2008 Mazda5: SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES!!!!

[arock712]

The rear tail lights are growing on me, too: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hiromori2/1791441181/

I think I like 'em...

 

[arock712]

Overall this guy likes the Mazda5 GT. However, I found these quotes interesting:

"...Unlike previous iterations, the ride's been changed from sport-oriented to family-style soft..."

"...Handling is decent but not outstanding..."

"...The all-season radial tires are skinny and slippery..."

http://stcharlesjournal.stltoday.com/business/sj2tn20071101-1102stc_auto_1.ii1.txt

 

[maple_leaf]

Hmmm...not liking this. That's exactly my fear....that Mazda will make this more of a family van than a sports wagon. Hey, I have a family and it's the reason I got a 5 and not a 3...Although, I'm still young and like the sporty feeling of the car (and looks). If they change what they have going on, they'll end up losing.

 

[arock712]

Why would Mazda make the 5 with a softer suspension for 2008? That goes against their "Zoom Zoom" motto totally. I have a feeling the person writing that review doesn't know what they're talking about (I hope).

 

[Skylab]

Don't forget, Grand Touring has no more manual transmission.(wrc)

 

[HotRodSaint]

Don't forget, Grand Touring has no more manual transmission.(wrc)

You mean Touring. Grand Touring never had it.

 

[Benfolio]

There was nothing in the specs about changing the ride at all... wonder what happened? I think our '06 rides soft, but them I am used to cop springs, cop shocks, cop tires, etc.

 

[Ferdball]

.

Dude. Slow. Down.

 

[SparkyBhoy]

Canadian 08 Changes

A quick rundown, mainly of 'stuff' posted before, of the 2008 changes, from Jeff @ redflagdeals.com

Technical:
New 5-speed Sport mode automatic transmission

Safety:
Side airbags and side air curtains now standard on GS model

Exterior:
New redesigned front and rear bumpers
New redesigned front grille
New LED taillights (GT model)
New redesigned 16" & 17" alloy wheels
Front mud guards are now standard on the GS model (not available on GT)
Side sill extensions have been deleted from the GS model (std on GT)

Interior:
Air conditioning with climate controls and outside temperature now standard on GT
2nd row cool air vents with fan-speed control (std with A/C)
New gauges, black with white lettering & white night-time illumination
Front passenger seat now includes inner armrest
Second row seats now includes outer armrests
Auxiliary audio input now standard
Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System now standard on GT model
Improved visibility of central display (shift upwards)
Improved reach of hazard warning flasher switch (central layout)
New dark grey & silver shift panel
New dark grey & silver instrument panel on GT model
New integrated type Navigation system with touch screen now available on GT model
6-disc in-dash CD changer included with Navigation system
New sand color interior available (cloth seat material for GS and leather for GT)
New black color interior available (cloth for GS & leather for GT)
Espresso Brown leather has been discontinued

As for pricing:

GS 5 speed manual $20,795
GT 5 speed manual $24,815

5 Speed Sport Mode Automatic add $1,100 (GS or GT)
Air Conditioning with Automatic Climate Control add $1,100 (optional on GS only)
Leather Package includes heated front seats; add $1130 (optional on GT only)
Navigation System Package includes Touch screen 6-indash cd with MP3; add $2,900 (optional on GT with leather)

Summary: Base model = $20,795 / Loaded model = $29,945

 

[coolmazda5]

^^ GT with MT (2thumbs)

 

[slojt]

Is the article in the St. Charles Journal really a test of the '08? Or is this a test of the '07 model & is just now being printed? He never referenced a model year.

My guess...that road test was done on an '07. How would this guy get ahold of an '08? The major magazines haven't gotten ahold of the 08 yet, how could the St. Charles Journal?

The reference to a softer ride may have been based on the author's "seat of the pants" memory of rides in two different 5's, this one seeming to be softer.

I'm waiting a bit longer to get other opinions before I give that article any credence.

 

[en3rgy]

Where's the hybrid Mazda5???? C'mon. Personally I would lOVE to get 40+ mpg out of my Mazda5 as I hate paying for gasoline so the extra mileage (if I have to pay for gas at all) would really be a plus.

 

[coolmazda5]

as I hate paying for gasoline

No worries, you are not alone on that one

 

[HotRodSaint]

Dude. Slow. Down.

Dude. Move to the slow lane.

 

[07MZ5SA]

.... I hate paying for gasoline so the extra mileage (if I have to pay for gas at all) would really be a plus.

Then get Mazda to bring in diesel engine so you will buy diesel instead and get high MPG (and longer engine life as a bonus).

 

[07MZ5SA]

Looks like 5A transmission same as MZ3's.

http://www.cars.com/go/crp/specific...o-manual&availableOptions=5AT-01&aff=national

And lower axle ratio for lower highway RPM.

http://www.carsdirect.com/research/specs?cat=1&make=MA&modelid=557&acode=USB80MAC211A0&year=2008

 

[cancoi]

Just to let those who have ordered know, evidently, there is a shipment of 2008s scheduled to arrive at Port Tacoma around 11/25 (we just heard about our order from our dealer), so they are expecting them on the lots mid-December.

 

[SparkyBhoy]

Just to let those who have ordered know, evidently, there is a shipment of 2008s scheduled to arrive at Port Tacoma around 11/25 (we just heard about our order from our dealer), so they are expecting them on the lots mid-December.

(cool) Excellent! I'm guessing that if they are hitting Tacoma a week Sunday, then surely a Canadian shipment will be in the Port Of Vancouver around the same time...

I need to get organized here (when I get time) and get one of these lined up.

 

[Blue Swede]

Found some new pictures of the Premacy (Mazda 5) on the japaneese website.

 

[Blue Swede]

Some more...