New UK MZ5 2008 Owner

[mplep]

Hi

First noticed about the 08 MZ5 on here a few months back and waited for it to become available rather than get an 07. I've just ordered a Sports 2.0 manual petrol version (range in UK goes TS, TS2, Sport, Sport Nav) with the "Lux" pack. That gives leather, electric doors and xenon lights on top.

The UK website was just updated to reflect the 08 model, things differ a bit from the US versions I think, including the 08 changes.

http://www.mazda.co.uk/Showroom/Mazda5

Should receive in mid January, can't wait.

PS. Bluetooth phone controls are fitted now, but I saw on the US website that barely any phones pair with the 08 MZ5 which isn't great. I guess the UK stuff will be equally as poorly provided for.

 

[coolmazda5]

Great, I would think they would update the web first in Europe, oh but well. I love the front bumper but the gauges look different. Post pics once you get it.

Bluetooth, Isn't the main goal of Bluetooth, to make it a Universal connection regardless of brand? I've never had any trouble with any handset, headset, computer connection, even Wifi adaptors (I used NOKIA a lot though).

 

[coolmazda5]

I noted a couple of things on the European vs. the NA version...

1. Back bumper flares (reflectors) are larger, possibly there were redesigned so to fit the EU mandated high intensity fog light. Earlier European models had it under the bumper.

2. I'm sure it is a Quicktime VR issue, but the gauges look different for the UK model (see attached pic). Also, why in the heck it has the navigation control knob next to the shifter if it does not have a navigation system (scratch)?

NA:

Europe:

 

[Speed3.5]

UK version has MPH ?? i though you guys have KMH , based on pic provided on previous post of interior of the car. Left hand drive isn't much fun in mazdas you guys should change to right hand drive , lol

 

[daan]

So I heard that you have to go get your license plates (number plates, whatever you call them) made for you, as opposed to here where the state you live in issues the plates to you. Can you get plates that say anything, or do you not get to pick?

 

[mplep]

You can select numbers (from a small pool that dealer has) You can get something typed onto the bottom of the plate if you wish. You can have a yellow background with black text or a black background with silver text and different fonts on either. We get the plates made up a a couple of local garages.

 

[Zoom5Zoom]

Welcome and if you have any questions please just ask or PM someone

And you didn't know they sold 5's in Canada eh........ just like the tea

 

[mplep]

Got a question actually if anyone can help. Can the automatic lighting sensor be adjusted easily? It just lights up when there is a bit too much light still around.

Our first day with the icy blue 5 has been great. This thing handles really well and feel really smooth. I've setup the bluetooth with two phones and this works really well. We have the powered sliding doors which wows the friends and family (cool) The wife is still not comfortable driving yet as the 5 is a fair bit bigger than her old Vauxhall Corsa.

The gear stick console is a little unclipped to the dashboard on one side and I will get the dealer to adjust that later on.

PS. Another question. I've got a tomtom one satnav. A nice little place is on the small window to my right (your left). That would mean routing the 12v cable somehow up to that point. The other option is somehow sticking the bracket onto the blanking plate on the stereo and having the satnav sitting there jut above the 12v socket area. Anybody done anything similar or got any good ideas?

Thanks

MPLEP

 

[TheMAN]

the auto light sensitivity can be adjusted... by the dealer

I would've bought the diesel version instead of the 2.0 petrol as it has better performance IMO and better fuel economy

 

[mplep]

The diesel is a lot more money in the UK and being on a small island (Guernsey), we don't get the big mileage where it makes a difference on the bills. Also with a 35mph speed limit, the performance of the 2.0 is more than enough. The duty on diesel has gone up here so no benefit there for cost savings. I also don't like the sound of most diesels. Petrol is the best option for me based upon all that. I do like the torque of diesels that I have driven though.

 

[coolmazda5]

PS. Another question. I've got a tomtom one satnav. A nice little place is on the small window to my right (your left). That would mean routing the 12v cable somehow up to that point. The other option is somehow sticking the bracket onto the blanking plate on the stereo and having the satnav sitting there jut above the 12v socket area. Anybody done anything similar or got any good ideas?

Yes, I think rewiring the 12v cable would be the major trouble. I have not bought one (yet) but looking at what options are there (and money too ).

My suggestion:

a) Have you seen the ProClip options? There are clever ideas out there (left and right side driving): http://www.tomtom-proclip.com

b) One of my coworkers has a simple one for its Garmin. It is a weighted pedestal that you can put in your dashboard (see pic). I might need to go for that one as I will need it for both cars. The windshield suction cup ones are a no no, especially when traveling to potential dodgy areas. It seems that many thefts have been targeted at cars with suction cup bases, as usually you don't take the GPS with you when parked (so you take it off but leave it somewhere in the car). Funny thing, even when the suction cup base pedestals were taken off as well, thieves were targeting those cars thanks to the suction cup marks left in the windshield. Freaky.