Its Really Not A Van

[jandree22]

Looks like you didn't read back far enough to see my original thoughts on this issue....

Mazda does technically classify it as a "Mid-Size Wagon" in their specs, but despite the overall size and the actual EPA classification, to the normal Joe Shmoe everything else about it is minivan IMO. It's got a continuous slope to the hood/windshield, 3 rows of seats, and of course, sliding doors. People just need to stop tripping over their own ego and not worry so much about what people will think of them driving a mini-minivan.

I just get a kick how worked up some people get defending that it's either DEFINATELY a minivan or DEFINATELY NOT a minivan. Whoppty doo, who cares... either person can argue about it until they're blue in the face, but where will it leave you? Right back where you started... the Mazda5, a vehicle that contains attributes from BOTH a car AND a minivan. To claim that it's specifically one or the other is a proof of your ignorance about the qualities/features/specs about it.

Yes, it has many features of a minivan... BUT it's also the ONLY "minivan" in production with a 5spd manual, small 4cyl engine, low seating position, amazingly tiny package, lively tight suspension. These are all attributes of cars.

 

[nate0123]

it's a car-like compact minivan

 

[Brian MP5T]

but its a van

 

[jandree22]

Everytime I see a 5 driving on the road I can't help but stare at it and get more impatient to take delivery. Call it a car, wagon, minivan, pickup truck I don't care... it's a sweet lil son 'b**** and I can't wait to have it in my driveway. I announce my retirement from this topic, have fun all.

 

[the_saint]

I'll settle this once and for all!
It's a UFO: Unidentifiable Friggin' Object

The end.

 

[Zoom5Zoom]

A classic for sure.... I will remind you when its on that classic auction show we all watch weekly.

 

[flomobile]

Looks like you didn't read back far enough to see my original thoughts on this issue....


I just get a kick how worked up some people get defending that it's either DEFINATELY a minivan or DEFINATELY NOT a minivan. Whoppty doo, who cares... either person can argue about it until they're blue in the face, but where will it leave you? Right back where you started... the Mazda5, a vehicle that contains attributes from BOTH a car AND a minivan. To claim that it's specifically one or the other is a proof of your ignorance about the qualities/features/specs about it.

Yes, it has many features of a minivan... BUT it's also the ONLY "minivan" in production with a 5spd manual, small 4cyl engine, low seating position, amazingly tiny package, lively tight suspension. These are all attributes of cars.

NO... it's the only small minivan with a small 4cyl, 5 speed manual, low seating position, amazingly tiny package, and lively suspension that is imported to the US. Again, these things are a dime a dozen in Europe. This would be like arguing that the Mazda3 5-door is not a wagon because it's smaller than a Vista Cruiser, or that a Jeep Liberty is not an SUV because it has a unibody chassis and is smaller than a Tahoe.

Here are a few other small MPVs:

Renault Grand Scenic

Opel Zafira

Citroen C4 Picasso

Honda Stream

Notice what they all have in common? They are all small MPVs, with small 4 cylinder engines, and offer manual transmissions. The Mazda5 is a niche here, but this C-segment MPV market is practically bread-and-butter in other countries.

Here is what should be the Mazda7 in my mind:

It uses the EuCD chassis, an enlarged version of the C1. It also uses a larger engine, a turbocharged 2.5L I5, mated to a 6 speed manual.

See a TopGear review of the Ford S-Max and a couple of other sporty small MPVs here on YouTube.

 

[perfecto]

MPV means something totally different here than it does in Britain. MPV in Britain means multi-purpose. Here it screams minivan.

I've driven an S-Max, and it's way bigger and heavier than a 5.

 

[flomobile]

MPV means something totally different here than it does in Britain. MPV in Britain means multi-purpose. Here it screams minivan.

I've driven an S-Max, and it's way bigger and heavier than a 5.

Multi-purpose in Britain still means a wagon that parents use to haul their kids. Hence when Top Gear did their first intro of the S-Max (not the clip I linked above), James May said "I don't have a family and I'd still drive this! It looks awesome!"

 

[doctorz]

Is this one of those 'hand over the keys and we wash the entire vehicle' car wash places?

Yes.

 

[doctorz]

The EPA classes it as a Mid-Sized wagon. The EPA views the HHR and the PT Crusier as SUVs. It's all about fuel economy. Mazda doesn't need the Mazda5's fuel economy to pull up the average for larger trucks. Because CAFE requires an average 21.5 (Correct me if I'm wrong on that figure), automakers try to classify as many vehicles as possible as light trucks. Light trucks include SUV's, vans, minivans, and pickups. HHR and PT Cruiser keep the Ram and Silverado legal. Mazda has no large pickups or SUVs to offset.

CAFE has been 27.5 mpg since 1990, which is kind of pathetic considering the first year 27.5 mpg was mandated was 1985. Light truck CAFE is currently 21.6 mpg and slowly rising.

Bear in mind that these requirements are based on actual EPA mileage test results, not the published mileage, which is about 15% lower (city and highway are lowered by different amounts). My guess is that the Mazda5's EPA actual mileage test results sit close to 27.5 mpg, at least for the 5-speed.

 

[Brian MP5T]

It's a VAN!

Let This Die!

 

[zoomzoom mazda5]

its just what you want it to be, to me its a car with a minivan look, i love my ride and i know you all feel the same, also when jandree 22 get his mazda5 he won't sleep in his home for a week! zoomzoom(ughdance) (drive2)

 

[nate0123]

I think you mean it's a minivan "with the soul of a sports car" lol

 

[the_saint]

It's a moped.(silly)

 

[nate0123]

clearly... it's a pogo stick

 

[dfskinner]

Wuster, I paid the tint guys extra and in cash and he did whatever I wanted as far as tint was concerned......... I'm in Va Beach....... you just got to go to the right person....... I'm even thinking of having all the back darkened up..... what I've got on now cost me $ 50.00.....

 

[mrbwa1]

Remember that commercial with Peyton Manning about the Minivan. He asks "Is it at least a sport turbo minivan?" At least our 5 is a Sport model. So no flames or numbers on the side for me!

Anyway, count me in the van column. I'd like to say sportwagen, but it's the sliders firmly plant it in the van category. This isn't a bad thing, as van and cool have had an off an on relationship over the years (in the US at least) I mean there was the A team and the WV Microbus to name a few.

 

[coolmazda5]

Who revived this thread to call my zoom-zoom escape pods vans? (protest)

LOL, just kidding (lol2), cool pictures around

 

[jandree22]

"Min-i-van! Min-i-van! Min-i-van!" (protest)