2009 Mazda5

What they need to do, whoever “they” is, is to build a car that can haul like a minivan, is easy and fun to drive while still getting good fuel economy, and price it within reach of the average customer. That would be perfect. That’s what they ought to do.

Have you had this conversation with yourself?  Well, don’t look now but the “they” you’re looking for is Mazda, and the car you’re looking for is the Mazda5.  Three years after its U.S. introduction, I’m often surprised at how many of my active, stuff-carrying acquaintances who hate their minivans and SUVs are completely unfamiliar with Mazda’s micro-minivan.

So for their benefit, and yours, let’s introduce y’all again.

Known as the Premacy in Japan, the Mazda5 looks at a glance like a 7/8 scale minvan, and that assessment isn’t too far off the mark.  The reduced size and weight translate to a much better drive on the road, however.  The Mazda5 doesn’t waddle (unless it’s heavily loaded) and steps away from the traffic lights quite confidently without the benefit of a 300-hp engine.  Fuel economy is very good considering this car can carry up to six passengers or over seventy cubic feet of cargo.

So is it a tall station wagon, or a short minivan?  The dual sliding doors that allow access to the second and third row seats would suggest the latter.  The Mazda5’s sliders are kid-friendly, requiring very little effort to open and close, and they make it easy to get into the car in a tight parking lot as well.  The one-box styling is attractive.  The Mazda5 got a mild facelift for 2008, with a sloped nose and redesigned headlights and taillights.  The larger grille is the centerpiece for a new front fascia and makes it clear that this car is a member of the Mazda family.  At the rear, high-mounted taillights and a broad flat tailgate present a clean and modern aspect to the world.  The tailgate raises high enough for six-footers to stand underneath.  The uplevel Touring models are set apart by LED taillights, and 17-inch wheels are standard on all Mazda5s.

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