Posted: Saturday, September 17, 2005.

Mazda5: The Mini Minivan

Over time minivans have began to max out in overall size.

By Ed Kemper
Honolulu, Hawaii
Courtesy of McKenna Mazda in Kailua

True, greater exterior dimensions makes for a larger interior, but the overall number of passengers has not been enlarged in the process.

Mazda, unlike the others, has kept its MPV van on the small side of the equation. With the introduction of the 2006 Mazda 5, an even smaller van is being presented to the market place. However, this model’s maximum carrying capacity is 6, instead of the 7 or 8 for most minivans.

The 5 series starts with very good heritage, namely the Mazda 3 front-wheel drive chassis and a 2.3 liter DOHC 157 horsepower motor hooked to either a 5-speed stick or 4-speed automatic.

But it is the body shape that separates the 5 from the 3 and any other vehicle, for that matter. First, it is higher with tall side windows — about the height of a compact truck. More dramatic is the sweep of the hood into the window shield — in fact, it's more of a straight line than a sweep.

So why is this not just a small tall station wagon we saw from Toyota and Honda a decade or two ago? Two reasons — first, the back doors are sliders (not openers) like all minivans, and second, there is a third row of seats for real, but admittedly small, people.

More Than A Tall Wagon
Making this mini minivan more entertaining for a growing family are some more attractions. The price starts at less than the minivan world with a base of $17,995 with a reasonable level of equipment (see specs). Our test model with options such as a 4-speed automatic, floor mats, 6-CD player, spoiler, and side sills topped out at $19,645. A touring model (which is more expensive) is also available, and it adds automatic climate control, a 6-CD changer, sunroof, fog lights, rear spoiler, and sidesills as standard fare.

Secondly, the overall size of the 5 is definitely narrower and shorter than even the small Mazda MPV, the smallest one on the market anyway.

Finally, since only a 4-cylinder engine is needed to push and pull the 5 around, gas mileage is rated at a reasonable 21 in the city and 26 on the highway according to the EPA.

Getting into the second row of seats is a snap with the help of the sliding doors. In row two, there are two seats with movement room between them and each with their own built-in armrests. Both of the seats slide back and forth about a foot. When all the way back, there is excellent legroom and knee room. Cupholders pop out of the rear of the console. By pulling a strap and lever the seat can be flattened.

Moving to the third row of two seats does not take much effort. By sliding the second seat forward, maneuvering into rear set of seats is not too difficult. Once there, however, it is apparent that only the keiki and small adults are welcome because the seat bottom is to some extent shorter than "real" seats. Further, legroom is very limited if row two passengers do not move up a little. Finally, with the third row seats up, rear cargo storage is limited, at best. But dropping the third seat flat is a snap.

A wiper/washer set up on the liftgate window is provided, but the window is fixed and will not open independently from the door. Likewise, the windows in the side sliding door are also permanent, unlike in the MPV.

Good Foundation
Steering is light, direct, and precise. The ride is neither soft nor hard, but never harsh, and takes the bumps without any shocks or shimmies. But you feel the road’s imperfections. The relatively large wheels helps in the cornering department to keep things under control, but height and additional weight keeps the 5 away from the Mazda 3s better handling.

The sweet 2.3-liter engine idles smoothly and generally maintains that mode up the rpm range. But with the 5s added poundage, it is not as zippy as in the lighter 3 model mode.

Styling is not in the love/hate realm, but is a bit usual and attracted both positive and negative reactions. But overall, the 5 has a different and sort of European people carrier look of, say, a French car.

Front Action
Although there are some Mazda 3 pieces in the front interior, there has been a substantial redesign. Like some Toyotas and Hondas, the gearshift lever is built out and up on the center console surrounded by metal looking plastic. For those who feel the need to shift with the automatic, the lever can be moved to change the gears sequentially. In an unusual but surprisingly useful feature, the gear status, whether in the automatic or manual shifting mode, is shown in the dash pod.

With the armrests built into the seats, there is a low double opening storage center between the seats. Next to the drivers seat is a handle that opens the fuel door. The seats themselves are medium firm with side support on the bottom and back. With a big lever, the driver’s seat can be raised and lowered.

Built into the steering wheel are controls for the stereo and cruise functions. Further the steering wheel is a tilt/telescope type.

The Real Minivan
With the 5, Mazda has presented an interesting mix of a small, relatively narrow vehicle with minivan features and 6-passenger hauling capacity. Because of its small size, good gas mileage is an added feature. Although some may find the styling a bit unusual, no one can argue that the 5 lacks some extremely attractive and versatile features.

Q&A
Q: Mazda has replaced a lot of its models lately are there any more changes coming in the future?

A: Yes, the Miata, renamed as the MX-5, is going to have a major redo for the 2006 model year. Besides a bigger engine and a styling change, the interior will grow and the exterior look becomes more aggressive.

High Beams
• Small mini van for 6 people.
• Good maneuverability with good gas mileage.
• Still retains the important features of the Mazda 3 in a slower mode.

Low Beams
• Styling is out of the ordinary (for good or bad, depending on your point of view).

– Ed Kemper is the auto columnist for the Honolulu Star Bulletin and MidWeek, the Weekend. He also hosts Wheels Hawaii TV on Oceanic Cable-Channel 16 in Hawaii, which is shown on Wednesday at 12:30 PM, Thursday at 1:00 PM and 5 PM, Friday at 10:30 PM and 9:30 PM, and Saturday at 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

TOP