Toyota surprised us today by announcing that it will take the wraps off an all-new production vehicle, dubbed Venza at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in January. According to Toyota, the Venza is a crossover sedan designed and engineered in the United States and it will be assembled at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. Since the term "crossover sedan" is a tad vague, heres Toyota's description of the car: the Venza will be a unique blend of sedan and sport utility vehicle, offering seating for five, easy ingress and egress, a car-like ride and functional utility. Go figure Well have more on the Venza at the opening of the Detroit Show on January 13.
All-New Toyota Venza Crossover Sedan To Premiere In Detroit
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Without pics, it's hard to tell, but sounds a lot like Infiniti's EX35 minus some chrome, cachet and that neat little Bulgari timepiece on the dash.
Now here's a thought...they could slap another 200 pounds of sound deadening material, some chrome trim and a Lexus badge on this for a more direct competitor and another 5-10k a pop.
Now here's a thought...they could slap another 200 pounds of sound deadening material, some chrome trim and a Lexus badge on this for a more direct competitor and another 5-10k a pop.
Wonder if it'll look anything like their (non-US) Mark X Zio (see pics). Basically marketed very similarly. Granted, that's a 7 seater, but it's about the right size (5 Mcbutts = approx 7 non-US butts?), has both Camry engines, has an FWD/AWD drivetrain (think Sienna).... hmmmm
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- 2008 Mazda5 5MT Sport w/ Popular Package
McButts
, LOL.It may be the Mark X case, you are right. Check this thread:
http://www.mazdav.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123684094
Honda Stream, Toyota Venza, Kia Rondo (ewww!)..., possibly the Mazda5 will be a pioneer in this car class in NA after all.
Now, if its the Mark X case it confirms how difficult is to put all together in one car package (design, good looks, versatility, 3 row seats for 6+ passengers, etc.). That thing looks even uglier than the Mercedes Benz R350.
IMO the Mazda5 still beats up any similar type model in design and looks (excluding the tails of course). It is not an RX-8 nor a MazdaSpeed3 but still looks good for a family mover and handles great.
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Subies are built in Indiana.
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- 2008 Mazda5 5MT Sport w/ Popular Package
Mark X vs. Stream I agree, plus the 2nd generation Stream is a little bit more attractive. Tough call to know which one the guy rented on Christmas 06, the 2nd gen was launched around mid 06 but not sure in which markets (scratch)...
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- 2008 Mazda5 5MT Sport w/ Popular Package
LOL. I doubt they will put a sliding door on it so I think it won't be one... and calling it a Minivan would be a sacrilege nowadays
I guess all brands are stepping away from the minivan name so they can target a larger audience $$$ (or regain the family oriented one who does not want a soccer mom car).
Now, on the other side, I think they are abusing the crossover concept like there is no tomorrow. Any car that cannot be classified as an SUV, sedan, station wagon, pick-up truck or a coupe is now a crossover (freak).
...damn Mazda5 sliding doors (lol2)... (but hey, one of the best features for such a small car, serious)
No, they're putting the crossover label on anything that should be labeled as a wagon, hatch, or minivan when they decide that it doesn't suit them.
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- 2008 Mazda5 5MT Sport w/ Popular Package
And wait until you read this one. A couple of days ago I took a look of my window stickers. My 08 was classified as a minivan (whatever, OK, they gave up, although it knocks the socks off of the rest of the minivans in fuel economy) but my 06 is classified as an SPV 2WD. One of the guys here in the forum was able to shed some light, it does stand for Special Performance Vehicle. WTF is that? A crossover-crossover (lol2)? ... and don't forget the insurance and DMV classification... I gave up on this long time ago (sleep)
starlightmica
Member
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- 2007 Mazda5 Sport
AtenzaNY62
Member
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- mazda6
ew both toyotas and nissans needs to get out of the ugly ass grilles stage.. and design something new
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- 2011 Mustang GT
I swear Toyota is all about bland, watered down designs. I think their late 90's cars were much more visually impressive than the stuff they've pumped out lately. Although Lexus gets more and more promising, Toyota just gets more and more crummy.
