The MAZDA5 will be a 'future proof vehicle' budget-wise. There is no need to get another vehicle when the family grows in number. As for winter, Our mazda5 is in Saskatchewan, where winter is dry and cold and frozen snow stays on the roads the entire winter. Mazda5 with decent winter tires is just doing fine. There are some days when there is heavy snow storm, and snow piles up in the drive way. Then in those very few days in a winter, I wish I had an suv. By the time I decide to window shop for suvs, it will be spring again..
I have not experienced the M5 not starting because of the cold. I do try to use the block heater.
As for 'heated seats' and heat in the back of the car, I feel it is redundant.
In winter, when its real cold, we are all 'bundled' up anyway before we go out of the house and into the car.
a remote starter is highly recommended.
Future-proof, I like that....
It sounds like your winterdriving condtions are similar to ours and I'm glad to hear it performs well enough.
Are your decent snow tires 205/60R16?
