2013 Mazda Mazda5 in North Plainfield, NJ - $3,450

Offering drivers a new exterior design and improved interior trim and equipment, the 2012 Mazda5 continues to be the “Swiss Army Knife” of the Mazda fleet. With a unique combination of flexible seat arrangements, sliding doors, stylish design, outstanding handling, fuel efficiency and high level of safety, MAZDA5 has made a strong impact in the North American market since it launched as a 2006 model. The Mazda5 is unique: it doesn’t fit into a mold or be defined by a segment; it suits a family, but thrives in an active lifestyle setting.

The Mazda5 incorporates motifs from Mazda’s Nagare “flow” design language which, inspired by the beauty of nature, presents an elegant look. Breaking away from the conventional designs currently available in the market, Mazda5 is immediately distinguishable for all the right reasons. Headlight to taillight, the vehicle makes everyday responsibilities a beautiful excuse to get behind the wheel.

Available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, power for the Mazda wagon is generated by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine. Torque is communicated to the pavement through a five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. The six-speed manual gearbox has been discontinued.

A uniquely Mazda Active Adaptive Shift protocol provides the automatic transmission with the performance and response that Mazda5 customers expect. Part-throttle downshifts are delivered in sync with the nudge of the accelerator during passing. When the car is braked aggressively in anticipation of cornering, the transmission also downshifts to add engine braking and to prepare for an expedient exit from the bend. A wide overall ratio spread assists acceleration from rest while also providing quieter and more efficient highway cruising.

Surprisingly compact, the Mazda5 delivers unprecedented space within its efficient footprint. Its roomy interior is achieved thanks to three unique features: a low-profile fuel tank, a compact multi-link rear suspension and a stepped floor. Mimicking stadium seating, the floor base configuration allows for comfortable legroom for all passengers, especially those in the second and third rows.

Inside the passenger cabin, the driver-oriented design of the interior positions the peak of the meter hood as the tall point, with all lines flowing from there to comfortably wrap around the driver. The instrument panel flows from the cockpit to the center panel and on to the passenger-side dashboard in a rippling effect that suggests a liquid sensation to the design. The same flow continues on through the lines of the seat pattern, connecting seamlessly with the second and third row seats to create a strong sense of unity throughout the interior.

The Mazda5 also features manually operated sliding rear side doors that can be operated with one finger. The doors hug the sides of the vehicle when open, and create a wide opening for easy entry and exit to the rear seats - even for the third row of passengers.

Despite its compact makeup, the Mazda5 features a spacious cabin. The second row has separate captain’s chairs for added levels of comfort. They slide and recline and can be folded flat without removing their headrests. They also feature a one-touch lever that automatically tips the seatback forward and slides the cushion to its front-most position to allow access to the third row.

The third row seats are split 50/50. They can be tipped forward individually and folded flat to create a flat load area, ideal for carrying mountain bikes or bulky sports equipment. The Mazda5 features “theater-style” seating. The stepped floor means each row is mounted a little higher than the one in front to improve visibility for all.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 108.3; overall length: 180.5; width: 68.9; height: 63.6
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder – 157 hp at 6,000 rpm and 163 lbs-ft of torque at 6,200 rpm
Transmission: five-speed automatic with manual mode
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/28 highway
Cargo capacity: 44.4 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, traction control, dynamic stability control, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, side-impact door beams, and tire pressure monitoring system. Touring adds Bluetooth hands free phone system, fog lights, and rear backup sensors. Grand Touring adds automatic Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, rain sensing windshield wipers, and anti-theft alarm system.
Optional safety features include remote engine start, and HomeLink universal transceiver.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 3-year/36,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 MAZDA5 wagon starts from $21,240 for the Sport, $22,370 for the Touring and $24,770 for the Grand Touring model. Destination charges add $820.