Mazda has not only placed emphasis on the driving dynamics of their vehicles but also interior refinement and design. The Mazda3 was updated in 2010 with rave reviews for interior quality and layout. Based on the same platform this new 2012 Mazda5 model also receives a similar interior re-fresh. The buttons in the centre stack are surrounded with simple chrome. The same high mounted digital readout in the centre of the dash is perfect for referencing climate, radio and radio information. The door and dash panels are soft to the touch and the front seats sit high off the ground for excellent outward visibility. One of the reasons the Mazda5 is so popular in Canada is the efficient use of space. The rear doors slide open like a minivan but the interior is more in line with a high station wagon. The third row of seats is best used on occasion because the cargo space behind the third row is rather small. It is best to buy a Mazda5 as a four-seater and keep the third row stored in the floor for more cargo space. But when needed the third row is perfect for occasional use.
The Ride
As mentioned, Mazda not only focused on outer and inner beauty but also gave the Mazda5 a heart transplant. The same 2.5L 4-cylinder found in the higher end versions of the Mazda3 and also used in the base CX-7 crossover and Mazda6 is now featured in the Mazda5. This larger displacement engine has 157hp and more torque at lower r.p.m.-- yet it is more efficient than the outgoing 2.3L engine. My test unit came equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission but the Mazda5 can also be equipped with a 5-speed automatic. Mazda places more emphasis on driving dynamics than most manufacturers and it shows, even in a family vehicle. With a lively engine, smooth shifting manual and impressive suspension setup, the Mazda5 can be quite a bit of fun to throw around. With so few six-passenger family vehicles offered with an efficient 4-cylinder, the Mazda5 is a great vehicle for drivers that need functionality but don't want to forgo a bit of fun.
Rob Dove 4:10 PM on February 20, 2012 Zack My wife and I are looking for a Mazda 5 sized mini-van but see the Chev Orlando heavily advertised and they appear to be identically priced , starting at around $19,995 We currently have a Dodge Caravan and ideally would purchase the Caravan but my wife has trouble with the extra length as ours is not a Grand Caravan. The Mazda 5 would be much easier for her to drive. Is the Orlando built in North America or offshore - heard rumours it was built in Korea - if so, who builds it ? Daewoo, Kia or Hyundai ? Your thoughts Rob
Motormouth.ca says: 8:28 AM on February 22, 2012 The Orlando is made by GM at there Korean plant. The Orlando is bigger than the Mazda5 and offers a great ride. Watch the video and read the reviews of both here on www.motormouth.ca
Gloria Aitken 11:30 PM on February 8, 2012 My husband and I are looking for a new vehicle. What is your view on the Nissan Versa 1.8L hatchback? or the Mazada 5. Which one would you buy for a second car? Thank you.
Motormouth.ca says: 10:35 PM on February 12, 2012 The Versa and the Mazda5 are two totally different products and are priced dramatically apart. The Versa is a subcompact, very well priced, fuel efficient car, the Mazda5 is a compact minivan replacement and costs a lot more.
Gary Buxton 6:12 PM on December 7, 2011 I believe you have made an error when saying the warranty of the Dodge Journey is longer than the Mazda warranty on the Mazda 5. In Canada, Mazda warranty is 3 years, 80,000 kilometers.
Stuart Clenahan 12:24 AM on December 5, 2011 Hi Zach. Big fan of the radio show. Listen on my hour long commute every Sunday morning. Can't call - don't have hands free. Here's my situation. Wife and I are looking at buying new. We had a Dodge Caravan (hated it) and after an accident, it went to the wrecking yard in the sky. I've narrowed my choices down to 2 vehicles. The Mazda 5 and the Dodge Journey. We need the extra seating capacity. 6 with Mazda is great and 7 with the Journey is somewhat more desirable but not mandatory. We are a family of 5 and there is the rare occasion when we may be 7 but 6 for sure does the trick 99% of the time. I like the ''feel safe'' factor of the Journey as it's quite a bit more sturdy (''looking''?) but the Mazda is clearly a better car in terms of fuel economy, resale value, convenience (sliding rear doors), and handling (for the wife). The Journey base SE model with the third row seat option does come in a little cheaper but it's not that much less - not enough to be a game clincher. What are your thoughts? The wife will be the main driver as I have an old Honda Accord which I use for work. Is the Journey safer? Is the Mazda 5 ''tough enough''? On a side note, I found visibility a bit Dodgy (no pun intended) on the Mazda as the rear, side windows do narrow quite substantially the further back you go. I also test drove the Chevy Orlando last week. Nice car but overpriced and even worse visibility than the Mazda. Thanks Zach. Looking forward to hearing back from you. Again, love the show and if I get the Blue Tooth option on my new car, I'll call you. Cheers! Stuart.
Motormouth.ca says: 5:32 PM on December 5, 2011 The Journey is the best selling crossover in Canada so a lot of people are choosing this product for their needs. If you are in the market for a compact people mover, then a Kia Sorento with three rows of seats might also be an option, maybe a used one? As for quality, Chrysler is picking up their game but they are not as reliable yet as Mazda but the Journey does come with a longer warranty. I would say the interior of the Journey is now one of the best in this class, plus you get more features for your money, so on that front it is a bit better. The thing with visibility is that the driver becomes accustomed to driving any vehicle after a while, plus adjusting the side mirrors out a bit can really help with blind spots. The answer really comes down to which car fits your families needs, the ability to get in and out, storage etc. Let me know which one you shoose.
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