The 2014 Mazda 5 offers the flexibility, space, and versatility of a minivan, but with the personality of a sporty small car, it’s a lot more enjoyable for the commute.
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
The 5 was given a full redesign just two years ago that helped it step a bit further away from convention and look a little more light, lean, and dashing. For it, Mazda took what were some already great proportions and infused them with some of the brand’s ‘Nagare’ design cues–ones that have since come and gone in favor of a more aggressive ‘Kodo’ language that now describes the CX-5, Mazda 6 and Mazda 3.
That said, there’s only so much you can do to escape the inherent boxiness. From a few paces back, the Mazda 5 still looks like a well-designed 7/8-scale minivan—one that might park and maneuver a little easier, too (as it does). It is a little more exciting to look at than other minivans, especially from the side. The flow of surfaces and creases down the fenders generates some visual drama, and the long taillights have gone horizontal, all in the name of lowering the van’s profile, making it seem more like carlike. The stance alone helps the Mazda 5 pull off some of those details in a way no larger minivan could.
 |  |  |
With underpinnings based on the former Mazda 3 compact sedan and hatchback, the Mazda 5 offers handling that’s more athletic than any other minivan. But acceleration is among the slowest.
The only engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 157 horsepower, and it’s teamed up to the front wheels through either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. No one would ever accuse this minivan of being quick, but at least the transmissions have well-chosen ratios, giving the 5 decent acceleration. The automatic has a manual-control mode, but the six-speed still has a more energetic, direct feel. Either way, there’s really no point in revving the engine into its noisy upper reaches.
By the way, you’ll want to weigh the need for options with the transmission you want, because the six-speed manual is only offered on the base Sport model, while the other models have the automatic standard.
In any case, the Mazda5 is a joy to drive, with top-notch steering and a nimble, athletic feel–especially brought out when the road turns curvy. The quick-ratio electro-hydraulic power steering is weighted about perfectly, and it feels natural and confident whether you’re cruising on the highway or taking on the tight esses of a mountain road. Ride quality is surprisingly good, given the taut suspension tuning, while body control is in check and four-wheel disc brakes provide strong stopping power without the dramatic nosedive of other people-movers.
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
The Mazda 5 is a tall, sliding-door wagon, but it sure doesn’t feel like it. Size-wise, it’s a 7/8-scale minivan; there aren’t a lot of frills, and there are no power rear hatches or power folding seats; from the driver’s seat, you might think you’re in a nimble small car, yet there are convenient sliding side doors and oodles of easily reconfigurable interior space. Mazda has managed to fit seating for six—three usable rows—in a vehicle that’s shorter than a typical mid-size sedan. The front seats are a little skimpy, but the buckets in the second row have enough space for adults to be comfortable. The third-row split bench works in a pinch for smaller kids–and folds away to create big cargo-carrying capacity. The two most significant letdowns of the Mazda 5’s interior are its drab, hard-and-hollow plastic trim for the dash and door panels, and the seemingly ever-present din of road noise.
In top-of-the-line Grand Touring form, the Mazda 5 also comes with a power moonroof, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, xenon HID headlamps, heated front seats, and Sirius satellite radio (a standalone option, too), all for around $25,000. But it’s the more basic Sport models that stand out to us; that’s where the 2014 Mazda 5 offers loads of value and space–more than any other minivan or crossover, really. For around $20k, you get power locks, windows, and mirrors; automatic climate control; an AM/FM/CD player with an auxiliary jack; a USB port; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel; cruise control; keyless entry; and steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls. Rear parking sensors also are standard, as well as Bluetooth with audio streaming, on mid-range Touring models.
Images: Mazda Cars
0 Response to "2014 Mazda MAZDA5"
Post a Comment