Stepping up a gear

Mazda has stepped it up a gear with the introduction of the face-lifted Mazda5 featuring an enhanced exterior package, an upgraded engine and a new six-speed transmission.

A new base level derivative has been added to the line-up while power sliding doors are now available on the flagship model.

Previously available in two trim levels, Active and Individual, the Mazda5 2.0 Original has been added to the line-up as a new entry level option. Standard features include 15" alloy wheels, power mirrors, manual air conditioning, front power windows and radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and auxiliary jack.

The Mazda5 2.0 Active offers additional features over and above those on the Original including 17” alloy wheels, front and rear power windows, audio controls on the steering wheel, driver lumbar support, global closing and folding tray tables.

The top of the range Individual comes with standard features including cruise control, electric sliding doors, leather interior, six-CD changer, automatic air conditioner and a Sport Appearance Package (updated grille design, body colour roof spoiler, sporty front bumper, rear air dam skirt, side spoiler and pointed front fog lamp housings) for a more aggressive look. Safety is enhanced with the addition of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control.

The electrically powered twin sliding rear doors, now available on the Individual, open and close in under five seconds, stopping automatically if obstructed while closing. Both doors, which have an opening of 700mm, can be operated by a button from the driver’s seat, or by a light pull on the interior or exterior door handles. The nearside door can also be opened remotely and electronically via the remote key fob.

What's inside and out?

Still onboard are the Mazda5's "Karakuri" seating and storage system. The ‘6+One' packaging concept provides for occasional use of a ‘+One’ seat, creating more space and easier cabin access. This Karakuri seventh seat can be folded out in a matter of seconds to create a three-person bench seat.

One-touch second-row seat-tip functionality allow for entry to the third row and a dual-stage liftgate with two opening heights prevents scratches in garages and is convenient to use for people of different body sizes.

Minor exterior enhancements include the reshaped front grill with a more defined five-point shape and a sportier looking honeycomb mesh. A new design adopted for the front bumper gives the impression of a lower centre of gravity, while a sporty under-spoiler better handles the wind flow.

The extended length of the new headlamp units makes the single projector headlamps appear larger, while the rear combination lamps offer a new high-tech look with black bezels and clear lenses.

Power to the car

The MZR 2.0-litre petrol engine, which produces 107kW at 6000rpm and offers a torque peak of 185Nm at 4500rpm, has been revised and now has an electronic throttle. The new power plant also boasts Sequential Electronic Multi-Point fuel supply with Variable Valve Timing (V-VT), which makes maximum torque available at lower engine speeds.

A six-speed manual transmission replaces the five-speed gearbox on the current range. The higher gear ratio of the new transmission’s top gear improves fuel consumption.

The Mazda5 features a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests thanks to features like ABS brakes with EBD and EBA, as well as dual front, curtain and side airbags as standard equipment across the range.

New dampers, front and rear, and increased rear toe-in geometry, result in a more refined suspension. A newly optimised brake booster gives a quicker brake response.

The Mazda5 offers four-year/120 000km warranty, five-year/90 000km service plan and three-year roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 15 000km.

Pricing:
Mazda5 2.0 Original: R206 990
Mazda5 2.0 Active: R216 990
Mazda5 2.0 Individual: R246 990

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