Official 2011 Mazda5 Thread

[MikesMazda5]

I like everything about the 2011 except the rear end. I wish they would keep the vertical lights that made the 5 pretty unique. With that said, I would still consider trading our 06 for a 2011.

 

[mpvue]

to me, the drive is the thing. you don't have to look at it while you're sitting in it.
like I tell everyone who looks at it and wonders what it is, I say "it doesn't drive the way it looks"

 

[starlightmica]

I'm fine with the change, won't be getting a new one anytime soon as I keep cars for >10 years. Might spring earlier if NA gets 3-across 2nd row seating and eAWD.

 

[dan4behr]

Do. Not. Want.
Honestly, the 'waves' down the side make me wonder if all the old stylists who came up with all the funky cladding on later Pontiacs made the move to Mazda.
The rest of it is okay. I just can't get past those waves.
That funny little cresting of the instrument panel shroud also sticks out to me as being somewhat 'over the top'.

With any luck, there will be a mid cycle refresh about 2014 and Mazda will return to their senses and loose the waves. My car will be seven years old, and if they do that, I'll consider a 5 again (oh and don't forget about us manual transmission buyers, Mazda!).

If not, I'll be in the market for a Ford CMax or perhaps a Hyundai Elantra Touring next time.

 

[lindsayt]

"All the sportiness is gone"?? Is sportiness only in the way it looks?

It's funny how everyone seems to be commenting only on the looks. I guess I'm the minority but I'm more interested in the engine.

We don't have a picture of the engine. We have a picture of the exterior design and a snapshot of the interior. Post a schematic of the air/fuel system and we'll discuss opinions about that.

Since we don't actually *know* about the engine, I'll say that I want a 2.0L turbo that makes 190hp under full boost, but that kicks in late so I can get naturally-aspirated-level fuel economy at 3000 RPM and below. And of course I want it mated to a short-geared six-speed manual with an overdrive sixth on the order .750:1 so that I can go 70 on the freeway and keep the revs below 3000, but I can shift down to fourth at the same speed, spin that engine (and turbine) up to 6500 rpm and listen to the sweet whine of a tiny turbo pounding past anything that's in my way.

Oh, and I want a pony too

 

[jasma1]

Guys...

Remember that (this is my guess) there are next to no chance to have the newly and redesigned Mz-5 in North America for 2011... They will first introduce it for the Japanese and European market first and then, one year later, introduce it as a 2012 model for Nth. Am. ...

From what I heard at Mazda (and I know, it might not make any sense!!), they will introduce the Mazda 2 in 2010 as a 2011 model and they don't want to affect the sales of the 2, so no other release will be done. Also, they told me that the other model that might be introduced (as remodelled) before our Mz-5, is the Tribute... That desperately needs a redesign.

I'd be the first impressed if we would get the new Mz-5 design sometimes in 2010 (end of it). My guess is that we will get it sometimes in June 2011 presented as 2012...

 

[len100]

Removing the middle row on a Mazda 5

I'm sure you can get the manual...in the cheapest, most stripped down version. No upscale sport, no good options. So much for zoom-zoom.

Hi,

Has anyone figured a way to remove at least 1 middle row seat on a Mazda 5? I need to remove the seat directly behind the driver.

Please let me know.

len100

 

[joeboy]

Hi,

Has anyone figured a way to remove at least 1 middle row seat on a Mazda 5? I need to remove the seat directly behind the driver.

Please let me know.

len100

I had my middle row seats out for the lounge effect. It was great for the passengers. Just remove te plastic caps (4per seat) that anchor the seats down and remove the bolts (17mm if I remember). It helps to slide the seats back for the front mounting bolts and forward for the rears.

To clean up the look, I used a black carpetbto match and trimmed to size.

 

[coolmazda5]

Please keep it on topic guys, there is already a thread on this somewhere

Thanks

 

[coolmazda5]

2011 North American model in Zoom-Zoom magazine?

One of the last pages of the Zoom-Zoom magazine has this pic, dunno what development stage this particular model is in (i.e. still the old OEM wheels), but:

• Like it better than the first pics published for the Geneva
• Smiley face like the Mazda3, nothing new. Note the differences compared to the pics of the European (?) model
• Side panel waves are very subtle, almost unnoticeable
• Side skirts make it look good, I guess they will be body colored in the future
• Headlights have the same design as the 2010 Mazda3 Touring and Grand Touring, including the orange side marking
• Also note the Mazda3'ish mirrors with side markers
  

All in all I think it will look good for the market here (dunno)

Source/credit: Zoom-Zoom Magazine, Spring 2010

 

[Rockin03mp5]

wow! that is a freakin huge smile there!

 

[starlightmica]

7th seat arrangement, via Autoblog:

EDIT: another picture shows that it's still Karakuri

 

[1WICKED6]

One of the last pages of the Zoom-Zoom magazine has this pic, dunno what development stage this particular model is in (i.e. still the old OEM wheels), but:

• Like it better than the first pics published for the Geneva
• Smiley face like the Mazda3, nothing new. Note the differences compared to the pics of the European (?) model
• Side panel waves are very subtle, almost unnoticeable
• Side skirts make it look good, I guess they will be body colored in the future
• Headlights have the same design as the 2010 Mazda3 Touring and Grand Touring, including the orange side marking
• Also note the Mazda3'ish mirrors with side markers
  

All in all I think it will look good for the market here (dunno)

Source/credit: Zoom-Zoom Magazine, Spring 2010

I need to see this bad boy in person because in that picture it doesnt look bad....The Geneva pics???? Left alot to be desired especially the goofy wave

 

[coolmazda5]

7th seat arrangement, via Autoblog:

EDIT: another picture shows that it's still Karakuri

Yes, it looks like for the seats they just changed the headrests and the fabric/leather pattern

Also, less enhanced pictures show more subtle waves, which is good I guess. If the NA model comes with the 2.5L would it bring the double exhaust as its sibling the Mazda3?

BTW, it needs the side sills and the rear spoiler (dunno)

 

[rodslinger]

I'm thinking I might like it. As long as it didn't gain any weight or size and I can still get it in a stick I might pick one up. If they go automatic only this will probably be the last 5 I've ever owned.

 

[jasma1]

coolmazda5,

Where did you get this Geneva Auto Show picture? Was that the only one available?

It's nice to see it "for real"... Thanks!

 

[coolmazda5]

coolmazda5,

Where did you get this Geneva Auto Show picture? Was that the only one available?

It's nice to see it "for real"... Thanks!

starlightmica found it, here is the whole gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/02/geneva-2010-2011-mazda5-gets-swoopy-in-switzerland/

 

[starlightmica]

More '11 pictures including interior shots here:

http://www.caradvice.com.au/58977/mazda5-unveiled-at-geneva/

 

[1WICKED6]

I honestly think I need to see it in a different color because that blue is not flattering for the 5.

 

[ljmattox]

I'm a fan of the new taillights...that's about the only styling of my 5 I'm not that keen about (I'll admit they're *very* visible in the current layout).

Would be nice to see one in black to see what that does to the "waves".

There's a (marketing?) video on YouTube showing one on the road, labeled as a 2010...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV5VdiHkW2Q

...where the side-waves disappear at times. And also, it looks like they staged a few shots to be sure they were emphasized (!).