New CX-5...a Mazda 5 replacement in '09???

[karakuri5]

does anybody know if the CX-5 which is currently being marketed in Europe(I think) going to replace the Mazda 5 in 2009?

 

[808mz5]

looks like a jdm MPV to me... probably testing the waters.. if it does come over... i'm picking one up... turbo engine like the cx-7, ms6 & ms3.

 

[coolmazda5]

CX-5, Isn't that a crossover name? The one you pictured does not look SUVIsh (a-la CX-7 or CX-9). Me likes it though.

Here is what I've seen so far:
http://www.mazdav.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123665103
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/207602/mazda_cx5.html

 

[starlightmica]

The CX-7 recently arrived in the EU with the 6MT, no less. No CX-5 has been officially announced.

I was looking at the Mazda UK site for research - they have the Mz2 and the new Mz6 up

 

[karakuri5]

looks like a jdm MPV to me... probably testing the waters.. if it does come over... i'm picking one up... turbo engine like the cx-7, ms6 & ms3.

I thought it looked familiar.
I actually saw the JDM MPV while I was there in Japan last year. Very nice lookin' I must say. Why it's not marketed in Canada/US, I don't know...

 

[808mz5]

they brought in the cx-9 to take over the mpv.... crossovers are the hot items now and my understanding is the MPV's were not selling well the last couple of years so they decided on not bringing it over to North America. I would have picked one up....

 

[karakuri5]

If the CX-9 had rear sliders, I think it would've made more sense.
Have you seen how wide those rear doors open?!!!
That's why I think the MPV would've been better.

 

[starlightmica]

CX-9 and gen 3 MPV share the same platform. Mazda spent a few months developing the latter for the US market before switching to the CX-9. Mazda had to give $4000 cash back to move the last of the 2nd gen MPV's out, they're glad they don't have to do that with the CX-9.

Our loss

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071126/FREE/71126005
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070202/FREE/70129011/1024/LATESTNEWS

 

[offset_98]

I heard CX-5 was the name of the Tribute replacement and that the mazda 5 is staying put.

 

[coolmazda5]

If the CX-9 had rear sliders, I think it would've made more sense.
Have you seen how wide those rear doors open?!!!
That's why I think the MPV would've been better.

Hmmm, they would not have sold at all, IMO. Slide doors are the best invention since sliced bread, but for this market (North America) Sliders = Minivan, which is for a completely different segment to the one Mazda is targeting with the SUV-ish CX-9 (oh, and that is why they call the Mazda5 a mini-minivan here).

 

[rodslinger]

Something is going to change in 09 or 10... It will probably have to. I had been reading a little on the upcoming whiplash protection systems that have to be in US cars for front seats for 2008 models and rear seats by 2010 model years.

In general, fixed headrests have to be about 31 inches from the hip point. Moveable headrests have to be a minimum of about 29.5 inches from the hip point or be able to fold forward when not in use rendering the seat useless.

They'll have to come up with some sort of trick to stow the headrests in the third row seats. Looks like they are too short now and aren't going to fit too well in the fold flat position the way they are if folded under the cushion or extended to the lenght requirement.

 

[5phreak]

looks like a jdm MPV to me... probably testing the waters.. if it does come over... i'm picking one up... turbo engine like the cx-7, ms6 & ms3.

ooooooo, that's sweet.