2008 Mazda5: SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES!!!!

[kyoshiro]

In October 07, I think that our Mazda5s are a lot more fun to drive than the Kia Rondo.

 

[coolmazda5]

Looks like Kia outsold Mazda by 50%.

I think Kick It Around has done a good job for its own mainstream market by giving them all the extras desired. Now, KIA is not too worried about the attractiveness of the car design because their mainstream market does not care (that is a big plus for them). Fill a box with extras, not a problem. Now, adding extras to a well designed car w/o messing it up, it is more difficult.

Still, Mazda5 can do better in some areas, no doubt.

 

[kyoshiro]

not to mention theyre prob made in korea!

 

[starlightmica]

Here's the WSJ pic:

Is the horizontal slot below the shifter the new rear seat AC duct?

 

[eilros25]

The more I look at the Rondo, the uglier it gets.

 

[P5w3kids]

In WSJ, Kia is listed 19/26 but kia.com listed 21/29 MPG for 2.4L.

Looks like Kia outsold Mazda by 50%.

Sounds like 2008 vs. 2007 numbers. Or V6 vs. 4.

The Mazda would do better if if offered a seven-pass option. At least that's the main thing I don't like about it.

The sliders, though very practical, might also stunt sales. Sliders are just so uncool. Letting your kids give everyone else's cars door dings, that's cool(shrug)

 

[Salmon_Rob]

22v is back cuz its the fastest

 

[SparkyBhoy]

The more I look at the Rondo, the uglier it gets.

(iagree)

Everyone's tastes are different, but that is an ugly brute of a vehicle.

 

[07MZ5SA]

Here's the WSJ pic:
View attachment 117457
Is the horizontal slot below the shifter the new rear seat AC duct?

Can't tell. Here's JDM version.

http://www.premacy.mazda.co.jp/narrowband/img/int_style_panel.jpg

 

[starlightmica]

Can't tell. Here's JDM version.

I just looked all over the Premacy site for that slot - a no show.

Benfolio, or anyone with an inside connection, any ideas?

 

[eilros25]

Here's the WSJ pic:
View attachment 117457

Is the horizontal slot below the shifter the new rear seat AC duct?

I hope that isn't the rear a/c vent. I can't see how that would help much in the third row, or the second row for that matter.

 

[king57721]

In Japen a 2.0 4wd with 4EC-AT Mazda5 (Sport Trim??) sell for 2290000 Yen. which is about $19650 US dallors...

I wonder what will the MSRP be if Mazda sell it on this side of the ocean...

http://www.premacy.mazda.co.jp/narrowband/grade_20s.html

 

[07MZ5SA]

I hope that isn't the rear a/c vent. I can't see how that would help much in the third row, or the second row for that matter.

On top of that, there's no room for a blower under the shifter.

 

[eilros25]

On top of that, there's no room for a blower under the shifter.

My guess is that it's a small storage area for cell phones, wallet, etc.

 

[coolmazda5]

My guess is that it's a small storage area for cell phones, wallet, etc.

Nahhh, it looks like the 2008 is coming with an 8-Track Player! (cool) Screw aux/mod/ipods...

 

[starlightmica]

Funny! 8 track also lets you have quadrophonic sound, right?

Here's a project for the ambitious: make an iPod dock in the slot:

 

[starlightmica]

A whole bucketload of new pictures from Cars.com's Kicking Tires blog:

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/10/ch-ch-changes-2.html

Rear seat vents!

 

[07MZ5SA]

Looks like center console storage is gone.

 

[coolmazda5]

Great! no more speculation (well, a little (glare))

It looks really nice in that color. I'm not fond of beige interior but no complaints.

(cool) rear vents and I still see the central console, not like the JDM (it seems that they just got rid of the top cover which was on the way of the right seat armrest). Do I see aux input next to the 12V power plug?

Hey, same antenna as 2006-2007. LOL

"Mazda has tweaked the exterior just enough to change the funky look of the past model to something a bit more sophisticated"

What do they mean with funky? (freak)

 

[SparkyBhoy]

My guess is that it's a small storage area for cell phones, wallet, etc.

Looks like you were correct.

A whole bucketload of new pictures from Cars.com's Kicking Tires blog:

Cheers for the link starlightmica - top class!

Looks like center console storage is gone.

Looks like it might be there, albeit sans lid?

rear vents and I still see the central console, not like the JDM (it seems that they just got rid of the top cover which was on the way of the right seat armrest). Do I see aux input next to the 12V power plug?

I think that you are right on the centre console and aux input.

Nice to see the NA version 'in the flesh'. I don't care much for the burgundy or beige colouring, but like the other changes.

I thought that the speedo, etc was white in the 08's and not black?

In looking at the photos of the centre console I'm re-thinking the Sat Nav option. Hmmm......

Can't wait to get one now!

Silver with black leather (nana)