Why dont they sell these here?

@Kid Red
Well said! The engine in the 5 is enough for what it needs. I would just love it fitted with a turbo to get a little quicker accelerations or at least to not have to downshift into 3rd to accelerate.

The VW 1.8T is notorious for that :). 180hp with close to 200lbs or torque. I miss that (lol).

But damn I want to blow out every hummer I come accross. Those should be forbidden on retail markets. At least the H3 is barely bigger than a regular SUV.

I kinda always take automotuve reviews with a grain of salt. I mean either they are sold to a particular brand or they are full or preconceived ideas.

Back on topic (hum, no, the new MPV).
Holy cow!!! What a nice van! I liked the 07, but this?
And the interior is bluuuuuuuuuuuuue !!! That i am also missing from my VW! Blue FTW! Green FTL!
This is good news for the next generation of 5 I think. I hope they go blue.

As for small vehicles not entering north american market (it's worse in US IMO). Well no manufacturer will enter a market if they wont sell. If there is some demand for a model, they'll come. If not, they will stick to more lucrative markets. I am also guessing some sort of "protectionnism" from american auto makers but if they keep on like that (Ford and GM), the same thing as what happend to Chrysler will happend to them.

But damn it's hard for american automakers to come with new ideas for interesting and small vehicles.
 
Found an article on the new MPV
http://www.autonet.ca/Autoshows/story.cfm?story=/Autoshows/Tokyo/2005/10/05/1249880.html"

Mazda will be unveiling an all-new MPV at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, along with the SENKU and MX-Crossport concept vehicles, the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept, the next-generation MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine and Advanced Driver-Support Technologies.

The all-new MPV was launched in Japan in February 2006, as part of its global rollout. Next up was Hong Kong, where it is named Mazda8 (a likely moniker for other markets, including North America, although Mazda has not yet committed to selling the vehicle here).

The new minivan features evolutionary styling inside and out and dynamic performance typical of Mazda's "zoom-zoom" DNA. The rigid new body structure ensures sporty handling without compromising a comfortable ride.

Power for the show vehicle was provided by the new direct-injection MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The combination is reputed to deliver high fuel-efficiency and low emissions, along with unminivan-like performance.

Thanks to direct injection and a turbocharger, the new engine achieves a high, flat torque curve and throttle response belying its relatively small 2.3-litre displacement. Mazda says it is comparable to a 3.5 to 4-litre V6 power plant, yet is the only turbo engine produced in Japan to meet SULEV (Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles) standards.

In addition to application in the new MPV, the new MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo will also be available in the Mazdaspeed6.

Mmmm:
the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept
Maybe a 5 will be available hybrid sooner or later :).

I also like this
Power for the show vehicle was provided by the new direct-injection MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The combination is reputed to deliver high fuel-efficiency and low emissions, along with unminivan-like performance.
I want this in my 5! (lol).
 

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