2010 Mazda5 at Geneva review and pictures

Mazda5 at Geneva review:

All-New Mazda5

The Eye-catching, Eco-Friendly C-MAV with 7-Seat Functionality – World Premiere

The next generation of Mazda’s compact people-carrier, Mazda5, takes centre stage at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. It replaces a successful model that has been popular with families looking for 7-seat functionality in a sporty and safe package. Since launch in 2005, Mazda5 has found 470,153 owners worldwide, 168,107 of them in Europe (as of December 2009). It has also won 37 automotive awards and has consistently been voted one of Europe’s most reliable and safe small vans.

The all-new Mazda5 carries forth this tradition with family-friendly attributes and a new design that includes “Nagare Flow” elements. This design is optimally balanced with superb aerodynamics. There are also practical dual sliding rear doors and easy step-in access, more comfortable seats and instruments that are easier to use. For added convenience, power-sliding rear doors are available (according to version and country).

Compared to the original model, the all-new Mazda5 is easier on the pocketbook too. Its engine line-up has been renewed and now includes an eco-friendly 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine with the Mazda i-stop system, evolved especially for this vehicle. This version delivers an approximately 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2.0-litre petrol it replaces. It also features a 1.8-litre petrol engine, now with six-speed manual gearbox, and an economical diesel engine. Combined with one of the segment’s lowest coefficients of drag (Cd: 0.30), the all-new Mazda5 uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions than ever before. Yet, despite this frugal nature, it is fun and predictable to drive with a stiffer body and suspension updates contributing to a linear driving feel. These features – and a host of new options – make the all-new Mazda5 even more appealing and even better at meeting the needs of families with active lifestyles.

At a Glance

Design – Dynamic, Elegant and Emotionally Appealing

First-ever full application of the “Nagare Flow” design language in a Mazda production car, for a dynamic and elegant look

Exterior design optimized for excellent aerodynamic performance and a quieter ride (Cd: 0.30)

Unique Mazda family face with five-point grille makes it immediately distinguishable as a Mazda, and lends it a dynamic and sporty expression unique to this segment

The headlamp and rear lamp design underscores its strong appearance and gives it a high quality look

A powerful line made by the prominent rear fenders gives the back of the vehicle a wider, more stable look

Extended rear quarter and rear window glass panels completely cover the D-pillar to emphasize the fresh, flowing design of the all-new Mazda5

Nagare design also inspired new designs for the instrument panel, seat and trim to create a driver-oriented cockpit that is both sportier in appearance and highly functional

Packaging and Craftsmanship – Rational and Easy to Use

7-seat Karakuri-Functionality for maximized flexibility in the second and third rows

Widened seatbacks and other refinements to the front seats improve comfort

The front section of the driver seat’s centre armrest is widened from 35 mm to 50 mm for better support of the driver’s arm

The front of the seat cushion for the second row centre seat is now 50 mm thicker for improved comfort in the back row

When equipped with power-sliding doors, a new touch sensor strip system detects obstructions

and reverses the direction of the doors

The information display indicating air-conditioning, audio and trip computer is positioned higher than on the previous model to reduce the amount of eye movement required to view it while driving

The audio system now includes FIX-EQ function that improves sound quality*

Updated Bluetooth® Audio Profile with hands-free phone system now has dedicated steering wheel switches for easier call and phonebook control*

Driving dynamics – Comfort and a Smooth, Linear Driving Feel


The direct-injection MZR 2.0-litre petrol engine with i-stop adds a new gear shift indicator for smooth eco-driving support and good output (111 kW/150 PS at 6,000 rpm) and torque (191 Nm of torque 4,500 rpm)

The petrol line-up features a 1.8-litre engine newly coupled to a six speed manual transmission that produces 85 kW/115 PS at 6,000 rpm and 165 Nm of torque 4,000 rpm

Rubber couplings added to the steering shaft lend a smoother, more linear feel to steering operations

Improved local rigidity on selected parts add a more linear steering feel for even more handling predictability

Increased spring rates and lighter, yet highly effective stabilizers improve straight-line stability at motorway speeds and ensure more linear body roll

One of the segment’s lowest drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.30 and improved lift balance realizes greater straight-line stability when driving at highway speeds

Noise insulation measures reduce wind noise

Acceleration, steering wheel feel and other attributes fine-tuned for precision and a smooth ride

Highly Competitive Environmental Performance, with CO2 Emissions reduced by 15 percent


The new MZR 2.0 DISI engine has optimized i-stop control logic, which increases the number of times the engine stops for a better real-world fuel efficiency

The MZR 2.0 DISI engine uses only 6.9 litres of fuel (159 g/km CO2 emissions combined) per 100 km

The MZR 1.8 engine uses only 7.2 litres of fuel (168 g/km CO2 emissions combined ) per 100 km

The gasoline engines have a single-nano technology catalyst for excellent long-term exhaust treatment performance and greatly reduced use of precious metals

For the MZR 2.0 DISI engine, the six-speed manual transmission has an optimized gear ratio which reduces engine speeds and thereby fuel consumption

Safety


An energy-absorbing structure adopted for the hood and front bumper helps improve pedestrian protection

Front seats adopt a neck support structure that relieves force to the neck and helps reduce the chance of neck injury in the event of a rear end collision

Side door impact beams now use a double-hat shape that adds greater strength

Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that warns cars behind of a sudden braking manoeuvre by automatically flashing the hazard lights rapidly

The second row seatback frame is reinforced to prevent cargo from pushing forward in the case of a frontal collision

New and improved latch mechanism for the power-sliding doors