Mazda5 2.0 (A) Review
28 Feb 2014|53,495 views
15 years ago, in 1999, the Mazda Premacy was introduced and it wasn't until in 2005 when the second generation Premacy was rebadged as the Mazda5.
Five years later, the third generation Mazda5 debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with revised styling based on Mazda's 'Nagare' design language.
For the 2014 model year, just like the rest of the other models such as the new Biante, the Mazda5 receives a SkyActiv update.
Up close and Personal
Standing at 4,585mm by 1,750mm by 1,615mm (L x W x H), the Mazda5 is the smallest in Mazda's lineup of MPVs, as compared to the bigger Biante and Mazda8.
The Mazda5 wears the company's short-lived 'Nagare' styling theme, which has since been overtaken by the 'KODO: Soul Of Motion' concept on newer models instead.
These sleek 'Nagare' surfaces had much promise, such as the intersecting creases and triple flow swirls on the door panels, but were spoiled (for some of us) by awkward fenders and grinning grilles.
The cabin of the Mazda5 sports a sleek, simple and modern dash layout, with the exception of a centre console that is heavily packed with buttons.
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However, this is a small quibble considering the fact that these controls are easy to reach and use, allowing the driver feel at ease behind the wheel.
Practicality, being one of the most important aspects in a people mover, is also a key characteristic in the Mazda5. The second row slides independently and Mazda's innovative Karakuri technology allows the middle seat to be folded to make a handy walkway through to the last row.
Should you decide to have more storage space, the third row can be folded for a bigger 426 litres of cargo capacity. Loading and unloading can also be done with much convenience with its low boot sill.
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The Drive
On the go, the new 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine paired with the smooth-shifting SkyActiv-Drive six-speed transmission encourages the driver to keep making progress.
Reaching 100km/h from standstill in 11.4 seconds, no one will ever accuse this MPV of being quick, but at least the transmission features well-chosen ratios, giving the car decent acceleration.
This results in sufficient punch for hustling the Mazda5 even with a loaded cabin.
Like most modern cars, the Mazda5 is equipped with stop/start technology in the form of Mazda's i-Stop, which shuts down the engine when at a stop to improve efficiency. And this helps the Mazda5 to be wallet-friendly at the pumps, returning a decent fuel economy figure of 11km/L from a day of hard driving.
Throw the people carrier around the bends and you will be in for a surprise. The well-weighted electro-hydraulic steering is sharp and handling is pretty nifty. As family vehicles go, the Mazda5 is unusually fun to drive.
Bumps and ruts on the road are absorbed very well by the suspension and coupled with a well-insulated cabin free from road and wind noise, the ride in the Mazda5 is indeed a comfortable one.
Conclusion
The updated drivetrain helps the Mazda5 combine all the space of an MPV with the nimble driving feel of a small hatchback.
Furthermore, it is a very sensible people carrier, with smartly designed flexible folding seating that has multiple possible arrangements.
These traits arguably make the Mazda5 a more exciting option than some of its competitors that most small families are likely to choose.
15 years ago, in 1999, the Mazda Premacy was introduced and it wasn't until in 2005 when the second generation Premacy was rebadged as the Mazda5.
Five years later, the third generation Mazda5 debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with revised styling based on Mazda's 'Nagare' design language.
For the 2014 model year, just like the rest of the other models such as the new Biante, the Mazda5 receives a SkyActiv update.
Up close and Personal
Standing at 4,585mm by 1,750mm by 1,615mm (L x W x H), the Mazda5 is the smallest in Mazda's lineup of MPVs, as compared to the bigger Biante and Mazda8.
The Mazda5 wears the company's short-lived 'Nagare' styling theme, which has since been overtaken by the 'KODO: Soul Of Motion' concept on newer models instead.
These sleek 'Nagare' surfaces had much promise, such as the intersecting creases and triple flow swirls on the door panels, but were spoiled (for some of us) by awkward fenders and grinning grilles.
The cabin of the Mazda5 sports a sleek, simple and modern dash layout, with the exception of a centre console that is heavily packed with buttons.
However, this is a small quibble considering the fact that these controls are easy to reach and use, allowing the driver feel at ease behind the wheel.
Practicality, being one of the most important aspects in a people mover, is also a key characteristic in the Mazda5. The second row slides independently and Mazda's innovative Karakuri technology allows the middle seat to be folded to make a handy walkway through to the last row.
Should you decide to have more storage space, the third row can be folded for a bigger 426 litres of cargo capacity. Loading and unloading can also be done with much convenience with its low boot sill.
The Drive
On the go, the new 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine paired with the smooth-shifting SkyActiv-Drive six-speed transmission encourages the driver to keep making progress.
Reaching 100km/h from standstill in 11.4 seconds, no one will ever accuse this MPV of being quick, but at least the transmission features well-chosen ratios, giving the car decent acceleration.
This results in sufficient punch for hustling the Mazda5 even with a loaded cabin.
Like most modern cars, the Mazda5 is equipped with stop/start technology in the form of Mazda's i-Stop, which shuts down the engine when at a stop to improve efficiency. And this helps the Mazda5 to be wallet-friendly at the pumps, returning a decent fuel economy figure of 11km/L from a day of hard driving.
Throw the people carrier around the bends and you will be in for a surprise. The well-weighted electro-hydraulic steering is sharp and handling is pretty nifty. As family vehicles go, the Mazda5 is unusually fun to drive.
On the go, the new 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine paired with the smooth-shifting SkyActiv-Drive six-speed transmission encourages the driver to keep making progress.
Reaching 100km/h from standstill in 11.4 seconds, no one will ever accuse this MPV of being quick, but at least the transmission features well-chosen ratios, giving the car decent acceleration.
This results in sufficient punch for hustling the Mazda5 even with a loaded cabin.
Like most modern cars, the Mazda5 is equipped with stop/start technology in the form of Mazda's i-Stop, which shuts down the engine when at a stop to improve efficiency. And this helps the Mazda5 to be wallet-friendly at the pumps, returning a decent fuel economy figure of 11km/L from a day of hard driving.
Throw the people carrier around the bends and you will be in for a surprise. The well-weighted electro-hydraulic steering is sharp and handling is pretty nifty. As family vehicles go, the Mazda5 is unusually fun to drive.
Bumps and ruts on the road are absorbed very well by the suspension and coupled with a well-insulated cabin free from road and wind noise, the ride in the Mazda5 is indeed a comfortable one.
Conclusion
The updated drivetrain helps the Mazda5 combine all the space of an MPV with the nimble driving feel of a small hatchback.
Furthermore, it is a very sensible people carrier, with smartly designed flexible folding seating that has multiple possible arrangements.
These traits arguably make the Mazda5 a more exciting option than some of its competitors that most small families are likely to choose.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Mazda 5 2.0 Standard (A)
CAT B|Petrol|15.1km/L
Horsepower
111kW (149 bhp)
Torque
190 Nm
Acceleration
11.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mazda 5
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