Price: From R249 000
Much like your average rebellious teenager, the motor industry never ever tires of labels. And, in the case of the automotive game, its propeller heads are constantly coming up with new ones. For instance, Mazda calls this car a "compact multi-activity vehicle" -“ or a C-MAV for short. We don’t really give a toss; we reckon it’s a wonderful little MPV, which is both terrific to drive and own. Seating up to seven and boasting really clever sliding doors on both sides, the Mazda5 is a well built and cleverly designed family-focused people mover.
The Mazda5 has undergone a facelift for 2008, as well as an engine upgrade and a new six-speed transmission. A new base level derivative has been added to the line-up while power sliding doors are now available on the flagship model.The new entry-level Mazda5 is the 2,0 Original. Standard features on this model include 15-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, manual air conditioning, front power windows and radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and auxiliary jack.
The Mazda2 Active features 17-inch alloys, front and rear power windows, audio controls on the steering wheel, driver lumbar support, global closing and folding tray tables.
The top-of-the-range Mazda5 2,0 Individual boasts extra standard features such as cruise control, electric sliding doors, leather interior, 6CD changer, automatic air conditioner and a Sport Appearance Package. The Sport Appearance Package includes an updated grille design, body colour roof spoiler, sporty front bumper, rear air dam skirt, side spoiler and pointed front fog lamp housings for a more aggressive road presence. Safety is further enhanced thanks to the addition of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control.
The facelift is most apparent in the reshaped grille with honeycomb mesh, a redesigned front bumper and a sporty underspoiler. The new Mazda5 also has revised headlight units that freshen up the car’s looks.
The 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol engine from the MZR-series develops 107kW at 6 000 r/min and 185 N.m of torque at 4 500 r/min. This powerplant now has an electronic throttle, as well as Sequential Electronic Multi-Point fuel supply with Variable Valve Timing (V-VT), which makes maximum torque available at lower engine speeds.
The steering is enhanced by a precise and responsive rack-and-pinion setup that integrates variable ratio electro-hydraulic power assistance to make low speed manoeuvres less of a chore, but still giving some decent feedback when pressing on. The suspension is more sports car than MPV being a fully independent setup, while the fitment of front and rear anti-roll bars makes the Mazda5 a nimble-handling proposition compared to most other vehicles of its ilk.
Safety equipment includes ABD with EBA and dual front airbags complimented by curtain and side airbags. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control is offered as standard on the Individual model.
Mazda makes a big song and dance about this vehicle’s “6+one” seating configuration courtesy of a i seventh seat that folds up between the two rearmost seats. In truth, this additional perch is rather narrow so that seventh passenger had better be slight of frame to make good use of it.
Prices:
Mazda5 2,0 Original R 206 990
Mazda5 2,0 Active R 216 990
Mazda5 2,0 Individual R 246 990
The Mazda5 comes with a four-year/120 000 km warranty, five-year/90 000 km service plan and three-year roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
