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Mazda to Introduce New Mini-MPV at Paris Auto Show

Mazda5 to be First Mini-MPV Sold in North America

Mazda will be focusing the majority of its efforts on a new release for this years 2004 Paris Auto Show. Having seen great success from its revamped model lineup, including the internationally acclaimed Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6 and RX-8, Mazda will move into a new segment with its upcoming Mazda5 mini-MPV.

Why does this matter to Americans? Unlike most automakers "space wagons", Mazda will not only be exporting the new model to Europe but also North America, offering U.S. consumers the opportunity to purchase an efficient people hauler much smaller

Unlike most automakers "space wagons", Mazda will not only be exporting the new model to Europe but also North America. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

than the current oversized crop of "minivans".

The new model is derived from the MX-Flexa Concept which was first displayed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Similar to the procedure that saw the MX Sportif become the Mazda3 Sport (5-Door), Mazda displayed the MX-Flexa to judge public opinion on what it hoped would become the new 5. The general

The Mazda5 is derived from the MX-Flexa Concept, which was first displayed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

consensus was positive, and therefore the new model is becoming reality.

Again, similar to Mazdas recent onslaught of new models, the production 5 gets the concepts bold and stylish exterior styling, including key defining features such as the brands sharp and angular corporate face. Like the Flexa the 5 also features two large-format sliding doors for ease of entry and exit.

Designed for small but growing families on the move, Mazda developed the 5 from the inside out. The compact van features a seating

Although it will share the same platform as the Mazda3, the Mazda5 will have seating for up to seven occupants. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

system the company refers to as "6 + One", amazingly featuring up to seven-occupant seating in an extremely compact package. Mazda says that depending on where the vehicle is sold it can be purchased in two configurations, either incorporating three rows of bucket seats with a flexible center storage space or instead a third bench row.

Thats a lot of people to fit into a vehicle the size of a Mazda3. Yes, the Mazda5 will ride on Fords advanced C1 global platform, which not only underpins the Mazda3 but also the Ford Focus C-Max, a similar vehicle to the 5 thats also currently unavailable on our shores.

Heralded for its high rigidity, effective Control-Blade multi-link rear suspension and advanced

The Mazda5 should feature the MX Flexa concepts flexible interior accommodations. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

hydroelectric steering, the 5 is bound to see great success with inspiring driving dynamics, without compromising the Mazda family "zoom-zoom" image.

Four motors, two gasoline and two diesel, have been announced for the 5, however, information on specific displacement and power output have yet to be revealed. One thing is for sure, the diesels will not be for the North American market, at least not yet. Most likely the 165 horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine will be one of the featured motors, and a sure candidate for the U.S.

Mazda will be releasing more information on the subject of its new space wagon in the days approaching the Paris show, filling in the gaps on powertrain information, specification, pricing and global availability. Although the mini-MPV segment is well established in Europe, the 5 will be the first of its kind for North America. Stay tuned for more information.

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