CD Article: 2007 Mazda5 GT

[johngenx]

My wife had never noticed the 5 before until we happen to be at a Mazda showroom a few weeks back.  She loved it and wished that Subaru would copy it exactly and add AWD and sell a mid-level equipped version for $24K or so.  I think her suggestion was brilliant.

Hhhm.  Impreza Sedan, Impreza hatch and Impreza "wagon/mini-mini-van?"  Geez, if Subaru brought in a little AWD Yaris competitor and added a three-way Impreza line-up, who would need anything else?

[Rolling]

A modestly sized turbo adjusted to provide a wide torque curve and a Haldex differential in the middle shouldn't be so hard to do. Mazda already offers MS3, MS6, and CX7 with turbos, and a number of Haldex based AWD offerings. Turbo fours can and do deliver better fuel economy than some V6s, albiet they tend to use premium gas and synthetic oil. But when you look at the 2.0T from VWAG getting 6.5L / 100km on the highway and having a torque curve flatter than Kansas, it's uplifting.

As to your other point, do you mean adding toys or adding individuality? The former I think of as "options", like Satnav, XM radio, multirow climate control, power liftgate...the latter I think of as somewhat more "accessories" type of thing, like roof diffusers, body kit, bike carrier, Thule / roof rack, aftermarket alloys....

I see the latter being possible and profitable for dealers...don't have to install at the factory which improves things.
[/quote]

That’s exactly what I’m talking about. If Mazda used the motor that’s in the MazdaSpeed (3&7) and tuned it a bit to deliver all that juicy torque down low ,and keep it flat as the VW’s, it could  probably be decreased in displacement(decrease the bore). That could strengthen the block, and with new technologies maybe they can make it run on regular gasoline, or get better fuel economy than the current turbo 4.

What I was suggesting for this fictional vehicle, could be an opportunity for Mazda. If Mazda were to build it, and it was:
-   Lower in base price than the current CX-7.
-   Maybe had a two liter 4 cylinder Turbo engine with the flat torque curve.
-   AWD, and still maintained the 2/2/2 seating.
-   5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION.
-   Came with enough standard options that satisfied most sports minded buyers.

That could be winner. What I meant by offering the customer a long list of optional equipment, was exactly what you listed. I would also like to see on the option list:
-Suspension components & wheel packages
- Engine & Transmission fluid coolers
-6 speed manual Transmission
- Locking center Differential
-Limited slip differential front and back.

I know I’m probably getting carried away, and a fully loaded MazdaSpeed 5 would than probably cost more than a base CX-7….But it’s just a dream right now anyways.

[quadzilla]

Actually Mazda only needs to make a 2L Turbo having around 200HP and 200TQ and it would work perfect in the Mz5 for those who want a little more.  Of course their 2L diesel would be even better.

[jww]

...
I know I’m probably getting carried away, and a fully loaded MazdaSpeed 5 would than probably cost more than a base CX-7….But it’s just a dream right now anyways.

It could be an interesting vehicle for sure - and I don't think as pricey as you might think.

[jww]

...  Of course their 2L diesel would be even better.

Now we're talking!

[Schmengie]

We test-drove a Mazda5 last week and might have bought one if it weren't for the way we were treated by the dealer, but that's a whole 'nother story. The car itself was very nice, beautifully designed and a much better driver than I expected. I liked the interior layout, especially up front, but the seats were a bit narrow and confining. I'm an average-sized male, so that was probably because of the aggressive bolsters - my wife found them quite uncomfortable.

There were a few details neither of us liked - the main one being the lack of three-across seating in the second row.  I know Mazda offers this feature in other markets and I'm not sure why it's not an option here, or why a full set of airbags is only standard in the GT. Add these features, lengthen the wheelbase by a couple of inches to make the back seats usable by actual people, give it at least 30 more horsepower and Mazda would have a perfect 5.

 Just a note to Mazda and the rest - can we PUH-LEEEEZ go back to a-la-carte options? The way options are packaged right now drives me NUTS!!  You can almost never get the options you want without buying a whole load of other crap.

[gottarondo]

Just a note to Mazda and the rest - can we PUH-LEEEEZ go back to a-la-carte options? The way options are packaged right now drives me NUTS!!  You can almost never get the options you want without buying a whole load of other crap.

Ain't THAT the truth.  It took us about 50 seconds to decide we wanted the Rondo, and 5 hours to decide which model to buy. 

And ditto on the seat bolsters in the Mazda 5; that was another aspect of the seating I didn't like.  I'm in and out of the car sometimes a dozen times per outing, and climbing over that bolster on every entry and egress was simply not on the menu.

[mmret]

That could be winner. What I meant by offering the customer a long list of optional equipment, was exactly what you listed. I would also like to see on the option list:
-Suspension components & wheel packages
- Engine & Transmission fluid coolers
-6 speed manual Transmission
- Locking center Differential
-Limited slip differential front and back.

I know I’m probably getting carried away, and a fully loaded MazdaSpeed 5 would than probably cost more than a base CX-7….But it’s just a dream right now anyways.

This could work, but in a smallish market like Canada you need to keep in mind that too many configurations could be counterproductive...too many possible permutations of factory only options might make it very difficult to find the config you want or force you into paying for featuers you don't want just to get ones you do.

"Option packages" do this in a way but on the other hand they allow standardization which should in theory lower production costs...

Dealer installable stuff doesn't suffer from this, of course, but the cost to the customer who wants it would probably be higher as its not amortized over all units sold, and you have to remove the old stuff, plus dealer not as economically efficent as factory assembly, etc....

In short, forget the LSD, be happy with a Haldex clutch.

EDIT: regarding the reducing displacement comment...whats the marginal tradeoff of bore vs. stroke? assuming same overall displacement..

[Schmengie]

In short, forget the LSD, be happy with a Haldex clutch.

Good advice. Nobody ever got flashbacks from using a Haldex.......

[quadzilla]

There were a few details neither of us liked - the main one being the lack of three-across seating in the second row.  I know Mazda offers this feature in other markets and I'm not sure why it's not an option here, or why a full set of airbags is only standard in the GT. Add these features, lengthen the wheelbase by a couple of inches to make the back seats usable by actual people, give it at least 30 more horsepower and Mazda would have a perfect 5.

They use to have that and it was called the MPV. Too bad they dropped it from our market.

[boytoys]

Been with a Mazda 5 community before it started shipping in Canada.  Love the styling and everything else. I changed from Odyssey, Element, to Mazda5 since Aug 1, 06 because of the new born.

We regularly have the baby (now 15 months) set in 2nd row, 8 year old seating at 3rd row, mom seating 2nd row or
mom seating next to driver or driving then 8 year old seating at 2nd row. Lots of grocery. can fit full size stroller.
Occasionally, for short commutes, we had 4 adults one 8 yr old, 1 yr old travelling without any issue.

The sliding door, lower step in height, are awesome compared to the Element that I had (which
Space is not an issue. I moved my entire store + inventory with this Mazda5 + 1 day rental of a Cargo Van.
I moved away from Odyssey for Element because of the bigger engine, weight and increasing fuel cost; the Element was perfect at the time when my 8 year old (then 6)... but when the baby comes, it had to be the 5.

15 months using the 5GT.
I have the following issues

- CEL on for what is believed to be gas cap pressure sensor (got reset) ; various mazda5 forum members all have similar issues
- I have a bubble/deformation on the  side wall of the Toyo stock.17" (terrible size to find reasonable replacement tires); personally i like the 16" better, comfortable and easier to find replacement tires.
- The silver alum-look trim in door/gearstick area are cheap and scratched easily..

My 06 GT does not have air vents for A/C to the back. I believe the 07 has this for GT. which is a plus otherwise it can get stuffy on hot days. My 06 GT doesn't have traction control either, i believe the 07 GT also has this.

Overall. I told my wife i like this Mazda5 after 16 months and i like to keep it. The only thing that may sway us will be how cheap the cars are in US nowadays..

[Schmengie]

There were a few details neither of us liked - the main one being the lack of three-across seating in the second row.  I know Mazda offers this feature in other markets and I'm not sure why it's not an option here, or why a full set of airbags is only standard in the GT. Add these features, lengthen the wheelbase by a couple of inches to make the back seats usable by actual people, give it at least 30 more horsepower and Mazda would have a perfect 5.

They use to have that and it was called the MPV. Too bad they dropped it from our market.

  The MPV was just about perfect as a people-mover IMHO. A lot smaller than the bloated 'minivans' sold by Chrysler, Honda, Toyota etc. but still large and versatile enough and much more economical. My feeling is Mazda dropped it because of the negative image associated with minivans. If Mazda were still selling the MPV, I don't think I would've even looked at the 5.

[stodge]

Been with a Mazda 5 community before it started shipping in Canada.  Love the styling and everything else. I changed from Odyssey, Element, to Mazda5 since Aug 1, 06 because of the new born.

We regularly have the baby (now 15 months) set in 2nd row, 8 year old seating at 3rd row, mom seating 2nd row or
mom seating next to driver or driving then 8 year old seating at 2nd row. Lots of grocery. can fit full size stroller.
Occasionally, for short commutes, we had 4 adults one 8 yr old, 1 yr old travelling without any issue.

The sliding door, lower step in height, are awesome compared to the Element that I had (which
Space is not an issue. I moved my entire store + inventory with this Mazda5 + 1 day rental of a Cargo Van.
I moved away from Odyssey for Element because of the bigger engine, weight and increasing fuel cost; the Element was perfect at the time when my 8 year old (then 6)... but when the baby comes, it had to be the 5.

15 months using the 5GT.
I have the following issues

- CEL on for what is believed to be gas cap pressure sensor (got reset) ; various mazda5 forum members all have similar issues
- I have a bubble/deformation on the  side wall of the Toyo stock.17" (terrible size to find reasonable replacement tires); personally i like the 16" better, comfortable and easier to find replacement tires.
- The silver alum-look trim in door/gearstick area are cheap and scratched easily..

My 06 GT does not have air vents for A/C to the back. I believe the 07 has this for GT. which is a plus otherwise it can get stuffy on hot days. My 06 GT doesn't have traction control either, i believe the 07 GT also has this.

Overall. I told my wife i like this Mazda5 after 16 months and i like to keep it. The only thing that may sway us will be how cheap the cars are in US nowadays..

What economy figures are you getting?

[safristi]

..3 Diaper loads per trip to GrandMas...................

[Thinking Out Loud]

There were a few details neither of us liked - the main one being the lack of three-across seating in the second row.  I know Mazda offers this feature in other markets and I'm not sure why it's not an option here, or why a full set of airbags is only standard in the GT. Add these features, lengthen the wheelbase by a couple of inches to make the back seats usable by actual people, give it at least 30 more horsepower and Mazda would have a perfect 5.

They use to have that and it was called the MPV. Too bad they dropped it from our market.

  The MPV was just about perfect as a people-mover IMHO. A lot smaller than the bloated 'minivans' sold by Chrysler, Honda, Toyota etc. but still large and versatile enough and much more economical. My feeling is Mazda dropped it because of the negative image associated with minivans. If Mazda were still selling the MPV, I don't think I would've even looked at the 5.

We have one of the last 2006 MPV GT's (bought in February 07).  It's a brilliant car and doesn't cast a shadow like the Hindenburg-like dimensions of the current supersized 'minivans'.   7 passengers and luggage in the footprint of a Mazda 6.

The next up for Mazda muti-passenger is the CX-9 at $40 large to start - yowza!  They've outright abandoned this market.  Glad I've got mine  !

[boytoys]

Been with a Mazda 5 community before it started shipping in Canada.  Love the styling and everything else. I changed from Odyssey, Element, to Mazda5 since Aug 1, 06 because of the new born.

We regularly have the baby (now 15 months) set in 2nd row, 8 year old seating at 3rd row, mom seating 2nd row or
mom seating next to driver or driving then 8 year old seating at 2nd row. Lots of grocery. can fit full size stroller.
Occasionally, for short commutes, we had 4 adults one 8 yr old, 1 yr old travelling without any issue.

The sliding door, lower step in height, are awesome compared to the Element that I had (which
Space is not an issue. I moved my entire store + inventory with this Mazda5 + 1 day rental of a Cargo Van.
I moved away from Odyssey for Element because of the bigger engine, weight and increasing fuel cost; the Element was perfect at the time when my 8 year old (then 6)... but when the baby comes, it had to be the 5.

15 months using the 5GT.
I have the following issues

- CEL on for what is believed to be gas cap pressure sensor (got reset) ; various mazda5 forum members all have similar issues
- I have a bubble/deformation on the  side wall of the Toyo stock.17" (terrible size to find reasonable replacement tires); personally i like the 16" better, comfortable and easier to find replacement tires.
- The silver alum-look trim in door/gearstick area are cheap and scratched easily..

My 06 GT does not have air vents for A/C to the back. I believe the 07 has this for GT. which is a plus otherwise it can get stuffy on hot days. My 06 GT doesn't have traction control either, i believe the 07 GT also has this.

Overall. I told my wife i like this Mazda5 after 16 months and i like to keep it. The only thing that may sway us will be how cheap the cars are in US nowadays..

What economy figures are you getting?

Full tank ,believed to be 60L. Filled once to 56L and travelled mixed HWY/City 450Km.. city driving 400 is easily achievable.

[stodge]

So 12.4L/100km for the 56L in the city? For a 4cyl that's not very appealing.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Can't be right, can it? You in stop and go all the time Boytoys? Most reviews of the 5 I've read report something between 9 - 10L/100kms overall.

Have to check the tank size as I don't think it's that large. EDIT: Checked and it is 60L. When you give the mileage you get per tank are you on emply or 1/4 or??? Re-reading your statement leads me to think you travelled 450 and put in 56L to top up which is the way I normally would relate it as well, hmmmm 

I would have thought it much better. Still better than most SUVs or minivans, but always hope for more.

[soj]

...  Of course their 2L diesel would be even better.

Now we're talking!

That's what this vehicle needs alright, 44.9 mpg combined HW/City according to the UK site, no automatic though.  As it stands, the Sienna does almost as well on the fuel economy front and carries a lot more.

[jww]

...  Of course their 2L diesel would be even better.

Now we're talking!

That's what this vehicle needs alright, 44.9 mpg combined HW/City according to the UK site, no automatic though. 

One could easily be fitted for NA consumption - although I wouldn't buy it - a good strong diesel always wants to be mated with a solid stick.