2008 Mazda5: SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES!!!!

When is this thing available?

Are we sure that ESC will not make the list? I think that might be a deal breaker for me.
 
Ferdball said:
When is this thing available?

Are we sure that ESC will not make the list? I think that might be a deal breaker for me.
Job 1 is October.
Nothing has changed and there are no stats pending other than what I posted, so I would say no to ESC for '08 at least.
 
As others have indicated and from a Canadian dealer, have heard production starts in October with first deliveries (least up north) expected in December.
 
I wonder if it's possible to retrofit 2nd row air vent to older models.

Still no 7-seater.

Looks like alarm system is coming.

I was also hoping for a 7-seater. The changes they did make sound like very good ones, though.

My sister saw one on the road the other day, liked it, asked me about it. A top contender for her next car.
 
I was also hoping for a 7-seater. The changes they did make sound like very good ones, though.

After looking at the pictures from the thread with EU-spec pics, I'm guessing that US regulations require that the seat be bolted to the floor, whereas the Karakuri seat folds out and sits on top of the other bucket, without solid attachment points.

Perhaps someday Mazda will come up with a Odyssey or 2008 Highlander type jump seat that snaps into the floor.
 
Shoot. Got all excited because we started getting 2008 new car brouchures in, and on the back page they show photos of the entire line up. But the Mazda 5 pic is the OLD pic. Crap.
 
No mention of ESC in the "2008 Vehicles at a Glance":

MAZDA5

Introduced in 2006, The MAZDA5 is a three-row, six-passenger multi-activity vehicle infused with sports car inspiration that efficiently transports people and equipment like a large SUV. MAZDA5 demonstrates Mazdas infusion of stylish, insightful and spirited vehicles. The 2008 MAZDA5 adds a freshened exterior design, five-speed automatic transmission, rear cool air vents, improved gas mileage, arm rests, standard auxiliary audio input jack, and new interior and exterior colors.

The MAZDA5 is powered by an all-aluminum 2.3-liter, four-cylinder MZR series engine, producing 153 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, shared with the popular MAZDA3. Inside, the MAZDA5 offers a flexible seating arrangement and a flowing wedge-shaped body with solid proportions, defining the vehicle as unmistakably Mazda. The MAZDA5s large sliding doors and low floor allow for fluid ingress and egress, and a one-touch walk-in mechanism offers easy access to the third-row seats. Pricing for the 2008 MAZDA5 will be announced at a later date.

New or enhanced for 2008:

* Freshened exterior design
* Five-speed automatic transmission
* Rear cool air vents
* Improved gas mileage
* Arm rests
* Standard auxiliary audio input jack
* LED taillights (Touring and Grand Touring)
* New exterior colors Copper Red, Golden Sand, Stormy Blue, Sunlight Silver, Crystal White Pearl
* Two new interior colors Black or Sand
o cloth seat upholstery (Sport and Touring)
o leather seat upholstery (Grand Touring)

In addition, all 2008 MAZDA5 Grand Touring models will be equipped with standard:

* Security alarm
* Bluetooth hands-free phone system
* Auto on/off headlights
* Heated door mirrors
* Rain-sensing wipers

http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=26425&make_id=227
 
Gah! Know what I missed?? No expandable sunvisors for '08! One of the biggest things I complained about at least. Crap! Maybe they'll sneak 'em in there anyways?
 
still awaitng for the Canadian 2008 model price to be anounced and put in the order.
Supposed to pick up the 2007 GT but thx to Benfolio's info ( 2008 model changes) I 've changed my mind and decided to wait for a bit longer while ( hope not too long). For sure I'll pick one up from the 1st shippment.....
thx again Benfolio for your info
 
The Japanese version has a new DISI (direct injection spark ignition) engine so we should see it too. Not much change in horsepower but maybe a few extra miles per gallon.
 
Where's the 2.0 Diesel?

Will Mazda ever have those small Duratorq engines as options?

Will North America ever get have an "economy" diesel again?

Sheesh.
 
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Will North America ever get an "economy" diesel? Will Mazda ever have those small Duratorq engines as options?

A shot in the dark. Isn't that Mazda still needs to put more $$$ to adjust/adapt the car work with the Truck Diesel sold in the US or Canada so you can fill at any gas station in North America? I mention that because in Europe the gas stations have Diesel for Cars and Diesel for Trucks, not the same thing I believe.
 
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I just read on the Car Connection that ESC (Electronic Stability Control) will be included. No guarantee, but they usually are pretty accurate.

I doubt it as both both the 2008 changes form that started the thread as well as the press release at media.ford.com make no mention of ESC.

Besides, TCC has a picture in the article of the Mazda5 that's got the grille not seen on US market models...
 

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