisted sliders. |  |
All three engines
meet the latest E5 emissions standards, drive front wheels, and 2.0 petrol
models have fuel saving stop & start technology to cut out the power when it's
not needed, saving significant fuel compared with the previous generation 2.0
petrol.
As you move up the
model range from the entry level TS, the TS2 gains privacy glass,
parking sensors, climate control, Bluetooth, automatic wipers and lights and
the top Sport models gain the power doors, leather seats, tyre pressure
monitors and body kit among other items.
| FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
| |  | The entry level 1.8 TS
lacks little in terms of performance, handling and ride, with good access,
comfortable seats throughout and plenty of room.
Although the floor is
comparatively low for an MPV, the visibility from the driving seat is very good
with big windows and slim roof pillars, good wipers and you can accurately
place it in a tight space.
Mazda say the newly
reworked 1.8 is good for about 39mpg overall and emissions drop to 168gkm with
a 0-62mph time of under 13sec and maximum speed where permitted of 113mph. |
I thought the way the
engine developed its power was very usable and practical and it was a good
match to the six-speed gearbox.
The longer gearing
and slower revving 2.0 petrol meant you had to change ratios more often than
you might expect, even with just two people aboard, and I managed only 30mpg
compared to a claimed 41mpg overall. Mazda say it touches 62mph in 11sec and
achieves 120mph flat out. Emissions reach 159gkm.
That is not to say it
was harder to drive, it was actually quieter and smoother than the 1.8
stablemate. Gearchanges on both were very light and easy, the brakes positive
and steering precise.
The power door is
standard on Sport, and adds a bit more sophistication to the series, and can be
operated by lifting or pushing the exterior or interior handles.
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At the list prices
the new Mazda5 is a very attractive proposition, possibly led by its sliding
door convenience, seating versatility and comfort.
Knowing it is also
rarer than rivals is also a good buying point and this should help keep down
running costs when residual value is put into the calculations.
©Robin
Roberts |
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