Mazda5 , any comments?

[FAQ]

Hi folks,

I am looking for a minivan now and notice this six-seat mini minivan --- will do a test drive soon but would like to get some ideas beforehead ,

comments? TIA

[bluetroll]

looks strange.... i wouldn't buy it... but if u like it... go for it....

[prof_frink]

Its a minivan without the cargo space - seems kinda weird to me... And its not even like its a sleek looking automobile - it just looks like a smaller MPV...

[Mcp]

Funny lookin...

And when you get right down to it, doesnt hold that much stuff...

[yelworC_]

afaik it is based on mazda 3. You can see a lot of very similar vehicles in Europe - it is basically an economical alternative to north american minivans (they take standard small sedan, put it on steroids and there you go. They are very very popular there). It gives you a bit less space than full size minivan but probably the same as standard Dodge Caravan or Pontiac SV6 short base or Chevy Uplander short base. But it is a Mazda. The torque (not horsepower, since it has plenty) of the 2.3 litre engine might be a bit not enough when going fully loaded.
If you're concerned about gas price and don't need way too much cargo when travelling with all 6 seats occupied - go 4 it.

[mart242]

And it's available with a manual transmission!!

That's the only "mini-van" I'd buy... I don't want no automatic transmission minivan!

[crimsona]

Last I checked it's actually marginally cheaper than the Mazda 3 hatchback (compared base models, didn't look into specifics). It's an interesting car, I like it

[peterbrowne]

when, if ever, will a diesel version be available? According to Alex at MBCanada every car company is introducing diesels in the next few years

[Action Jackson]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jm/06mazda5.htm

[FAQ]

Thanks for the input, guys --- actually the review is pretty good and I will test drive it this Saturday , BTW, MSRP is 20k for the "base" model which doesn't come with Air condition and aumatic gear --- a must- have so the total price before tax will be around 23K, any chance anyone knows the dealer "invoice" price ? Is there any difference in "invoice" price between ATA and carcost canada ?

TIA

[Carpe Diem]

Just curious....Do all Mazda's use that Triangular combustion engine?

[Impossibles]

Just curious....Do all Mazda's use that Triangular combustion engine?

No, just the RX8.

[Zippity]

Drove one the other day - it was, confusing when I first saw it. I kinda thought that it'd be nice though. It does have the extra seating space, but has a lower profile -- kinda like a minivan morphing back into a station wagon. But they put a lot of work into the interior making it feel fairly sleek.

I still don't understand how they offer the "sport shift" on a minivan though. It does NOT belong.

[Action Jackson]

Just curious....Do all Mazda's use that Triangular combustion engine?

It's called a Rotory Engine.

[rf134a]

It's called a Rotory Engine.

2-rotor Wankel rotary engine.
Check out the nifty animations.