All-New Mazda5

Prima Merdu, the importer of Mazda vehicles, and its exclusive distributor, Bermaz Motor, have certainly done a great job of boosting the brand’s profile in the Malaysian market in the relatively short time both parties have handled Mazda. While the range of models from Mazda has become even more exciting in recent years, the enthusiasm shown by its local partners has resulted in perhaps the widest ever Mazda line-up offered in Malaysia (and more than what’s available in many other countries).

Perhaps in recognition of such enthusiasm, Mazda has begun exports of the all-new Mazda5 MPV to Malaysia before many other markets. In fact, the model only got its global preview in Geneva in March this year and went on sale in Japan in the middle of the year. It’s quite a change from the days when new models took some time to reach showrooms here.

The new Mazda5 is described as a C-MAV (Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle) by Mazda but Malaysians would regard it as a MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) which is pretty much the same thing anyway. However, it’s a bit more stylish that the typical ‘MPV’ and has elements from the Nagare, one of a series of concept cars that served as the basis for the design language of production models over the past few years.

The flowing lines along the sides are a strong feature of the design language and these lend an intuitive sense of motion. It’s rare that such a styling feature is allowed to make it to a production model as it is imposes additional issues from the production engineering point of view (not to mention the difficulty a panel beater will face if he has to repair a damaged door!). It would seem that at Mazda, the designers have a rather strong voice and get many of their styling ideas into production models!

There are also other areas of the Mazda5 which have familiar styling cues, especially at the front where the ‘family face’ can be seen. Seven body colours have been specially selected to complement and enhance the styling to give a look of high quality and elegance. Incidentally, this model is probably the last one that will use the Nagare (which is the Japanese word for ‘flow’) design language as Mazda has already revealed that its next generation of models will use the new Kodo design language which was previewed in the Shinari concept car.
 

The new Mazda5 inherits the “6+One” packaging concept that earned praise in the previous generation. This concept provides for a central walk-through passageway to the third row of seats. When a seventh person needs to be accommodated, a hidden ‘karakuri’ seat in the middle row is available. This seat also incorporates a utility box for storing small items. The  karakuri seat has been made larger for the new Mazda5 and can accommodate a childseat (ISOFIX points are provided).

The independent second-row seats can be reclined up to 50 degrees, have 270 mm of forward-rear slide adjustment, and feature a double-folding mechanism that makes it easy to fold the seatbacks forward. The third-row seats adopt a 50:50 split design with seatbacks that can easily be folded forward. Wider front row seatbacks are provided to improve comfort and the floor height rises up a step in the second row and another in the third row to allow for a clearer view for occupants of the back two rows. Legroom is also said to be improved.

It’s not surprising that the cockpit area has a sporty look; after all, ‘Zoom-Zoom’ is a part of Mazda’s DNA and all its products reflect that zesty approach both stylistically and dynamically. The layout is driver-oriented with twin meters that look like they came from a sportscar and new character illumination improves legibility along with the ambient lighting. The shift lever sits on an extension from the centre of the dashboard and is within easy reach of the driver.

Electrically-operated sliding doors on both sides were a notable feature of the previous Mazda5 and these are present in the new model as well. They slide back smoothly and briskly with a large opening that makes entry and exit convenient.

The new Mazda5 is said to be designed to deliver a fresh new level of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ driving pleasure. To this end, the development team poured all its energy into every detail of performance, from powertrain to chassis. All aspects of driving, turning and stopping were reviewed and improved as a whole with sportiness in mind.

The upgraded MZR 2.0-litre engine employs Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) and an electronic throttle. It now produces 106 kW/144.2 bhp and 180 Nm of torque and revised control logic and optimised calibration are claimed to improve fuel economy and emissions control.

The 5-speed automatic transmission is equipped with an Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) function that has earned high acclaim on the RX-8 and MX-5. AAS features slope control which determines the grade of the road and automatically selects the optimum gear with which to traverse it. Also recognising winding roads and a variety of driving scenes, it selects the optimum shift point to deliver a linear and lively feel to the driving experience. An example is when the driver may be moving fast on twisty roads and brakes aggressively for corners – AAS initiates downshifts to enhance engine braking and also allow for a smoother and quicker exit.

 The chassis is similar in layout to the one before but it’s a sure bet that every single part has been reviewed to reduce weight or improve strength. The front suspension uses MacPherson struts while the rear has an E-type multi-link arrangement which takes into account the heavy rear end load that may be carried. Twin tube dampers are fitted and those at the rear have integrated rebound springs to give better handling stability.

The new Mazda5 is priced at RM154,155.50 (inclusive of RM4,135.90 of insurance premium, Peninsular Malaysia).

 

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