MAZDA5 Earns Ward's AutoWorld's Interior of the Year Award

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2008 Mazda5 5MT Sport w/ Popular Package
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Over four weeks, members of the editorial staff of Ward's AutoWorld spent
time with each finalist vehicle to evaluate its interior. Winners were
decided by overall points earned. To be eligible for the competition, the
vehicle or its interior had to be new for 2008. The MAZDA5 triumphed over
competition from Nissan Murano, Saturn Vue, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester,
Dodge Journey and Toyota Highlander, among others.


"We're honored to have won Ward's AutoWorld's 'Interior of the Year'
award," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American
Operations. "The MAZDA5 is proving to be exactly what consumers want -- a
versatile, fuel-efficient vehicle that combines the functionality of an SUV
with the ride and handling of a car. This is a great vehicle that hits right
at the heart of the market, and promises to grow in popularity as fuel prices
soar."


The three-row, six-passenger MAZDA5 is a multi-activity sports vehicle
infused with sports car inspiration. The interior brags spaciousness and
comfort. The stepped floor allows for more legroom for all especially those
sitting in rows two and three. The second row has separate individual seats
that slide, recline and fold flat, providing maximum versatility for
passengers and cargo. The third row seats are split 50/50 and can be tilted
forward individually and folded flat to create a flat load area. With the
rear-most seats folded flat, carrying capacity is an enormous 44.4 cubic feet.


Interior storage is spacious and thoughtful, with multiple open and
covered compartments. Flip the center-row seat cushions forward to access the under-seat storage or fold the tray down from the front-passenger-seat-back.

Hide the things that make life more convenient in the center armrest or in a
covered flip-out storage bin under the center-right captain's chair cushion.
There's also an illuminated glovebox and half-liter bottle holders in each
front door pocket, and even covered storage under the floor behind the
third-row seat.

MAZDA5 is powered by a 153-horsepower 2.3-liter four cylinder engine and
can be fitted with either a five-speed manual or five-speed sport-shift Sport
AT automatic transmission. Priced from $17,995, the MAZDA5 is available in
three trim levels -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees
the sales, marketing, parts, accessories and customer service support of Mazda
vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.
Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc., located in Ontario,
Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations


Web Site:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/...orlds-interior-of-the-year-award,420815.shtml
 
The middle seats really are awesome in the 5! Everyone that sees ours for the first time marvels at them. It is especially nice that you can fold everything down without removing headrests!

More than that, it's the little things that get me on the 5. The small dots on certain radio buttons and on the power window buttons. The fact that the 2nd row seats fold flat by just pulling the lever. The inside slider handle that moved in either direction. The 2 step ready hatch height (I am 6' bare footed!) The fade out lights (not to mention front and middle/rear dome lights. The hidden cavern this is/is behind the glove box. (thank goodness, as that owner's manual is a beast). The arm rests (even in haphazard '07 placement form) The little seatbelt holders for unused seats.

I'm sure I missed a few, but it's these little things that add class and make the 5 feel like its a more expensive vehicle.
 
Ever tried turning on the dome light for your kids? That's my only gripe and should be my first electrical mod. How hard would one switch been to offer?

Otherwise I love it.
 
Ever tried turning on the dome light

+1, Mazda missed that one. Somebody mentioned that the wiring/system is the same as the Mazda3, but obviously on that one is not a big deal.

Also, for the 08 the 2nd row A/C hi/lo buttons are only available back there. The button in the dashboard is only an on/off switch. I know I'm picky but in hot days it's difficult to get my hand back there to change the hi/lo settings. I have to wait until a traffic light to do it...
 
Ever tried turning on the dome light for your kids? That's my only gripe and should be my first electrical mod. How hard would one switch been to offer?

Otherwise I love it.

My kid's not that old yet... He sill has the remote control light on his baby mirror...
 
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