Mazda 5
With
versatility and practicality that belies its size, the Mazda
5 is poised to stir up the mid-sized MPV segment
What's
New
Previously, the Premacy G-Sports was Mazda's contender to
battle in the mid-size MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment,
with the likes of the Honda Stream, Nissan Lafesta and Toyota
Picnic. It was physically a lot smaller than its rivals,
while the interior packaging was neither as clever nor as
versatile.
These
shortcomings were taken into serious consideration when
Mazda designed the replacement to the Premacy, this time,
simply named '5'. Based on a stretched Mazda 3 platform,
the 5 has a 110mm longer wheelbase and it's about 85mm lengthier
than the Mazda 3 hatchback. Compared to the Stream and Lafesta,
the 5 is wider, taller and has a longer wheelbase which
translates to a larger interior and better ride comfort.
The
cabin is designed for seven people and it boasts a unique
"6 + One" arrangement.
Like
the recent crop of Mazda products, styling is one of the
5's strongest fortes. The bulging fenders and bonnet, with
the stocky bumpers and gaping air scoops do well to give
the car a racy look.
How
it Performs
Under the bonnet is the same 140bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder
power unit found in the Mazda 6. It's quiet, smooth, with
plenty of torque in the low-end, but above 4500rpm it could
do with a little more grunt. The Mazda 5 seems to be in
its element when cruising at the legal expressway speed
limits.
The
four-speed auto gearbox shifts flawlessly and it has an
override feature called Activematic for the enthusiastic
drivers to change ratios manually.
Show
it a series of twisty roads and the 5 obliges with noticeable
amounts of body-roll. While rear-end squat during acceleration
and nose-dive under braking is also apparent, gripping power
is impressive and the electric power steering system is
reasonably quick. So although the Mazda 5 looks sporty,
its suspension is still biased for comfort, which is where
it shines. It soaks up bad roads and bumps impressively
with minimal wind and road noise affecting the cabin.
The
"6+One" concept at the centre row is unlike the
typical two-three-two formation found in the Mazda 5's competitors.
The gap between the individual left and right seats of the
second row creates a walk-through aisle. In the event you
need to carry a seventh passenger, the squab of the left
seat on the second row folds out in two while the armrest
transforms into the back rest. If you don't utilise the
seventh seat, the right seat squab has a utility box stowed
underneath, which folds out across the aisle.
For
an MPV of this size, it's forgivable that the last row is
still a squeeze for adults but the omission of rear air-conditioning
vents can't be ignored when these items are available on
the Mazda 5's immediate rivals.
How
it Stacks Up
The Mazda 5 is a quantum leap ahead of the Premacy. It's
bigger, cleverer and more refined and boasts better equipment
than its predecessor. Some of the highlights include, electric
sunroof, twin airbags, leather seats, steering wheel-mounted
stereo controls, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, bodykit
and alloy wheels. Although it would have been even more
attractive with auto sliding doors and rear air-conditioning
vents, there is still no sexier seven-seater than the Mazda
5.
| Technical Specifications |
|
MODEL
Mazda 5
ENGINE
Engine: 1998cc 16v in-line four
Max Power: 140bhp @ 6,500rpm
Max Torque: 185Nm @ 4,500rpm
TRANSMISSION
4-speed automatic
TOP SPEED
180 kmh
0-100km/h
11.4s
|
