From AUTOWEEK Editor Wes Raynal comes this review of the 2012 Mazda 5:
"The 2012 Mazda 5 is a nice little minivan. I like the swoopy new look, though I understand Mazda has already dropped this design look from the Nagare concept after getting a new chief designer. The 5 is spacious and flexible, and the dual sliding doors make for easy entry and exit.
The 157 hp felt like enough to me, and though five-speed transmissions seem so yesterday, out on the freeway I didn't find myself crying out for a six-speed gearbox.
The car feels more solid than the old model and for being based on the 3 platform, it is a zippy handler around town."
EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: I'm not sure Mazda wants to hear this, but I could see growing old in a vehicle like this. Not that it is stodgy and soft--on the contrary, it looks quite sporting with its Nagare-inspired side strakes. It's just that it is quite comfortable and practical in every way, with easy straight-in seat height, convenient sliding rear doors and a size that makes it easy to maneuver in parking lots and in traffic lanes.
The little I4 seems somewhat overmatched at times with just a driver on board, so performance must be truly tested with a load of passengers or gear. But it's not too noisy and runs smoothly to speed, so for most driving it'd be enough to handle to work. There is some roll in the suspension, especially at the rear, so it's good that the vehicle sits low to the ground to offset that tendency. Steering is direct and steady and the brakes seem adequate.
Inside, four captains' chairs provide the bulk of the seating; two more seats fold up to create a third row. Comfort is good, and controls are all well-placed for easy operation.
Overall, this is a minivan a lot of people could live with, providing just enough space and seating in a nice tight package.
2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring
Base Price: $24,670
As-Tested Price: $24,920
Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4; FWD, five-speed automatic
Output: 157 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 163 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,457 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 24/25.6 mpg
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110407/CARREVIEWS/110409923#ixzz1IrFvtGqV
