What Do You Call The Mazda5?

[Big Wheel]

Mazda classifies the 5 a "minivan" in the States, but how do you describe it? Here's my rambling that Autoweek published in this week's issue:

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In the 10/19 issue, I saw BMW's X6 M ad, and did a double-take thinking it was the 5-series GT from the "A Driver's Alternative" article in the 10/5 issue. Four-door hatches are everywhere! In the 1980s the four-door with rear liftgate 'non-hatchback' vehicles were called Minivans, then in the 1990s they were called SUVs. Now they are called crossovers.

I just picked up a new Mazda5 with a manual transmission. It's a functional four-door with rear liftgate 'non-hatchback' classified as a Minivan, smaller than a compact SUV, and looks more like a sports-compact than a Crossover. What should I call it?

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[thaxman]

I nicknamed mine the "Mini mini."

 

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Good question, but already answered in a few other posts here.

M5 / Premacy IMO does not fall into one of the traditional categories due to it's combined wagon and mini-van features. However...

In accordance with WIKI base: BODY STYLES

I think there should be a new class BUT.... as I suspected due to it's sliding doors it will fall under the Mini-van class as a whole.

It's your call really, and as many will tell you and it's been polled here already, the general answer is..

"Sport Wagon" . . . even though that is NOT what it looks like here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sportwagon

and again why I think there should be a new body type for this type vehicle.

Say it with me....(group)
"Muscle Van" (cabpatch)

Hope that helps,

Peace!(rei)

 

[x10dude]

It actually fits "minivan" better than the conventional minivans today.

The conventional MV have grown so large that they hardly are mini anymore.

 

[bullaculla]

When I took my car in to get window tint, I wanted to go real dark in the back, but they said that I had to go 35% all the way around since it is classed as a passenger car and not a mini van...
but I still tell people its a mini mini-van semi jokingly
But I drive it like a sport wagon! (drive2)

 

[DKaz]

Smaller than a Compact SUV? The Mazda 5 can hold four hockey bags when carrying four passengers where most compact SUVs can only hold two... unless you fold down the 40 part of the 60/40 split seat but good luck fitting two men in the 60 part.

I just call it a minivan anyway.

 

[Mazda5wannabe]

How about "SportVan"?

 

[KBrian]

Like Sarge, We also call our 5 a sport wagon. Our friends call it a mini-van just to get a rise out of me.

I have always sworn I would rather walk than drive/ride in a minivan

 

[thaxman]

Maybe "Urban People Carrier." I feel its got an "urban vibe" about it that appeals to the under-40 crowd that maybe just grew out of their xB's.

 

[x10dude]

Is it me or does it feel like we had this exact thread last year?

If not, it sure feels like Deja vu. lol

 

[skyhawk]

Is it me or does it feel like we had this exact thread last year?

If not, it sure feels like Deja vu. lol

There is not too many problems to discuss with this vehicle. So I guess reviving old threads will keep the forum going.

 

[x10dude]

There is not too many problems to discuss with this vehicle. So I guess reviving old threads will keep the forum going.

I agree. There has one of the car forums with the LEAST amount of complaints. When someone actually has to start a thread "What you don't like about your Mazda5"... you know the complaints are low. lol.

I guess I should consider it a blessing having to read another thread about "What do you call the Mazda5?". Boring but much better than a problem or recall thread.

 

[VenomDesign]

Repost
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123740819

It's a "Micro-van" with class

 

[raspykart]

I tell the ricers its mini-van as I rail it around the on/off ramps... lol

 

[Heat]

I refer to it as my "car", but if anybody asks I call it a "micro van".

 

[dan4behr]

Normally, if you called my 5 a minivan, I'd argue.

Yesterday, at the local car wash, the cashier pointed toward my car and said
"It's minivan day! You get $3 off any service."

I was happy somebody called it a minivan this one particular time. I even sprang for the 'supreme' wash....(flash)

 

[x10dude]

Normally, if you called my 5 a minivan, I'd argue.

Why? What's wrong with calling it a minivan. It actually fits the description better than the conventional minivans.

It's just insecurity over a word...who cares what people think of the word minivan.

 

[musashi23]

As mentioned, it is a "Micro Van".

 

[MichaelStock]

Just picked up a 2010 Mazda5 GS with the 5 speed manual and comfort group. This replaced a loaded 2006 Mazda3 Sport GT. We love the extra room and the higher seating position. Miss the heated leather seats but all in all a great car to drive. Sport wagon is what I would call it. MS

 

[x10dude]

As mentioned, it is a "Micro Van".

micro-van, mini van... sort of the same idea.

sport-van is also good (although a bit more power in the next redesign would be nice).