What would you advice to designers for 2010 american Model?

[jasma1]

I'm just curious to seek for comments about what you would like improved on future american models of Mazda 5?

Personnally, I would like a few things:

1- The AWD option;
2- The backup camera;
3- Fully automatic sliding doors;
4- Better desing of the back lights.. If you are to put LEDs on parking lights... why not doing it for the flashers and reverse??? Instead of these "square boxes"??
5- Any other things??

Guys... If we answer enough of the same things, maybe a couple of Mazda 5 designers will take it into consideration!

 

[coolmazda5]

Many of the things you mention are already available in their home market and Europe, but the problem is price, not a bad design. Here in the US (and Canada to some degree) the market will not like to pay top dollar for them.

I'm sure the designers are already sold on the idea, but the Mazda guys who look after the profit for each market tell them to make them as affordable as possible so they can sell well.

Also, in light of the economy, I might see a redesign on 2011, not 2010.

My 2 cents

 

[mountjonas]

better gas mileage would do it for me.

 

[NCZ13]

you cant just slap on a awd drivetrain. The 5 i believe is sitting on the 3 chassis, so alot of R&D would have to go into strengthening the chassis for an awd setup. Not to mention developing an AWD drivetrain for the car. It could be an option on the redesign, if there is one, but dont expect it to just happen in the yearly refreshening.

 

[coolmazda5]

yes, it is sitting on the same Mazda3 platform (one of the reasons for buying mine), but they have offered 4WD since the 2nd generation came (only in Japan and only for the 2.0L engine though, over there is called Premacy) so I guess R&D is something less to worry about

I don't know, but I still think price and maybe production limitations are the main showstopper to ship all the good stuff abroad...


Active torque control coupling 4WD system
Mazda Motor Corporation has added a four-wheel drive (4WD) version of its popular Premacy compact minivan to its model lineup in Japan. Sales of the new 4WD Premacy commence on August 1,2005 at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealers throughout Japan.

The addition of a new 4WD model marks a new milestone for the sought-after minivan. Premacy has been lauded as the first minivan that delivers the dynamic driving performance embodying Mazda's Zoom-Zoom heritage with the versatility of the "6+One" packaging concept. The 4WD model has superb active safety performance as a special feature, adding greater depth to the Premacy model lineup. The 4WD version is available for all Premacy models equipped with 2.0-liter MZR engine. This includes special needs vehicles such as the model equipped with a retractable-lift passenger seat, designed for people with physical challenges.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/2050801.003/mazda-premacy-mazda-5-with-four-wheel-drive

 

[NCZ13]

interesting. But there still remains that point that you brought up, the price increase.

either import more 5's with the 4wd system, or build them here. I dont know where exactly the 5s or built here, or imported (or both) but either way it will be reflected in the overall cost of the vehicle.

 

[coolmazda5]

Yup, the Mazda5/Premacy is only built in Japan for all Global Markets and in China for the Chinese one and yeah, as for other Mazda models, there are some features purely JDM, no other market offers them.

I also believe AWD would sell well in places like Europe where they are willing to pay more $$ for a Mazda (i.e. UK) but who knows...

On the other side, it is interesting to see the 2008+2009 model vs. the 2006/2007 for the US. Many gripes were addressed (i.e. 2nd row A/C, front passenger seat armrest)

 

[jasma1]

Guys, I appreciate all of your comments!

The reason why the AWD would be nice, is that this vehicle is sooo low from the ground, that whenever there is a bit of snow, it just "snow plows" all of it with the front bumper...

As a matter of fact, when I installed my HID fog lights in January 08, I had to put the van on ramps and got the plastic cover (underneath the engine) out, and found that 1: it was cracked because of snow and 2: it was FULL of snow and Ice. The AWD would also maybe put the vehicle a few inches higher, that might help avoiding scratching the bottom part of the bumper..

But coolmazda, you're right, alot of minor additions where made to the 08-09 model. I'm still anxious to see the next generation in 2011 or so..

 

[driver]

Mazda should have added the new 2.5 liter in the 2009.

 

[coolmazda5]

Mazda should have added the new 2.5 liter in the 2009.

It it were bolt-on maybe, but they needed to put it in their top sellers 1st (Mazda6 and Mazda3), then the Mazda5 (low volume sales)

 

[king57721]

....

1- The AWD option;
2- The backup camera;
3- Fully automatic sliding doors;
4- Better desing of the back lights.. If you are to put LEDs on parking lights... why not doing it for the flashers and reverse??? Instead of these "square boxes"??
5- Any other things??

....

1. I like the AWD option if we can get it with MT and more rear wheel drive bias. Mazda is selling Mazda5 AWD in Japen for at least 2 years already, but only with the 2.0 DISI engine and AT.

2. Optional will be fine but why I want to paid the dealer 2k to get the factory unit, when I can get a much better after market complete system for the same price. (dunno)

3. Optional will be fine but don't want it to be standard, it will add to much weight and drive up the MSRP.

4. No Comment.

5. Mazda version of Ford Ecoboost 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque 2.0 4 cylinder --- STANDARD!! Eat My Dust Honda SI!! (drive2)

6. Better rear venting system, more powerful A/C!!! The 2nd & 3rd rows are freaking hot during the summer. (rant)

7. Use a different supplier for the A/C compressor, my first one went out @ 10k miles and the new one is making noise after 25k miles. :wtf:

8. Hide the tracks of the rear sliding doors better... it just don't look good when it is right in the middle of the qtr. panels...

9. Share more with Mazda3 and work closer with Cosworth Engineering, so we can use the performance parts from both. (cool)

10. KEEP THE MAZDA5 SAME AS THE REST OF THE WORLD, DON'T MAKE IT "FOR NORTH AMERICA MARKET ONLY VERSION". (hand) Not everyone here are fat ass and want a bigger car.

 

[Katner]

1. I like the AWD option if we can get it with MT and more rear wheel drive bias. Mazda is selling Mazda5 AWD in Japen for at least 2 years already, but only with the 2.0 DISI engine and AT.

2. Optional will be fine but why I want to paid the dealer 2k to get the factory unit, when I can get a much better after market complete system for the same price. (dunno)

3. Optional will be fine but don't want it to be standard, it will add to much weight and drive up the MSRP.

4. No Comment.

5. Mazda version of Ford Ecoboost 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque 2.0 4 cylinder --- STANDARD!! Eat My Dust Honda SI!! (drive2)

6. Better rear venting system, more powerful A/C!!! The 2nd & 3rd rows are freaking hot during the summer. (rant)

7. Use a different supplier for the A/C compressor, my first one went out @ 10k miles and the new one is making noise after 25k miles. :wtf:

8. Hide the tracks of the rear sliding doors better... it just don't look good when it is right in the middle of the qtr. panels...

9. Share more with Mazda3 and work closer with Cosworth Engineering, so we can use the performance parts from both. (cool)

10. KEEP THE MAZDA5 SAME AS THE REST OF THE WORLD, DON'T MAKE IT "FOR NORTH AMERICA MARKET ONLY VERSION". (hand) Not everyone here are fat ass and want a bigger car.

1. Although AWD would be nice to keep price down (and weight) in N. American markets I personally don't think its needed for all the reasons mentioned. And I'm in Canada. Get a nice pair of winters and you're set. Besides, although AWD makes launches better, acceleration from the middle of the power-band just gets worse, and this car is already slow. And a RWD bias seems out of the question for a car like this.

5. BOOST would be SWEEEEEET. Whether it's ECOBOOST or a tamed version of the Speed3's engine. Just give me more torque.

6. Amen to that. And actually add rear HEAT!

10. SOOOOO agree with you! The car MUST stay small. And if they can make it lighter that's even better, and give me a suspension that can handle the weight of this car!

And I would add,

-Stability control (I think this one is a given especially since Canadian markets will demand it by law for this upcoming generation of cars).

-Implement the design language of the current Mazda6. I think this is a given as well.

 

[king57721]

.... "The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology. "....

I think the EcoBoost is based on Mazdaspeed engines design... It has the same two major features... Turbocharge adn Direct Injection. (2thumbs) I don't think Ford will be still that stupid to waste millions of dollars to R&D the same thing.

I believe that's even better... If people make parts for EcoBoost, we can use it on Mazda too! This is a very good thing. (drinks)

BTW, I think this thread should be under "5 Lounge + Welcome area" not "5 Appearance", can someone please move it please? Thank you.

 

[rodslinger]

I'd install a standard limited slip differential. Way too easy to spin the inside tire coming off a turn. This thing is more topheavy than a 3 and easily unloads the front inside tire when trying to get going.

And put the damn roof rails on our models!!!!!!!

 

[skyhawk]

Eco-boost. Isn't that what's in CX-7 already? DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) and Turbo charged?

I read somewhere that DISI is mazda's answer to prius i.e. engine fully shutdown
when in idle stop.

http://www.autounleashed.com/pr-section/mazda-kiyora-concept-car-the-eco-friendly-city-car.html

"In stop and go urban traffic conditions, Mazda’s newly developed Smart Idle Stop System (SISS) would save fuel by automatically shutting down the engine when the vehicle is stationary, and achieves a quick and quiet restart for stress free driving. The system injects a small amount of fuel directly into the engine’s cylinders and ignites it to generate downward piston force which, with the aid of an electric motor, rapidly returns the engine to idle speed
"

 

[king57721]

I hate prius... that piece of shxt is not green at all...

Just think about the extra energy it used to made the hybrid system, and extra pollutions it made during the production of the battery...