Technical
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(Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
The single engine selection is the much
utilised 2.3L inline 4-cylinder. Also found in the 3 and
the 6, in the 5 it generates 157 hp and 148 lb/ft of torque.
Transferring the power to the front wheels are either a 5-
speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic with a manual
mode called Sport. The suspension is fully independent and
brakes consist of 4-wheel discs. Steering is electro-
hydraulically assisted. Standard wheels are 16 inches in
diameter with optional 17 inchers with the GT package.
On the roadThe 2.3L has earned its
stripes in cars such as the 3, the 6 and even the Ford Focus
ST. In said vehicles, the engine is good performer. In the
5, although it weighs 200 kg more than the 3, is peppy and
fun. The catch is that as soon as you find yourself hauling
four passengers and a little gear,
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(Photo: Mathieu
St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
the fun
somewhat dissipates. The motor is refined and quite
thrifty. I was the first person to drive this particular 5,
it was very cold that week and I still managed a commendable
8L per 100 km.
Braking is better than average
for a vehicle of this type. The pedal requires little
effort and the pedal can be modulated with ease. Steering
is light and properly assisted at low speeds and resistance
increases slightly once on the road. The turning radius is
conveniently short which makes the 5 a breeze to par.
Visibility is fairly in every direction.
The ride
is quite nice. It closely resembles that of the 3. This
means that the car demonstrates good grip in a curve and
confident stability on the highway. Some body is present
but any regular minivan displays a much greater amount.
Bumps and bruised road surfaces are absorbed without too
much fuss.
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(Photo: Mathieu
St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
Wind noise
is quite present in the cabin at highway speeds. The large
windshield and good-sized mirrors probably have much to do
with it. The winter tires also play a small part however it
is negligible in comparison.
Safety
The Mazda5 has standard dual front air bags, side and
side curtain air bags are standard on the GT, ABS brakes
with electronic brake force distribution and assist as well
as seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety) have yet to rate the Mazda5.
ConclusionThe Mazda5 is the
answer to the prayer of every person that ever wanted
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(Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
a vehicle that is fun to drive and in which
he or she could integrate the entire family with the
greatest of ease. My only suggestion to Mazda would be to
try and source a Volvo 5-cylinder and slip in under the
hood. Those that will regularly carry stuff and passengers
will appreciate the extra grunt.
Mazda is playing
all the right cards at the moment. As soon as the MPV is
replaced by the all-new version unveiled at last Japan auto
show and the CX-7 crossover utility vehicle arrive, Mazda
will have one of the most dynamic, intriguing and youthful
product lines in the business.
Good stuff:Ride and
handling
VERSATILITY
Not so good stuff:Noisy cabin
Competitors:Toyota
MatrixPontiac Vibe
Suzuki Aerio SE/SX
Chrysler PT Cruiser[link
artid="57665"]Chevrolet HHR[/link]
[link
artid="61760"]Ford Focus ZX5[/link]