This summer the all-new Mazda5 will hit showrooms across South Africa as the successor to Mazda’s first-generation compact multi-activity vehicle (C-MAV). The first-generation Mazda5 was renowned for its innovative functionality and outstanding versatility with the Zoom-Zoom driving pleasure unique to Mazda cars.
The first-generation set a solid foundation, featuring a distinctive character, outstanding functionality and superior handling with its unique ‘6+1’ packaging concept and sliding doors on both sides which the new Mazda5 has further built upon.
Featuring the all-new NAGARE design concept, the development team set out to create a vehicle that is both contemporary and smart in its functionality. It reflects Mazda’s intention to create an eco-friendly minivan that every member of the family can enjoy. To achieve this, the development goals included stylish design, dual sliding doors on both sides, a flexible interior space with multiple seat arrangements, a smooth and sporty ride and outstanding fuel economy. The result is a new type of family-focused people mover that can meet the varied needs of families.
“The original model proved to be popular with families looking for superior functionality in a compact and safe package,” says Mazda Marketing Manager: Doreen Mashinini. “Now in its next generation Mazda has even further improved upon these product strengths.”
What distinguishes the Mazda5 from the competition is its modern design and balanced packaging. The fine balance of packaging and design created for the new Mazda5 clearly distinguishes it from the competition. Adopting a distinctive and stylish new look that appeals directly to the emotions. This led to the decision to apply Mazda’s NAGARE design language to an entire Mazda model for the first time.
NAGARE, meaning flow in Japanese, is the design concept Mazda recently featured on its concept cars. The concept incorporates the beauty of nature, in particular the flow of wind and water, to lend an intuitive sense of motion to the respective designs.
The five-point front grille shares the Mazda family-face found on models like the Mazda3 and Mazda6. The flowing lines of the bonnet and headlamps gather in the centre of the grille to create a powerful sense of motion.
And the curved lines that form the mesh pattern adopted for the grille lend the impression that the mesh flows out form the centre to the sides, which expresses the essence of the NAGARE design.
NAGARE design motifs gracefully continue the dynamic flow of the lines from the headlamps and front fenders along the sides and carry that flow to the rear fenders and rear lamps in beautiful fashion.
The rear combination lamps pick up the flow from the character lines on the sides of the body and blend smoothly with the sliding door rails to continue the simple, stylish expression on the liftgate.
The cockpit presents a sporty look that hints at the driving pleasure to come, from the faces of its twin metre to the genuine leather steering wheel and gear shift knob. The centre panel is fitted with chrome plating decoration and silver rimmed control knobs that create a look of quality, while also emphasizing the stylish design of the new Mazda5’s cabin.
The new Mazda5 inherits the same packaging concept, offering three rows of comfortable seating. The wider front row seats improve comfort. Floor height rises up a step in the second row and the third row to ensure a clearer view for occupants in the back. Occupants of the two rows can take advantage of ample legroom to stretch their legs and enjoy a more comfortable driving experience.
The walk-through passageway in the cabin centre allows for movement between the second and third-row seats, even if a child/baby seat is attached to both the right and left seats of the second row.
The ‘6+1’ packaging concept that earned the Mazda5 strong support is carried over to the new model. The versatile ‘+1’ functions include the: walk-through passageway, the hidden Karakuri seventh seat, Karakuri utility box and the diversity of seating arrangements.
The new Mazda5 also features large sliding doors on both sides. The doors operate effortlessly even on narrow streets and in confined parking spaces, providing easy access to the second and third-row seats and allowing for easier loading and unloading of luggage.
The new Mazda5 offers appealing driving dynamics and impressive fuel efficiency. The 16-valve DOHC MZR 2.0 engine produces 106kW at 6 500prm and 180Nm @ 4 500rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission it returns an average fuel consumption of 10.8l/100km over an urban route.
Suspension is carried over from the previous model. The highly acclaimed layout features McPherson struts in the front and a Multi-link system in the rear. Fine-tuning to the dampers improves straight-line stability when driving at motorway speeds and realizes a more direct, linear to steering actions.
The Mazda5 already has a five star rating on the acclaimed Euro NCAP safety tests. In the new generation Mazda5 the bar has been raised even further. The advanced technologies aim to make the driver aware of potential dangers sooner allowing the driver greater opportunity to avoid a collision.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Brake assist (BA) are standard equipment across the range.
The passive safety measures aim to protect cabin occupants. All seats, including the Karakuri seat in the middle of the second row, are now equipped with three-point seatbelts. In addition to adopting strong seatback frames, all related parts and their mounting points are reinforced to minimise the possibility of injury to cabin occupants caused by items intruding into the cabin from the luggage compartment in the event of a collision.
The Mazda5 continues to be available in three model grades, Original, Active and Individual. The Original model offers an entry point to the range but remains well equipped with CD player; multi-function steering wheel; dual front airbags; side and curtain airbags to name just a few key features. The Active offers additional specification such as 17”alloy wheels, leather trim on gear knob and steering wheel and the Karakuri utility box. Topping the range is the Individual model with roof spoiler; front fog lamps; electric sliding doors; cruise control; an in-dash 6-CD player and leather seats.
“The new Mazda5 offers even greater value for money, with a multitude of great features on offer,” continues Mashinini. “. Performance, functionality, driving dynamics and design have all been enhanced to ensure the second-generation Mazda5 has evolved into a worthy successor to the already acclaimed original model.
Mazda offers 15 000km service intervals on the Mazda5, an impressive four-year/120 000km fully comprehensive manufacturer warranty, as well as the Mazda Motion five-year 90 000km Service Plan. A three-year roadside assistance plan comes standard with the purchase of any Mazda vehicle.
2011 Mazda5 Pricing
2.0 Original (R249 000)
2.0 Active (R256 000)
2.0 Individual (R285 000)
STORY BY MAZDA
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