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Mazda Mazda 5 7-str (2005 - )

What's Good

Medium MPV replaces Premacy on same Ford C1 platform as the excellent C-Max. 7 seats for UK market. All seats fold flat to leave a "virtually flat" floor. Sliding rear side doors. Very versatile interor. 143PS, 360Nm torque 2.0 litre common rail diesel with particulate filter and 6-speed manual box, 116PS 1.8 litre petrol and 145PS 2.0 litre petrol, with 5-speed manual box. Petrol Models July 2005, diesels Jan/Feb 2006. Drives more like a car than any other MPV. 110PS 2.0 litre diesel alternative from 2006.

5***** NCAP crash safety rating. '4x4 and MPV Driver' MPV of the Year 2005.

Upgrades for 2008 include revised 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric throttle and sequential valve timing (S-VT), which makes maximum torque available at a lower engine speed (4000rpm) than before for quicker engine response in every gear. Six-speed manual transmission will be fitted as standard and a five-speed automatic now optional.

New front and rear bumpers, new front and rear light clusters, new front grille, new-style 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels, and a choice of seven new exterior colours. The new model retains its excellent aerodynamic efficiency with a Cd of 0.29.

Inside, new DVD navigation system with a 7-inch multifunctional touch screen now integrated into the centre panel, which makes it easier to read and use (6th photo). This system allows drivers to use the Mazda5’s rear-view camera for stress-free parking. Now has auxiliary (AUX) jack and recessed niche at the front of the floor console – for holding, hooking-up and listening to an MP3 player and a new in-dash, 6-CD changer. New Bluetooth mobile phone system with steering wheel-mounted controls is now available.

Several noise-reducing additions, including: a new multi-resonator located around the fresh air intake duct at the base of the windscreen, which lowers the transmission of engine noise, plus strengthened wheel rims and Thinsulate® insulation sheeting within the roof liner to reduce road noise. Together, these updates make holding conversations and listening to music, easier and much more enjoyable. New dampers, front and rear, and increased rear toe-in geometry give refined suspension providing enhanced ride comfort and maximum stability when cornering at high speeds and when fully laden. Newly optimised brake booster is introduced to give drivers a quicker and more precise feedback and guarantee excellent and easily modulated brake response.

Every 2008 Mazda5 2008 delivers improved fuel consumption and CO2 levels lowered by between 8 and 11g/km – depending on model – moving the 1.8 petrol and all diesel models down one Road Fund Licence band, producing annual savings of up to £40.

The range-topping duo of Sport Nav models also come with an integrated DVD satellite navigation system, complete with voice control and a 7-inch colour touch-screen monitor, plus a rear-view parking camera with on-screen parking guidance.

Every model in the 2008 Mazda5 line-up delivers improved fuel consumption and CO2 levels which are lowered by between 8 and 11g/km – depending on model – moving the 1.8 petrol and all diesel models down one Road Fund Licence band, producing annual savings of up to £40.

New Mazda5 – CO2 and RFL Bands

1.8 petrol (115ps) Old 190g/km F / New 182 g/km E

2.0 petrol (146ps) Old 198g/km F / New 187 g/km F

2.0 D (110ps) Old 173g/km E / New 162 g/km D

2.0 D (143ps) Old 173g/km E / New 162 g/km D

European debut Bologna Motor Show, in Italy, on 5 December 2007 and on sale in UK Mazda dealer showrooms during January 2008.

Road test original model at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=177

Road test 2008 facelift model, including automatic, at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=309

More at www.mazda.co.uk

Last updated 19-5-2008

What's Bad

Numerous reports of abnormal tyre wear. In some circumstances Mazda will pay for Dunlop OEM fit tyres that wear rapidly to be replaced with upgraded Dunlop tyres (Dunlop SP Sport 205/50 R17 93V).

What to Watch Out For

Vital to check the oil of new diesels very frequently as they can use a lot as the engine beds in.

Two reports of alignment problems leading to severe premature tyre wear. The wear seems to be confined to Dunlop tyres on 17" wheels. Best to get a "four way alignment check" at http://www.alignmycar.co.uk

Tyre wear issue discussed at forum.mpvclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=14224 and www.mazdaforum.com/m_34231/tm.htm

In some circumstances Mazda will pay for the tyres to be replaced with a different make and type.

Recalls

22-9-05 Automotive News Report that Mazda Motor Corp has stopped production of US spec Mazda 5 and has recalled 2,700 units in North America for exhaust system-related fires. Three fires due to heat buildup in the system have been reported, the report said. Does not affect diesels. A Mazda spokesman told Automotive News the production halt affects all 5s but Japan and Europe have not issued recalls or stop-sale orders, as those countries' versions have different engine specifications and engine management control units.

UK VOSA OFFICIAL RECALLS (note that the official list mixes up MX5s and Mazda 5s):
21/07/2006 R/2006/098 MAZDA 5 & 6 Fitted with MZR-CD diesel engine. engine may stall. JMZCR******122851 JMZCR******133844 03/10/2005 29/12/2005
08/04/2008 R/2008/050 MAZDA 3 & 5 engine mounting may fail under sudden acceleration on mazda 3 & 5 models fitted with the rf engine. JMZCR19*600109114 JMZCR19*600229816 19/04/2005 03/09/2007