2008 Mazda5: SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES!!!!

[Whidbeyone]

And here's the Mazda worldwide website in Japanese with lots of great stuff some of which, sadly, is only available in Japan.

http://www.premacy.mazda.co.jp/

 

[eilros25]

Anyone know when production starts and when they are expected to hit the shores?

I test drove a 2007 yesterday and the sales manager said he expects the 2008 to show up in January or February.

 

[porschegt3]

I was told the new 2008 models should arrive in October.

 

[monsta]

I heard that's when (Oct) they start building them for the NA market...

 

[eilros25]

There's a lot of good info in this thread.

If I'm reading the Product Changes list in the first post correctly, it looks like there are just a few differences in standard equipment between the 2008 Sport and Touring:

1) 6 disc changer
2) Sunroof
3) Side sill extensions and liftgate spoiler
4) LED tailights

Based on the 2007 equipment, I was thinking of getting the Touring but I'll probably just go with the Sport to save some cash. I'd just add the 6 disc changer, side sill extensions and liftgate spoiler package.

 

[2ride4life]

I test drove a 2007 yesterday and the sales manager said he expects the 2008 to show up in January or February.

I just got an email from Mazda Canada and they replied with:

The incentives page under the vehicle section is new for 2008 models websites, along with accessories and other new sections. This section will become available once 2008 Mazda5s be available. This should be at the end of November 2008.

Not as early as I would have liked, but there ya go. Here is hoping that it is earlier, at least in Canada anyways.

 

[eilros25]

Hopefully the NA version looks like the Japanese version. I love the wheels.

 

[eilros25]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=122646?imw=Y

Mazda 5 Face-Lift in the Pipeline for U.S. Market

Date posted: 09-17-2007

HIROSHIMA, Japan A face-lifted Mazda 5 with "other updates and upgrades" is bound for the U.S. this fall, said Jeremy Barnes, Mazda North American Operations director of product and corporate affairs. A freshened Mazda Premacy, which is the name of the Mazda 5 in Japan, went on sale earlier this month, offering broad hints at what U.S. consumers can expect.

"Indeed we'll get the face-lifted model, as well as a host of other updates and upgrades," Barnes told Inside Line. "We'll have more to say about the next Mazda 5 in the next month or so."

The Mazda Premacy with front-wheel drive gets a new five-speed automatic transmission for 2008; the 2007 model had an optional four-speed automatic transmission. If the 2008 Mazda 5 is similarly equipped with the optional five-speed automatic transmission, consumers can expect to get improved fuel economy. The 2007 Mazda 5 with the four-speed automatic transmission returns 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 24 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA. The updated Premacy also gets an upgraded suspension and expands sequential valve timing, or S-VT, to improve the performance of the 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter MZR engines in all model grades.

The Premacy gets a sportier front end with new headlights, along with LED indicator lights embedded in the door mirrors and LED rear combination lights on the premium model. The instrument panel design and layout have been revised, and blacked-out dials with white illumination have been added. Interior colors and seat fabric have been changed.

The Premacy has stability control as an option on a "larger range of models." Mazda said the Premacy also comes in seven new body colors, including "Golden Sand Metallic." Pricing on the Premacy ranges from $15,662 to $20,863.

What this means to you: Expect the Mazda 5 to have a bolder look and better fuel economy for the new model year.

 

[AIMWO4]

And I don't. Funny how we are all so different. (pullup)

Hopefully the NA version looks like the Japanese version. I love the wheels.

 

[kyoshiro]

"The updated Premacy also gets an upgraded suspension and expands sequential valve timing, or S-VT, to improve the performance of the 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter MZR engines in all model grades." & "The Premacy has stability control as an option on a "larger range of models."
now these 2 make me grrr now lol, time to aftermarket suspension and wats with this expanding s-vt? and stability control... ahahhaahahhaahhahha oh noz

 

[coolmazda5]

2008 JDM Aux

First time I see it, very convenient location. It may not make it to NA, right? :'( :'(

 

[PGCist]

Seriously, can the NA market purchase the Karakuri center seat from Mazda overseas? I have a '07 Sport 5-spd.

I don't really care about the shoulder belt strap and I'm sure I could fabricate a lap belt. Anyone with me on this?

 

[starlightmica]

Seriously, can the NA market purchase the Karakuri center seat from Mazda overseas? I have a '07 Sport 5-spd.

I don't really care about the shoulder belt strap and I'm sure I could fabricate a lap belt. Anyone with me on this?

I would worry about what happened if you actually got into an accident resulting in bodily harm, with NHSTA-unapproved seating/safety gear. If a non-family member is involved, there's the possibility of legal liability as well.

I know it's unlikely, but that's enough to prevent me from trying to do that with my car and kids.

 

[PGCist]

Good points. Maybe I could buy the folding cupholder/tray table thing instead?

 

[starlightmica]

Good points. Maybe I could buy the folding cupholder/tray table thing instead?

Yes, Tommy at Arlington Mazda quoted me about $100 for the parts.

 

[starlightmica]

Embargo leak?

The Wall Street Journal has a comparison table that includes the Mazda5. They have a LHD picture of the updated interior as well as EPA rating of 22/28. Once you go to this link, click on the MZ5 pic on the right.

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-carCompare0710.html

 

[07MZ5SA]

Yes, Tommy at Arlington Mazda quoted me about $100 for the parts.

p/n?

 

[07MZ5SA]

Embargo leak?

The Wall Street Journal has a comparison table that includes the Mazda5. They have a LHD picture of the updated interior as well as EPA rating of 22/28. Once you go to this link, click on the MZ5 pic on the right.

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-carCompare0710.html

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

Looks like Kia outsold Mazda by 50%.

 

[starlightmica]

p/n?

Sorry, I don't think I ever got them. He's quite accessible by e-mail.

 

[dbthompson]

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

Looks like Kia outsold Mazda by 50%.

In September 07, the Kia Rondo outsold the Mazda5 by more than 200%:
2564 to 852