rodslinger
Member
Agreed. I like the changes but prefer the clean side of the current model.
Official 2011 Mazda5 Thread
- Thread starter remarquian
- Start date
Agreed. I like the changes but prefer the clean side of the current model.
P5w3kids, the Asian and European 5 have 2+3+2 configuration, the problem is that the 3rd seat in the 2nd row was fold-in-fold-out style and they were unable to get it approved for North America. With Toyota's new Sienna with a removable 3rd seat in the 2nd row, we're hoping that Mazda will have it all figured out for the refresh so we can get our 7 passenger Mazda 5.
The new Mazda 5 may not look as sporty but it's sure gonna drive sporty... sleepers FTW!
The new Mazda 5 may not look as sporty but it's sure gonna drive sporty... sleepers FTW!
Jesus! Why I didn't wait (bang)
Mazda5wannabe
Member
I sure wouldn't want to be the 7th passenger!
Really, most of the so-call 7 passenger cars in the size the 5 is in, are meaning small children. Trying to cram 7 6' tall adults into the 5 would be criminal.
Really, most of the so-call 7 passenger cars in the size the 5 is in, are meaning small children. Trying to cram 7 6' tall adults into the 5 would be criminal.
Cramming 6 6' tall adults in the 5 is almost criminal - I've done it around town and it did work, but let's just say those two guys in the back row don't say nice things about me anymore.
kleptomaniak
Member
Well folks here are the first pics to the redesigned 2011 Mazda 5.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/10q1/2011_mazda_5-official_photos_and_info/gallery
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/10q1/2011_mazda_5-official_photos_and_info/gallery
I'm somewhat torn between my head (Mazda5) and my heart (Mazdaspeed3) - both nearly the same dollars, etc etc. This makes it no easier. Now, if they would make a Mazdaspeed5 I'd be writing the check tomorrow....
Just do what I did...Buy both.
So the Mazda5 joins the ranks of almost all automobiles in the current market-scape. "Grows up" per say by getting bigger, fatter, more powerful and refined, and inevitably less fun.
Things I don't like about it:
Things I like about it:
Overall I'm not too bothered that I will have my '08 for a couple more years at least. And depending on my child situation at the time, I may just pass this by completely in favor of the new Odyssey (which I'm not too hyped about either).
Things I don't like about it:
- It's bigger than the current car (I'm just judging visually, I don't know this for sure).
- Looks much more like a mini-van now.
- Not nearly as sporty as the current model.
- The styling is...okay...ish. But looks more like a panty of a mini-van. I just can't see people modding them out like so many have done to the current car.
- The side view is horrid! That ridiculous wave down the door panels, and the wrap-around tail light look....bad.
Things I like about it:
- Interior looks far, far superior to the current model.
- It's got the 2.5 which means noticeably more pull in the lower end.
- It's probably more spacious.
- Inevitably has options for traction/stability.
Overall I'm not too bothered that I will have my '08 for a couple more years at least. And depending on my child situation at the time, I may just pass this by completely in favor of the new Odyssey (which I'm not too hyped about either).
The only time anyone would really cram 6 or 7 adults in a 5 would be to carpool to lunch from the office. Most of the time there'll be kids back there. The third row of a Ford Explorer was pretty brutal and it's a much bigger car.
I sat on the third row before behind our baby boy, I had plenty of space back there. The ability for the 2nd row seats to slide fore/aft is gold.
I sat on the third row before behind our baby boy, I had plenty of space back there. The ability for the 2nd row seats to slide fore/aft is gold.
the 3rd row is ALWAYS brutal, I don't care what car it is. BUT, minivans and the Mazda5 are WAY better than some SUV 3 rows are. the exploder/mountaineer twins are terrible. the 1st gen MPV was better than most modern SUVs.
I don't even like the SECOND row in some SUVs. I was in a xterra the other day, it's really bad. the door opening is REALLY narrow, very difficult to get in and out of.
my kids are 9, 7 and 1, so I think the 5 should fit our needs for at least 5-7 years.
I don't even like the SECOND row in some SUVs. I was in a xterra the other day, it's really bad. the door opening is REALLY narrow, very difficult to get in and out of.
my kids are 9, 7 and 1, so I think the 5 should fit our needs for at least 5-7 years.
1WICKED6
Member
- :
- 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 Sport
This is what I'm talking about...I wanted to buy a new 2009 ( thats when I got my 20007 ) but the manual only was the base model with out the rear wing and side skirts and foglights and sunroof and just looked really cheap and at the time only came in silver and charcoal and I wasn't looking for either of those colors. So bring it back...P-P-P-Please! I honestly think the new front doesnt look as bad on the 5 as it does on the 3 .....the side are ok. The rear looks cool...I like the bottom of the bumper with the reflectors. But it does need the side sills and a wing.
starlightmica
Member
- :
- 2007 Mazda5 Sport
Perhaps Mazda will replace the karakuri seat with the Ford [Grand] C-Max's setup, which will be US DOT compliant. Look where the 7th seat stows - under the passenger 2nd row.
starlightmica
Member
- :
- 2007 Mazda5 Sport
Difference is in implementation: the karakuri seatback is an oversized armrest, the seat a separate panel that flips out from the 2nd row driver's side seat.
The upcoming Sienna and current Highlander have a small folding middle seat that separates, folds up, and stows elsewhere in the vehicle, the Highlander between the front seats and the Sienna behind the 3rd row. The Highlander's seat is especially small:
I read somewhere that the C-Max 2nd row center seat stows with just a quick push of a button, but have yet to see a video.
in the US Mazda5 (current model) the passenger side middle seat folds out a console with cup holders, and the driver side middle seat only has a storage cubby. on the JDM Mazda5, the drivers side (left hand side) middle seat folds out the third middle seat. however, i can see that our fat USDM butts would never fit a middle third seat. it would be nice to have a little more seating room, but the 5 is so small that i dont see it being very useful.
I figured it was Mazda thinking we're too fat (or to avoid hearing the complaints of 'it's too small!' )
BUTT (pun intended), it would be nice to have once in a while. my 3 kids would be able to sit in the 2nd row if I had it.
- :
- 2008 Mazda5 5MT Sport w/ Popular Package
I sat on one while in Europe, it is definitely for kids (my butt is not that bad, LOL)
Even on Mazda ads you only see targeting families with small kids all the time
But as mentioned earlier, I believe it has not been available in NA due to NHTSA tests or even maybe due to costs. In the US (and to certain degree in Canada) they have to cut a lot of features (karakuri, roof rack, other engines) to make them profitable, just compare prices all over the globe, How much they pay in Germany or Spain for one? Now, if all of them are made in Japan, something needs to give to make them a business case (dunno)
Even on Mazda ads you only see targeting families with small kids all the time
But as mentioned earlier, I believe it has not been available in NA due to NHTSA tests or even maybe due to costs. In the US (and to certain degree in Canada) they have to cut a lot of features (karakuri, roof rack, other engines) to make them profitable, just compare prices all over the globe, How much they pay in Germany or Spain for one? Now, if all of them are made in Japan, something needs to give to make them a business case (dunno)
