|
|
| Mazda
5 2.0 Individual |
Broadcast
date : 20th May 2007 |
|
The Mazda5 is, quite definitely,
the sportiest MPV we’ve yet driven.
And yet, not only is it low-slung and racy–looking, but it
has a very useable six-plus-one seating arrangement.
That "plus-one" seat in the centre row folds up to
allow access to the third row in a walk-through arrangement,
but preferably for either very skinny or very young people.
Still, it’s an eminently useable family vehicle, and it has
a sense of fun that’s well in keeping with Mazda’s Zoom
Zoom outlook on life.
We enjoyed the exceptional on-road poise of the Mazda5.
For a high-roofed vehicle, it’s centre of gravity is low,
thanks to the seating positions and high glass-area that
extends down to a low waste-height on the body.
That gives the driver and passengers an airy feeling inside
the cabin, something that Mazda’s competitors should take
notice of. And it’s real driver’s car too.
The MX5 is a full five-star- NCAP safety-rated vehicle, which
means it has a full complement of airbags, including curtain
airbags for that all-important cargo it is likely to carry.
That earlier never-ending sequence of children streaming out
of the car was made possible by dual sliding doors, one on
each side of the vehicle.
|
|
|
|
|
|
So for loading cargo, human or
otherwise, the MX5 makes a lot of sense.
For a
dad, or a mom for that matter, with petrol rushing through
their veins, the Mazda5 is an MPV that still embodies some
sports-car joy de vivre.
The steering is responsive,
body-roll is at a minimum for a seven-seater and performance
is none too shabby.
The rakish bonnet and angled
headlights and purposeful air-intakes are familiar styling
cues to owners of more sporty Mazda models, and talking of
models, the Mazda5 comes in two variants.
This is the top-level
Individual model, which gives you colour-coded bumpers, a
sportier grille, driving lights and leather upholstery.
That sets you back just under R217 000, while for R17 000
less, the Active model offers much the same, still with alloy
wheels and all the comfort goodies, as well as the 107 kiloWatt
2-litre 4-cylinder mill.
The good news is that both
models are extremely well-specced. There’s a six-speaker CD
audio, DSC traction control, climate control and a very tasty
interior styling package to go with the highly versatile
furniture arrangements.
It’s up to you whether
leather upholstery and the cosmetic detailing is worth the
extra R17000.
We really enjoyed the styling
of this car, mixing just the right amount of bling and
practicality. Mazda is on a roll right now, and at the price,
the Mazda5 is a winner.
Car Magazine, incidentally,
said it has set a new benchmark for this class of MPV.
According to Car Magazine’s
test of the MX5, the free-revving two-litre motor will take
you to a 100 km/h in 10,5 seconds
at sea level, without all six passenger seats being filled
with young bodies.
Top speed is just shy of 200 km/h, which is more than sporting
enough for a family car.
Mazda5 2.0 Individual
- Engine:
Four-cylinder petrol, 1 999cc
- Power: 107 kW @ 6
000 rpm
- Torque: 185 Nm @ 4
500 rpm
- Transmission:
Five-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
- 0-100 km/h: 10,64
seconds (Car Magazine)
- Top speed: 198 km/h
(Car Magazine)
- Fuel consumption:
10,1 litres/100 km (Car Magazine)
- Price: R216 990
|
|
|
|
|
Did you enjoy reading this article?
Why not recommend it to a friend - Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Car Torque is
produced by
|
|
|
|
