The next-generation Mazda5 was unveiled on the internet today prior to its auto show debut in Geneva in March. As you can see, the configuration of Mazda's small van hasn't changed much, but it's styling now incorporates some of the "Nagare flow" language from Mazda's various concepts.
It's still a 7-seater and has sliding doors on both sides. The European version will feature a direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 1.8-liter base engine, both available with a six-speed manual. Expect to see the 2.0-liter in U.S. version with both manual and automatic transmissions.
cruiserhead1 says:
11:09 AM, 01/20/10
nice to see someone trying something different. Way too busy though.
Either do the flowing wrinkles or do the straight creases, not both.
They look added on.
dodo2 says:
11:20 AM, 01/20/10
Mazda5 has never been a 7 seater and most likely the US will get the 2.5L I4 (the current Mazda5 has the 2.3L I4 as the only option).
bc1960 says:
11:50 AM, 01/20/10
The European version has a seventh "seat" which folds into a flat surface between the second row seats when not in use, but the US doesn't get this fiction--although technically it would be the safest place to install a child seat if you weren't using the other second row seats. I also agree the 2.5l is a strong possibility for the US, but if the weight has not increased much, or decreased like Mazda has been promising, the 2.0l DI has approximately the same outputs as the current 2.3l, and Mazda needs to be thinking about the 2012 and beyond CAFE targets.
desmolicious says:
01:07 PM, 01/20/10
The old version looks much nicer
bepperb says:
01:23 PM, 01/20/10
Hopefully the character lines don't make it to the U.S. Those and the hideous door tracks don't go too well together. It won't matter what engine, 2.0 DI or 2.5 from the Mazda3 if this thing gets worse mileage than a much larger Highlander, Equinox... etc. The current fuel economy is terrible for a car that people are supposed to be buying to not own a large gas guzzling minivan/SUV.
When does the CMax get here?
thejohnp says:
02:21 PM, 01/20/10
It'll never happen, but they should bring in the Sky-D diesel engine for this model to make it competitive with the VW TDIs.
carlisimo says:
04:32 PM, 01/20/10
It looks a lot more like a van than the current Mazda5. I don't like it, and it has nothing to do with the character lines or smiley grille. I think it's the roofline and the side windows. They're straighter and more minivan than hatchback. If that makes any sense.
cjasis says:
05:05 PM, 01/20/10
I actually really like the current 5... but this doesn't look promising. The horrible nose from the 3 and he overdone character lines have ruined the aesthetic appeal of this fine little vehicle.
compliance says:
09:10 AM, 01/21/10
The rims melted a bit
darisgin says:
10:34 AM, 01/21/10
My bad: t/c came in 2010!
powell_jr says:
10:39 AM, 01/21/10
I like it. Its different and new and almost pretty for a van, which is wierd for me to say.
stovt001 says:
02:00 PM, 01/21/10
Surprisingly, the smiley face actually looks good in this application, but those side character lines totally ruin it. My wife has long wanted one, and as long as they clean up the sides a bit I'd be interested.
sgude says:
02:48 PM, 01/21/10
Quite disjointed.
roar02ram says:
12:19 PM, 01/22/10
Looks better from rear 3/4 than front 3/4. Glad they kept the sliding doors. Not having those is a big boo-boo on other manufacturers' part, IMO.
gearhead1977 says:
05:00 AM, 01/28/10
As a current Mazda 5 owner, I mostly like the new style. I do think the sculpting on the sides looks too busy and needs to be toned down. The new Mazda front end style works a bit better on this vehicle then other current Mazda vehicles. Maybe it's due to the taller box style of the 5.
I agree with another poster, bring the diesel! While it isn't a rocket, it is adequately powered with the current 2.3, although 170hp instead of 153hp would be better. Or the diesel, did I mention the diesel?!
The interior, while not bad looking in the current car, looks much richer in the '11. Hopefully, a slight upgrade in the materials and sound deadening too, the current one has a bit too much hard plastic that scratches fairly easily.
Other then these things, I love this vehicle. I'd buy it again and if the diesel came with the new body, I'd trade the current one in a minute. Don't change too much, Mazda
michael_s says:
05:36 AM, 03/ 2/10
I like the looks and efficiency of the Mazda5, but Mazda's own CX-9 has better safety features and crash safety ratings. If I were a shopper that really needed all three rows of seats in the 5, I would try to get a used CX-9 instead.