Wikipedia is not always right, but I'll take it over the opinion of one random guy on the internet. It doesn't make much sense that someone would go through all the trouble of writing all that and specifying the move from C1 to the "Global C" platform for nothing. Wikipedia is also looked at by millions of people, any one of which could have corrected any inaccuracies here. Believe me, in some ways I wish you were right because I'm hunting for upgrades for my 5 and they are hard to find and most are for the previous generation 5's and I'm told time and time again they ARE NOT compatible with my car. So they share parts, but there seems to be more that they don't share than they do. Either way, it's not terribly important. You have the older model, so it's only natural you'd prefer to believe their is little that has been changed in the newer one. I can understand that.
Now you're just being thick headed. Go pull up the page for Ford Global C1 on Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_C1_platform
The Mazda 5 and 3 are listed as partially based on Global C, which most likely means its still the old platform with a couple new tweaks that could be made applicable to the old platform. There's also this
"Among all of the cars, the floorpan is different, but the front- and rear-subframes, suspension, steering, braking, safety, and electrical components are shared."
All those parts are fairly interchangeable among both generations of the 5 for the most part.
Then pull up the press release for the 2012 model year and let me sum it up for you.
" In approaching the development of the all-new 2012 MAZDA5, Hideki Matsuoka, MAZDA5 program manager, took the best of the current model and set out to further evolve it. "[/quote]
"The 2012 MAZDA5 incorporates motifs from Mazdas Nagare flow design language which, inspired by the beauty of nature, presents an elegant look not found in any existing vehicle today. Its an appealing look that captures the eye upon first glance. "
"Changes to the 2012 MAZDA5 continue under the skin, too, as the vehicle is powered by a 2.5-liter MZR I4 engine, which also sees use in the MAZDA3, MAZDA6 and CX-7, and can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. We have further evolved Mazdas trademark Zoom-Zoom driving experience by working to deliver an overall balance of linear feeling and response that creates a unique bond between the driver and car, as well as a stronger sense of trust in the vehicle, said Matsuoka."
"With an overall length of 180.5 inches, width of 68.9 inches, height of 63.6 inches, and sitting on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, the MAZDA5 delivers roomy comfort while being surprisingly compact. The long wheelbase helps give it extraordinary passenger space for its modest external dimensions, and the short front and rear overhangs enable better handling and parking ease. Despite the long wheelbase, MAZDA5 features an impressive tight turning circle of 36.7 feet, making it remarkably easy to maneuver in tight situations. With a low drag coefficient of 0.30, it is aerodynamically efficient, cleaving the air quietly and maximizing fuel economy."
"Suspension layout for the previous MAZDA5 used MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear that employed separate coils and dampers as part of its input separated system. The dampers used were a twin tube type and the rear dampers included integrated rebound springs. The inherent functions of these components earned the suspension high acclaim for delivering superior handling stability.
While the new MAZDA5 continues to use this suspension system, the spring rates have been increased to realize a new level of linear roll and to improve straight-line stability when driving at highway speeds. Stiffness is increased in the lower arm mount bushings for the front suspension for a more direct, linear feel to steering."
Since you're quoting the Wiki entry as fact, there's also this part that is completely untrue but someone went through all that effort to write it.
"The top performance version, the Mazdaspeed5 (or Mazdaspeed Premacy), will be launched two years after the launch of Mazda Premacy in Japan.[citation needed]"
I have the current model, and I'm sure not delusional to think that its anything newer than the previous generation, especially since the entire lower half the dashboard remains unchanged, the seats all bolt up to each other, the windshield and side glass are all the same, as are the mirrors, the doors. Not sure what you're trying to get that's not compatible from the previous generation. The catbacks and intakes are not compatible, but the exhaust manifold will bolt up. The intakes from the Mazda 3 will work but older ones designed for the 2.3 will not work, but thats because of the motor differences, not the platform. Even the front and rear sway bar from both generations are compatible with each other. Some members have even upgraded to second gen rear springs.
I don't know how you can claim its a completely new car when the majority of it remained the same.
