Pricing will be critical - the Mazda5 is not selling as well as it did, undercut by the improved GC CVP and perhaps the "Nagare" styling is not helping either...
Personally, I still really like the Mazda5 (though I agree the new Nagare-styled one is not as nice as the previous model). But Mazda had some good incentives on them a while ago - 3000 or 3500 off a 2012 cash purchase, IIRC. I think part of the appeal for me would be to drive a M/T minivan...and people think their Ferrari is rare and exclusive!
Really liked a Mazda5 as a rental in San Diego in 2008, other than the lack of power. But when I told my wife I was considering a 2012 model she nearly flipped out - "Why would you buy a "minivan? It's so ugly, etc. etc." This coming from the person who thinks the Holy Grail of Automotive design is the 1998 Honda Civic CX hatchabck...
Anyway, good for Ford for bringing out this van. That's a lot of people-movers in their lineup - but I hope it doesn't mean the imminent demise of the Flex.