Mazda5: Slithers Through Traffic with Ease

I’m not sure when mini-vans became mini-buses, but their size is currently on par with full-size, extended-wheelbase SUVs even if they move more efficiently and easily. Do we really need to fit three rows of 6’ 5” adults in business class comfort? Couldn’t we get away with something much smaller 99 percent of the time? One drive in the Mazda5 mini-mini-van, and you might think so.

By far, the most controversial part of the Mazda5 is its Nagare styling. History will prove that the Mazda5 is the only model from the Hiroshima-based automaker to actually adopt the ballyhooed theme of swishing body creasing that gives the impression of water flowing, fish swimming, or some other unimagined aquatic adventure.

Gracing the sides of a slope-nosed mini-van with a handsome sporty face and high-mounted tail lamps, the theme works. A low ride height makes getting in an out easy for all ages.

The sloop nose conceals a 2.5-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine that generates 157 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque—routed to the front wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Forget about all-wheel drive. You don’t need it and can’t get it. But, if you select a trim package lower on the prestige list than “Touring,” you can get a manual transmission to return some fun to driving.

As it stands, the transmission in our test vehicle shifts down crisply, can be controlled manually for performance driving, and slips through its gears with a gated selector. Cruising at 80 mph (or higher) on the Interstate proved an easy slither down the left lane. Fuel economy ratings of 21/28-MPG city/hwy. should be welcome with gas touching $4/gallon in recent months.

Caressing the steering wheel, you would be hard pressed to imagine the longish body trailing behind your behind. The van’s basic architecture, including its crisp 4-wheel independent suspension system, tight steering, and excellent 4-wheel disc brakes, are derived from the compact Mazda3 sedan/hatchback. It really does drive like an 11/10-sized compact, not a downsized mini-van.

Like all Mazdas, the “5” drives as if a Miata was upsized. Dynamic stability control, traction control, and brake force distribution (varies to balance vehicle loads) provide an extra layer of safety.

I think I know why they call it the Mazda5—that’s about how many passengers can fit comfortably. That’s not a complaint because four fit comfortably in quad captain’s chairs while a real adult can sit in the foldable third row with legs between the center seats. Pint-size offspring or their compatriots fit three abreast on the rear bench if just heading to soccer or band practice. Nobody over 7 will want to sign on for a cross-country journey back there.

You’ll need the space anyway. Front passengers have plenty of legroom, a large glove box, door cubbies, and a center console area with cupholders and room for baby gunk. Middle-row riders are just as comfortable with adjustable seats, a tray between them for drinks and small objects, and unde-seat storage. With the rear seats up, there is less space behind it than in a Smart ForTwo’s cargo area. Seriously. put it down for real hauling.

Those who venture inside will enjoy automatic climate control, second-row air vents with fan controls, power moonroof, iPod input jack, CD player, and XM Satellite Radio. All of the major controls are arranged in a sweeping center dash arrangement that puts everything readily at hand. The lower dash placement of the gear selector and upper dash location for radio and climate read-outs seems super intuitive. Everything works well and looks like a sports car hemorrhaged goodness inside.

My partner would lay down his dignity over the heated gray leather seats with red piping. There’s no power rear hatch, power sliding doors, or butt-washing system, and you don’t need it. The Mazda5 offers all of the convenience you need and none of the hassle you don’t.

At the end of the ride, the Mazda5 is less a mini-van than a tall-roofed station wagon with comfort for four very lucky voyeurs. That’s all most people really need.

During the week, they have a comfy vehicle with rear sliding doors and captain’s chairs to entertain the tots while delivering good mileage. On the weekend, stow the third row, toss in strollers or bikes, and head to the park. You may still need a Thule on long trips, but that’s the case with almost every car.

I like the Mazda5. I suspect you will too. An as-tested price for our loaded test vehicle came to $24,720.