Mazda5. Cosmetic repairs / Mazda test drives

Mazda5. Price: from 606,000 RUB. On sale: since March 2008.

When updating the Mazda5 compact MPV, engineers followed the principle of "the best is the enemy of the good." No serious changes were needed — they limited themselves to cosmetics: tweaked the optics, bumpers, and changed the styling. Radical plastic surgery could have scared off loyal fans of the model.

The introduction to the facelifted Mazda5 took place in Sicily — the region is picturesque, but noticeably impoverished due to mafia feuds. Recently, by the way, the governor of Palermo was sentenced to five years for ties with organized crime. The consequences of the "octopus's" activities are visible everywhere: take, for instance, the bridge that never got a road leading to it — a true monument to corrupt officials.

Oddly enough, it was thanks to the mafia that the test took place in conditions very similar to our native ones. I mean the far-from-ideal road surface — cracks, potholes, and other defects. Just what you need to immediately understand what the Japanese van is capable of.

The first thing that catches your eye is the electric drive for the rear sliding doors. This noticeably simplifies getting in and out when the car is parked close to neighbors — a common situation in parking lots. A similar solution was used on the Peugeot 1007. From outside, just press a button on the key fob, and the door smoothly slides back, as if revealing a secret entrance. Another press — and the opening is closed. If the key fob isn't at hand, you can simply pull the handle: after four seconds, an opening 700 mm wide and 1083 mm high opens. Closing takes a second longer.

From the cabin, you can get out in two ways. The first is to pull the inner handle, but you'll have to apply considerable force: with a weak tug, the door will move a couple of centimeters and freeze in an uncertain position. The second way is to ask the driver, because to the right of the steering wheel there are two buttons for controlling the left and right doors. True, the electric drive is an option; frugal buyers can easily get by with manual operation.

The cabin impresses with its transformation thanks to the Karakuri system. For transporting large luggage, the rear seats fold flush with the floor. You can also arrange a four-seat configuration for long trips: the middle seat of the second row folds away under the left seat. Then, between the outer seats, a wide armrest is formed, convenient for placing toys, cups, or bottles. Plus, the car has 45 compartments for small items — a real paradise for a smuggler.

The base equipment now includes instruments with dark dials and white backlighting. The display showing the clock, audio system, and climate control readings has become larger. Driving the van with the two-liter gasoline MZR engine (146 hp) is almost no different from a sedan or hatchback. Except that body roll during sharp maneuvers is slightly more noticeable. That's where the differences end.

A funny incident happened after the test, when my colleague and I settled in the back, trusting our German driver. We were late for the airport and were going quite fast — the speedometer needle held at 180 km/h, but there was no fear. The Mazda5 remained comfortable and instilled confidence. As it turned out at the presentation, the new model became quieter than its predecessor: engine noise was reduced thanks to a multi-resonator on the intake, and road noise was reduced by increasing the rigidity of the alloy wheel rims.

Suddenly, we caught up with a truck with a very long tanker, which, as we approached, sharply veered left — the multi-ton colossus was clearly trying to push us off the road. We never understood what it was: either the mafia decided to deal with the Russian press, or the driver was simply distracted. Our driver had to brake hard — no more than half a meter remained to the shiny barrel. But he made it! The tanker, as if nothing had happened, returned to its lane, and we hurried to get away.

Already on the plane, studying the technical documents, I realized: we owe our salvation to the upgraded braking system. Even during emergency braking, the Mazda5 maintained stability and did not allow any doubt in its capabilities.

What costs what

The updated van is offered in four trim levels: Family, Touring, Touring Plus, and Active. There are two gasoline engines to choose from: 1.8 and 2 liters. Moreover, the version with the less powerful engine does not get an automatic transmission — it's only available with the two-liter unit. The base Mazda5 costs from 606,000 rubles. But for that money, there will be no air conditioning, roof rails, tables on the backs of the front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, or gear shift lever. The top Active trim with the two-liter engine and automatic transmission will cost 868,000 rubles, or about $36,000.

For comparison: the Renault Grand Scenic (2.0 L, automatic) — one of the main competitors — costs 824,700 rubles. And the Opel Zafira with automatic transmission and a 2.2-liter engine — 819,000 rubles. Demand for family cars is growing, and practically all manufacturers in this segment are seeing it.

Driving

The car pleases with good dynamics and precise obedience to the driver.

Interior

Practicality, ergonomics, convenience, and unique transformation capabilities — a solid five.

Comfort

The cabin has many details that increase the level of comfort.

Safety

Standard equipment includes front and side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, and an emergency braking assist system.

Price

The Mazda5 costs slightly more than its main competitors.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Excellent handling, exceptional interior transformation.
− High price relative to competitors.

Specifications

Make and model — Mazda5
Dimensions — 4505×1755×1520 mm
Engine — gasoline, inline, 4-cylinder, 1999 cm³, 146 hp/6500 rpm
Transmission — manual, 6-speed
Dynamics — max. 194 km/h; 10.2 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Opel Zafira, Renault Grand Scenic

Our opinion

The Mazda5 is not the main model of the Japanese brand: the focus there is on the "3" and the "6." However, the growing popularity of family vans will surely strengthen the position of this car. Compared to many competitors, the Mazda5 has a certain sporty character — and that's appealing.