Vehicle: 2006 Mazda5 GT with 4-speed manumatic
Price as tested: CDN$26300

Performance: The Mazda5 shares the same 2.3L MZR 4-cylinder engine as its Mazda3 and 6 silibings. With 157 horses and 148 lb/ft of torque, this mill is responsive enough to move the metal even with 6 persons on board. Considered its maxium torque arrives at 3500 rpm, its low-end acceleration is plenty if not breathtaking. The throttle response is quick while 4-speed Sport mode manumatic tranny helps it a lot. Its willing to up and downshifts. With proper gear ratios, it also matched this powerplant relatively well. The level of refinement, flexability and NVH are also taken up a notch from Mazda 3. Its a pleasant surprise that this engine doesn’t feel particularly noisy when pushed through the rev range.

Handling: Given the Mazda5 shares the same excellent chassis as its 3, which in turn, also the base for Volvo S40/V50. The level of stiffness and ridigty are undoubtable in this car. Its strong, solid and totally free of rattles. It also gives the suspensions a strong base to hang their heads. In terms of driving dynamics, this people mover feels like driving a hot hatch than a minivan. Its electric power steering is one of the best I have ever experienced. Its sharp and precise without all the numbness you usually associate with EPS. There are plenty of feedback, both on and off-center. The level of responsiveness is also reassuring. On the other hand, the body rolls are exceptionally well controlled when pushed into corners. Given its status as a people mover, safe understeer is expected. In terms of ride comfort, Mazda 5 also excels with limo-line ride quality. You feel like in a car costing twice as much thanks to its sublime ride comfort.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs, standard ABS and EBD. The Mazda5’s braking performance is as impressive as its handling does. The stops are short and straight without brake fade after a couple of hard stops. EBD has an desired effect that control both nose dive and aft exceptionally well.

Interior: With the 3rd row of seats in place, there is limited cargo space. However, after you fold down the seat with 50/50 split. There are plenty of cargo space. You can also fold the 2nd row flat to create an area that has as much room as a wagon. The only drawback is the seats can’t fold completely flat with the cargo area.

Its a pleasant surprise that the 3rd row has more than adequate head and legrooms. Mazda designers have to give extra nod for giving us headrest that can adjust high enough when seating in 3rd row. Another bonus is the side curtain airbags also covered the 3rd row passengers.

As for the driver, the instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. In our flagship GT model, you also get an effective auto climate control with aluminum trim. The air conditioning is very efficient as it provides enough coldness in a Westcoast 33 degrees afternoon. The cloth seats are comfortable, with great back and side supports. Seating position is easily found with tilt/telescope steering, as well as height adjustable seats.

In terms of the numbers of cubbyholes, Mazda5’s attention-to-details are second-to-none. There are two huge cubbyholes underneath the 2nd row while a huge center console and glovebox in the front. Not to mentioned a very well layout toolbox at the back of the hatch.

Conclusion: Mazda5 is indeed a very interesting vehicle. On the one hand, you got the performance and handling of a hot hatch without all the crumsiness of driving a much larger minivan. On the other hand, you got an interior configuration that feels like a large wagon especially when all the seats fold down. This car would not only take away those who would like to have a smaller people mover than a minivan, it would also take away those who are looking at a smaller hatchback. Say a Mazda3 Sport.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 MAZDA5 GT
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.25/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5