Mazda’s mini-minivan has been with us for a decade now, and following a major refresh in 2012, this three-row, six-seater with the sliding rear doors carries forward for 2016 with no changes.
The Mazda5’s tidy dimensions, clever packaging, alert handling and standard six-speed manual transmission make for an intriguing combination of utility and driving fun. As long as you’re not in too much of a hurry. The 157 hp, 163 lb-ft 2.5L four-cylinder engine works hard for its living, returning an official (and optimistic) 9.8 L/100 km combined with the manual transmission and 9.7 L/100 combined with the $1200 five-speed automatic.
Those who opt for the manual will find the stick that protrudes from the lower dash to have the patent Mazda short and positive throws. The driving position is good, the steering sharp and ergonomics good, although the plasticky dash is looking dated and lacks a modern interface – no screen so no back-up camera. Plenty of road noise makes its way into the cabin too. The sliding doors and rear hatch are finger-tip light to operate (great for the kids).
The 2016 Mazda5 starts at $21,995 for the GS model with 16-inch alloys, auto climate control, auto headlights, USB and 4-speaker audio. The $1200 Convenience Package adds Bluetooth, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise buttons, trip computer and alarm. Go for the 5-speed auto transmission and another option package becomes available - $1400 Moonroof Package with moonroof, back-up sensors, SiriusXM, six-speaker audio and side sill extensions. Heated front seats are not available with the GS.
Moving to the $26,795 GT nets everything in the Convenience and Moonroof packages plus 17-inch alloys, leather (black or sand), rear spoiler, heated front seats with lumbar, Xenon headlights with halogen fog lights.
With the GT, Mazda offers four very nice 17-inch wheel options (at just over $1000), giving young parents with an eye for style even more incentive to break from the herd and haul their progeny about in this “Nagare Flow” wedge with the wave-like scoops on its flanks. That said, the Mazda5 is an aging product that lacks modern connectivity, and is unpowered when loaded up with humans.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
