2006 Mazda 5 Preview

Written By: MyRide.com
Reprinted under license.

When a multi-activity vehicle is really a mini minivan

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2006 Mazda 5

Logic dictates that there's almost always a direct relationship between an item's size and its worth; as the old saying goes, "the bigger the better." It's especially true with cars. Larger engines provide more power. Wider seats accommodate our growing butts. And personal buses (a.k.a. large SUVs) carry us and all of our junk. However, every once in a while something comes along that defies logic, or at least makes a good opposing argument. Engineers of the 2006 Mazda 5, for instance, have taken a stand by suggesting that their vehicle can be sporty and offer utility and versatility. That puts those engineers on some shaky ground. The diminished minivan approach has been tried before, with less than stellar results. Does anyone remember the Nissan Axxess? How about the Mitsubishi Expo? We didn't think so. Nevertheless, Mazda is intent on tapping into a segment that has yet to be proven even exists in the North American market. If there is indeed the potential for substantial sales, the 2006 Mazda 5 has the styling and versatility to make a good go of it. But, if not, the Axxess and the Expo will be anxiously awaiting the Mazda's arrival into the Hall of Cars No One Bought.

Designed for young families on the go, this sleek six-passenger vehicle offers an interior packed with features and versatility, including second- and third-row folding seats that provide a flat load floor. Rear passengers are granted access via dual sliding doors. With these characteristics it's hard to see the 2006 Mazda 5 as anything other than a miniaturized minivan, but Mazda would prefer that we all refer to their new creation as a multi-activity vehicle...which happens to look and operate like a minivan. Available as either a Sport or Touring model, the 2006 Mazda 5 comes equipped with second-row sliding and reclining bucket seats, theater-style seating (the roof is angled to provide maximum headroom in the rear), easy entry for the third-row split bench seat, rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a CD player. The Touring model offers additional standard equipment including an in-dash six-disc CD changer, climate control, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and side skirts. For safety's sake, all Mazda 5 models come with front-, side-, and side-curtain airbags and stability control. Disc brakes do the stopping and they're supported by antilock and electronic brake distribution systems. As with all Mazda vehicles, drivability is a primary concern. To address that issue, the 2006 Mazda 5 uses a MacPherson strut front suspension with a multi-link setup in the rear. A 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine with Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) is bolted into the 2006 Mazda 5. This is the same motor found in versions of the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6, but in the Mazda 5 the horsepower drops by three ponies to 157 and torque dips by two lb.-ft. to 148. When charged with powering the Mazda 3 and heavier Mazda 6, the 2.3-liter engine is adequate when rowed with a manual, sluggish with an automatic. It remains to be seen if the motor will be enough to make the Mazda 5 experience even the least bit exciting, especially when it's loaded up with six passengers. A five-speed manual transmission is standard fare, and may help to add some sporting character to the drive. A four-speed manually interactive automatic transmission is optional, and likely to sap what meager power is on tap.

If for no other reason, Mazda engineers and designers deserve credit for taking a chance with something new. While it's true that others have failed with similar attempts in the past, those outcomes may have been the result of poor timing or poorly designed products. Mazda has a knack for building vehicles with sporty styling and impressive handling characteristics. In those respects, and it terms of overall utility, the 2006 Mazda 5 looks to be right on par. However, those attributes will lose some of their luster if engine performance falls short, and with only 157 horses, that just may be the case.

By Staff
Photo Credit: Mazda

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