Monday, June 3, 2013

Vehicle Profile: 2013 MAZDA5


Minivans offer plenty of versatility, passenger comfort and utility, but being fun to drive isn’t a quality that’s ever mentioned. The MAZDA5 Multi-Activity Vehicle, on sale now here at Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California, delivers all the benefits and practicality of a minivan, together with signature Mazda driving dynamics.

The six-passenger 2013 MAZDA5 starts at an MSRP of $19,940 and is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims, each piling on extra amenities and comfort. The 2013 MAZDA5 has been named “Best Minivan for the Money” by U.S. News, which also ranks the MAZDA5 ahead of the Nissan Quest and the Chrysler Town & Country in the Minivan category. Consumer Guide noted that the “MAZDA5 deserves consideration as a well-made, sensibly sized wagon that's sedan nimble, minivan versatile, and priced right.”

All MAZDA5 trims are powered by a DOHC 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing and multi-port fuel-injection that produces 157 hp and 163 lb/ft of torque through either a six-speed manual transmission (no other minivan offers this feature) or an available five-speed Sport automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode. A curb weight of less than 3,500 pounds––more than 1,000 pounds less than the Nissan Quest SL and the Chrysler Town & Country––helps the MAZDA5 achieve up to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, five more city mpg than a Town & Country and three more highway mpg than the Quest.

The driving dynamics of the MAZDA5 are second to none thanks to a four-wheel independent suspension featuring MacPherson struts with stabilizer bar in front and a multi-link rear setup with its own stabilizer bar. Electro-Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering and a tight, 36.7-foot turning radius give MAZDA5 drivers more reasons to volunteer for extra car-pool duty.

All trims come well equipped, starting with the Sport, which features 16-inch wheels; automatic climate control with second row controls; a tilting and telescoping steering wheel with cruise controls; remote keyless entry; a six-speaker audio system with auxiliary and USB inputs; six-way driver and four-way front passenger seat adjustments; and a 50/50-split/fold-down third-row seat. There’s a standard second-row fold-out table with cup holders and storage bin, second-row under-seat storage and under-floor storage in the cargo area, too. Cargo capacity is 44.4 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 97.7 cubic feet behind the first row.

The MAZDA5 Touring adds the automatic transmission to the list of standards, as well as 17-inch wheels, halogen foglamps, side sill extensions and a roof-mounted spoiler. Inside, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a trip computer add some pizzazz. Rear backup sensors are also included, to help make parking easier.

The Grand Touring is the cream of the MAZDA5 crop with heated side mirrors, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a moonroof on the equipment list. Leather covers the seats, and the front seats are heated. A Rear DVD Entertainment System is available on all trims, and available accessories include cargo nets and covers, a roof rack and remote engine start.

Safety and security are provided by six-airbags, including full-length side curtains, throughout the cabin; Dynamic Stability and Traction Control; four-wheel, four-channel antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. In the event of an accident, the Mazda Triple-H body construction, collapsible steering column and side-impact door beams help ensure safety.

The MAZDA5 comes standard with a five-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, a three year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty and 24/7 Roadside Assistance.

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