Introduction
Now in its third generation, Mazda's MAZDA5 is a small front-wheel-drive minivan that underwent an all-new design for the 2012 model year. The 2013 model carries over, but with a few added features. In its American iteration, the MAZDA5 has three rows of two seats each, and Mazda says it is exceptionally maneuverable for a minivan. The MAZDA5 is known for a sportier suspension than many vans, and for its tight steering. It shares a platform with the Ford C-Max. The Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna are other competitors. The MAZDA5 is available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The base trim, Sport, features 16-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry; the Touring trim upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels. All-season radial tires are standard.
Exterior Features
The Touring trim of the MAZDA5 adds fog lights, rear spoiler, rear parking sensors (newly standard for 2013), and the Grand Touring trim adds a sunroof and satellite radio (both optional on the Touring), automatic xenon headlights, heated mirrors, and automatic wipers. The MAZDA5 is offered in White, Silver, Dark Grey, Black, Powder Blue and Dark Red. Mirrors and front and rear bumpers are body-colored. Maximum payload is 1,228 lbs.
Interior Features
Standard on the Sport model are automatic climate control, cruise control, 6-speaker sound system, and power accessories. The Touring trim comes with Bluetooth connectivity and a trip computer, and adds leather wrapping to the steering wheel. The Grand Touring trim includes a sunroof and an upgraded sound system (including satellite radio), which are both optional on the Touring. The Grand Touring also offers leather upholstery,(including heated front seats with adjustable lumbar support, and includes more power adjustments. Carpet floor mats are standard. With all seats up, there's 5.5 cu. ft. of cargo space in the rear; with third-row seats folded, cargo capacity is 44.4 cu. ft., and by folding the second row, the total cargo space can be increased to 97.7 cu. ft.
Optional Features
Options include remote ignition, Compass auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink, premium paint color, interior cargo cover, all-weather floor mats, rear bumper guard, wheel locks, and cargo net. Many of the standard features of the upper trim levels are available as options on the lower trims.
Under the Hood
The standard power plant is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 157 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. of torque. The Sport has a 6-speed manual transmission and the Touring and Grand Touring have a 5-speed automatic transmission. The automatic gearbox is optional on the Sport trim.
Fuel Economy
Fuel-economy figures for the 2013 MAZDA5 are 21/28/24 mpg (city/highway/combined) with manual transmission and 22/28/24 with automatic transmission as rated by the EPA.
Safety
Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, front impact airbags, side impact airbags, overhead airbags, seat belt pretensioners, a security system with an ignition disable device. Safety ratings for the 2013 MAZDA5 have not been published.
Technology
As part of its efforts to reduce vehicle weight, Mazda has developed a plastic molding technology that enables a substantial reduction in the weight of plastic parts used in vehicles. This plastic molding manufacturing technique cuts the consumption of plastic resins that are used as raw material by up to 30 percent, with associated reductions in vehicle weight. With this proprietary technology, substantially less material is needed to manufacture plastic parts that are lighter and have equal or greater strength and rigidity characteristics compared to conventional, non-foamed parts.
