2007 Mazda MX-5

2007 MAZDA5: THE SLEEK AND STYLISH MULTI-ACTIVITY SIX-SEATER SPORTS VEHICLE

All new for 2006, The MAZDA5 is a three-row, six-passenger multi-activity sports vehicle infused with sports car inspiration. But, unlike most sports cars, the MAZDA5 easily and efficiently transports six people and the equipment that goes with their busy lives. There truly is nothing like it on the market today. MAZDA5 demonstrates Mazda's infusion of stylish, insightful and spirited vehicles. For 2007, the only change to the lineup is the addition of a new Grand Touring model and revised exterior colors.

'In creating the MAZDA5, our designers and engineers set out to build a vehicle that offered superb comfort for six, and the versatility to complement the active family lifestyle,' said Jeff Horne, MAZDA5 vehicle line manager. 'MAZDA5 has the dimensions, ease of use and value of a compact car, yet it combines this with the sophistication, refinement and features of a premium import.'

With the added Grand Touring model, the 2007 MAZDA5 is now available in three configurations: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The new Grand Touring model adds leather-trimmed heated seats, xenon/High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with manual leveling and black headlight and taillight bezels. All models offer the same multi-adjustable seating configuration, the same innovative lightweight sliding rear doors for superior access, the same unmatched value and the same Mazda signature Zoom-Zoom driving experience.

MECHANICAL SOPHISTICATION MEANS IT'S GREAT TO DRIVE
MAZDA5 is powered by a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine, good for 153 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and a gutsy 148 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Similar to the MZR-series engine in the MAZDA3, MAZDA6, MX-5, Tribute and B-Series, the engine has 16-valves, double overhead camshafts and utilizes an aluminum block and head for light weight, which in turn improves handling by minimizing weight over the front axle. Lightweight pistons help improve smoothness, throttle response and the engine's ability to rev, while variable induction mixes good low-end torque with strong high-revving power. The power goes to the road through a short-shift, fast-moving, five-speed manual gearbox.

A sophisticated four-speed electronically controlled Sport A/T automatic gearbox with manual-shift mode is available, if your level of multi-activity doesn't quite extend to changing gears yourself.

The suspension is fully independent, as on the best sports cars. Anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear for flat handling, minimal body roll and great driver feedback. Steering is by a precise and responsive rack-and-pinion setup. Its variable ratio electro-hydraulic power assistance provides low-speed parking ease and great high-speed feedback. Large disc brakes are fitted front and rear, and the fronts are ventilated for extra cooling and better stopping power in tough conditions, such as repeated braking on long downhill sections of road. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents lock-up and aids in maintaining steering control even when braking heavily.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) further nhance braking performance when you're in a hurry to stop fast. EBD ensures correct balance between front and rear braking in an emergency, irrespective of the vehicle's load, while EBA gives added boost to the braking power in an emergency stop.

Attractive 17-inch alloy wheels, similar to those used on Mazda sports cars, are standard. So are a body-color sports grille, front and rear fascias and door handles. It is also a light vehicle. At just 3,333 lbs., the MAZDA5‘s light weight contributes to its high performance, responsive handling and exceptional gas mileage.

GREAT STYLE THAT'S COMPLETELY PRACTICAL

With an overall length of 181.5 inches, width of 69.1 inches, height of 64.2 inches, and sitting on a 108-inch wheelbase, the MAZDA5 delivers roomy comfort while being surprisingly compact. The long wheelbase helps give it extraordinary passenger space for its modest external dimensions, and the short front and rear overhangs help handling and parking ease. Despite the long wheelbase, MAZDA5 features an impressively tight turning circle of less than 35 feet, making it remarkably easy to maneuver in tight situations.

It looks brilliant, the sort of car you'd want to have on display in your driveway. Sleek, sweeping and wedge-shaped, the metal skin is drawn tight over the body. Panel gaps are tiny, a sure sign of top quality craftsmanship. With a low drag coefficient of 0.29, it is aerodynamically efficient, cleaving the air quietly and maximizing fuel economy.

Despite the sharp looks, the MAZDA5 has been designed from the inside out – like all the best multi-function vehicles. So no matter whether you want to carry people or sporting equipment, the MAZDA5 delivers.

Step one was to make the cabin as spacious and comfortable as possible. Three features contribute to the MAZDA5's roomy interior: a low profile fuel tank, a compact multi-link rear suspension, and a stepped floor. The latter permits excellent legroom for all – especially those sitting in rows two and three. Even in the back row, legroom is a generous 30.7 inches. In row two, legroom is a comfortable 35.2 inches.

The ingeniously flexible interior takes convenience and versatility to a whole new level. The second row has separate individual seats for big-car levels of comfort. They slide and recline and can be folded flat without removing their headrests. They 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. With the rear-most seats folded flat, carrying capacity is an enormous 44.4 cubic feet. Fold the second row and the load floor area is over 63 inches long.

Interior storage space includes many ingenious compartments, including a vast, illuminated glovebox and half-liter bottle holders in each front door pocket.

The MAZDA5 features ‘theater-style' seating. The stepped floor referred to earlier means each row is mounted a little higher than the one in front to improve visibility for all. The driver, too, benefits from excellent visibility, improving primary safety as well as making driving more enjoyable. Additionally, three-point seat belts and head restraints are offered for all six seats.

Safety is further improved by advanced front air bags that use sensors to measure seat occupants' weight, severity of the impact and distance from seat to dash, before deploying. Side airbags also are standard, as are curtain airbags that run the full length of the cabin to protect occupants in all three rows of seats. LATCH-style rear child safety seat anchors and tethers are fitted to the second row seats.

PREMIÚM CABIN BOASTS INNOVATIVE SLIDING DOORS

Superbly practical manual-sliding rear side doors can be operated with one finger. They 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. The opening is 27.5 inches wide and 42.6 inches high. This not only provides far superior access compared with conventional front-hinged doors, it also is a boon in tight parking spaces because they require little side clearance when open.

Furthermore, the tailgate is easy to use. Its two-stage opening mechanism has its first stop at a height most can easily reach. The second fully open stop is three inches higher to accommodate taller people. The low sill height makes for easy loading.

Such large side openings, and the large tailgate, could have compromised structural rigidity - a key quality on any car designed to satisfy sporty drivers. Mazda has avoided this problem by developing an immensely strong all-steel unibody construction. Únibody construction is typical on sedans and sports cars – but not on SÚVs, nor some minivans. The stiff bodyshell has enormous benefits for the vehicle's handling, crash safety, refinement and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). It contributes to the vehicle's quietness, which reduces driver and passenger fatigue.

The stiff body is mated to a suspension specially designed to resist body roll. It also provides a fine balance between precise road feedback for maximum driving fun, and the cushioned stability needed for a comfortable ride with up to six people on board.

The MacPherson strut front suspension and rear multi-link system give superior road holding and also cope superbly with the broad range in weights of passengers and luggage that will be possible in the six-seat MAZDA5.

The advanced electro-hydraulic power steering also helps the car's dynamic qualities and ease of driving (not to mention the fun of driving!). The hydraulic steering pump is driven electrically, rather than by the engine. Mazda engineers have chosen this set-up over pure hydraulic power steering because it uses less energy and is more fuel efficient.

The precision engineering of the vehicle is obvious from the quality and feel of the hardware, such as the door handles. This is a car that speaks quality, wherever you look or touch.

But while carrying capacity and ease-of-use may be impressive, the MAZDA5 also is built very much around the driver. A sporty three-dial instrument cluster faces you. Visibility is excellent, and controls are all within easy reach. They envelop you, providing a cockpit-feel more than a mere cabin. The center console is raised to position the controls, including the manual or automatic shift lever, as close as possible to the driver, to improve visibility and operation.

Like a premium import, the MAZDA5 uses superior trim and fabrics. Aluminum-color finishers are used in the interior. The fabric is soft and the black upholstery muted and tasteful. Comfort is further enhanced by the superb ride quality, a result of the fully independent coil-sprung suspension and generous cushioning of all six seats.

WELL EQÚIPPED, AS YOÚ'D EXPECT FROM MAZDA


The Touring model adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an in-dash six-disc CD changer with six speakers, a tilt-and-slide electric moonroof, body-color door mirrors, fog lamps, automatic climate control, a rear liftgate spoiler and side sill extensions. Optional in the Touring model is a voice-command DVD satellite navigation system.

The top-range Grand Touring model give MAZDA5 owners a little more style and sophistications with leather-trimmed heated seats, xenon/High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with manual leveling and black headlight and taillight bezels.

Accessories include MP3 CD changer, cargo net, all-weather floor mats and a moonroof wind deflector. For 2007, Mazda is the first car company to have available iPod connectivity in every product worldwide.

Available body colors include True Silver, Stellar Greensilver, Whitewater Pearl, Brilliant Black, Strato Blue and Phantom Blue. New for 2007, MAZDA5 adds two new exterior colors – Galaxy Gray and Dark Plum.

All 2007 Mazdas come with a roadside assistance program. With a call to a toll-free number, owners can access roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the Únited States and Canada. In addition, a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear. Also, all 2007 models receive a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the Únited States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Source - Mazda

Rumor to be designed after the Lotus Elan, the Mazda Miata is the world's best selling sports car. With over 720,000 produced between 1989 and 2005, production proves Mazda held its title consistently.

The history of the Miata is one of interest and success. Unveiled in 1989 as the 'Eunos Roadser', prior to the name change to the Miata, it was a designed collaboration between the USA and England. Created to be a basic roadster without unnecessary weight, it was an instant success with over 23,000 sold by the end of its first year. With a starting price of $13,800, the Miata, despite its small design, made a sizeable impact in the success of Mazda's future.

The shell of the Miata is all steel with an aluminum bonnet. Weighing in at over 2,380 pounds, the Miata confirmed its small roadster appeal. The trusswork is uniquely called the 'Powerplant Frame', which connects the engine to the differential, creating a more firm and responsive feel. It's quick and responsive handling is helped due to independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with an anti-roll bar at the front. Optional paddle shifting was available with the six speed automatic versions of the Touring, Sport, and Grand Touring models. With power to the rear wheels, drivers thirst for corners even if they're beginners.

A 'Special Touring Option Edition' was also offered, which included stainless steel scuff plates, Twilight Blue paint, and 15 inch Enkei wheels. The 'Club Spec' version was available with 16 inch alloy wheels and four wheel disc brakes with ABS, but also offered a limited amount of color options: Winning Blue Metallic, Marble White, and True Red.

The interior, though tight, beckoned stereo enthusiasts and those who revel in the appeal and stigma of leather. Optional passenger-side airbags and standard drivers–side airbags provided safety without drastically impacting the beauty of the interior.

With the introduction of the 'M Edition' came a wood shift knob and chrome wheels with Montego Blue paint. The option of a wooden parking brake handle was available on this edition for complete look. Other editions such as the 'Touring Package' included power steering, a leather wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, aluminum alloy wheels, and power windows. Also, the available 'Club Spec' model included CD player with speed sensitive sound, four speakers, black cloth trimmed upholstery, power windows, locks, and mirrors and black vinyl top.

Engines for the Miata were available with a 1.6L, 1.8L or 2.0L. The 1.6 L dual overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine produced 120 horsepower with 0-60 times consisting of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 119 miles per hour.

The 1.8L produced 140 horsepower with help of the raised engine compression ratio and the additions of domed pistons. The additions also helped the 0-60 time, which was marked at 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 123 miles per hour. In 2005, the 2.0L was the latest engine thrusting the Miata. The 16 valve engine produced 170 horsepower with a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, bringing the Miata to a fast finish when production ceased in the same year.

Even though all 3rd generation 2006 models all over the world now go with the name 'MX-5', the Miata will always be the true coupe that helped to accelerate the sports car appeal with today's roadsters.

Kyle McMullen