2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring Full Test

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2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring Full Test

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2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring Picture

Steering response and feel are excellent in the 2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring. | February 09,2011 | Kurt Niebuhr for Edmunds

Nothing More and Nothing Less Than What's Needed

People who drive Mazda 5s love them. They feel like they're keeping a secret nobody else knows becausehey've cracked the code on utility, economy and value. Whether they use a Mazda 5 as a grocery-getter,arpool tool, mountain bike hauler or all of the above, they saw through the slick marketing and eschewed the

me-too CUVs that pretend to be one thing but are actually another.
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They didn't need a 4,500-pound V6-powered eight-passenger maxivan that could swallow an entire pallet ofCheezy Snax from the local Bulk Buy store. No, they chose a 3,500-pound four-cylinder six-passengerMazda 5 because it was the right vehicle for their needs nothing more and nothing less. In this era ofrugality, downsizing (or right-sizing) makes a lot of sense.

Mazda says that the quirky, hard-to-classify Mazda 5 has found a happy home in nearly 100,000 garages inhe past five years. Meanwhile, Honda sold twice that number of CR-Vsin 2010 alone, but we credit the

Mazda 5's measured success to its unique combination of clever packaging, competitive fuel economy,

urprisingly sporty dynamics and for being the unlikely poster child for prudence and moderation. The all-new 2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring is still the versatile definition-resistant vehicle it always has been: onlybetter.

What It IsThe three-row 2012 Mazda 5 is a multifaceted vehicle that actually does what it looks like it should do. It'spart compact minivan (yes, it has rear sliding doors), part large wagon and part economical commuter with anunexpected penchant for taming twisting roads with the confidence and composure of a sedan. For 2012, theront-wheel-drive Mazda 5 comes in three flavors: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. All three are powered

by the same 2.5-liter 157-horsepower four-cylinder engine with variable induction and variable intake-valveiming, but only the Sport can be had with a new six-speed manual transmission. Both Touring and Grand

Touring models get down the road with a well-programmed five-speed automatic with a manual shift gate

s they did before.

Our top-of-the-pyramid Grand Touring model arrived with new "Clear Water Blue" metallic paint, 17-inchluminum wheels and just one option: a $50 rear bumper guard. Yet the as-tested price was still under

$25,000. If that's still too rich for your blood, a well-equipped Sport starts at just $19,990.

What It Is Not and Has NotThe 2012 Mazda 5 is not a slab-sided marshmallow-riding minivan with 12 often-underutilizedeconfigurable seating options and 150 cubic feet of total cargo capacity. The Mazda 5 is not offered with

powered doors/hatch, back-up camera, all-wheel drive or even a navigation system. (A Garmin 1260T or490T portable navigation system and DVD player for the kids will be late-availability dealer-installed

options, however.)

For 2012 (there is no 2011 model), Mazda has tossed out the previous 2.3-liter engine in favor of a 2.5-literMZR-Series engine while improving output (+4 hp, +15 pound-feet of torque) and fuel economy (+1 mpghighway).

Electroluminescent gauges were fancy on the previous Mazda 5, but the new, simpler white-on-black gaugesre actually easier to read. The LED taillamps looked cool, but we appreciate more the practicality of xenon

headlamps that come standard on this one.
http://www.insideline.com/honda/cr-v/2010/face-lifted-2010-honda-cr-v.html


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In this era of frugality, downsizing (or right-sizing) makes a lot of sense.

A glovebox lock and illumination wouldn't stop a thief anyway, so those go away. Finally, if Mazda simplyncluded better front seats (as it certainly did), then you won't miss the lumbar seat adjusters that also

disappeared. Think of these equipment deletions as you would austerity measures for balancing a budget,because there is a payoff.

The upshot is standard equipment on the Grand Touring that includes: metallic paint, four-wheel disc brakes

with ABS/EBD/brake assist), stability and traction control (both defeatable), tire-pressure monitoring, autolimate control (with second-row vents), a six-speaker audio system (with an aux jack and six months free

Sirius Satellite Radio), Bluetooth phone andmusic streaming, trip computer, leather-wrapped tilt-and-elescoping steering wheel (with audio/cruise controls), leather shift knob, leather-trimmed seats (all six:

heated up front), power moonroof, auto xenon headlamps (with manual leveling), foglamps, rain-sensingwipers, heated outside mirrors and six airbags.

Seriously, that's a boatload of standard equipment you'd have a hard time finding on many full-size minivansor compact crossovers, optional or not.

Versatility Is Standardhen we started using the 2012 Mazda 5 for shopping errands, school drop-off/pick-up duty, outings to the

nearest trailhead and commuting, we grew to truly appreciate its small-on-the-outside/clever-on-the-insidequalities.

Tight parking stalls were not a problem for the rear passengers, who simply slid either side door open nodoor dings or squeezing through narrow door openings. The doors glide and latch so easily that children canoperate them. Also, we found the space on the floor behind the driver seat an easy and convenient place totash a briefcase and computer bag.

Because the second row consists of two sliding and reclining captain's chairs, accessing the third row (bestor kids to use) was a simple walk-between affair, or a quick pull on a single lever makes a footpath beside.

Both of those chairs are equipped with LATCH anchors for child seat attachment. There are also storage binsbeneath the seats, one of which stores a sturdy, second-row mini-table that flips between the seats and offersupholders and a handy net underneath.

For our grocery runs, we could load about six paper bags side by side behind the third-row seat. Folding the0/50-split seatbacks to expand the volume to 27.5 cubic feet was as simple as pulling seat-top levers. If we

needed still more room (for a couple mountain bikes, for instance), the retained second-row headrests pivotnd fold with the seatbacks for maximum cargo space with a flat floor.

The forward-folding second row seats do, however, limit aft travel of the first-row seats. It's only a problemor longer-legged drivers who require substantial seat travel.


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Mazda 2 Performance in a Mazda 5 PackageOK, so it works as a cargo and family hauler, but what about performance? On the drag strip, we had toesort to a brake-torquing launch and manual-shifting the automatic to get to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds (9.2econds with a 1-foot rollout). The quarter-mile passed in 17.1 seconds at 81.2 mph, so the 2012 Mazda 5 is

not exactly what we'd call exhilarating in a straight line. It is, however, quicker/faster than a recent 2011Mazda 2we tested. We found the Mazda 5's brakes "average" because they stopped the vehicle in 130 feetrom 60 mph, resisted fade adequately and retained good pedal feel across five runs. Again, about the same ashe Mazda 2.

hen we calculated the limit-handling figures, however, we were duly impressed. Around the skid pad, the2012 Mazda 5 posted 0.80g in lateral acceleration and its best stability-control-off 600-foot slalom pass was63.7 mph. Those results are just 0.2 mph and 0.02g shy of matching that same Mazda 2. Pretty impressive for

six-passenger family hauler.

Stability Control Doesn't Have To Be Awfult seems almost every new car review now includes a sentence or two about how unresponsive the automaticransmission programming is and/or how dreadful the electric-assist power steering (EPS) feels, but you'll notead that here. Mazda seems to have a handful of excellent algorithms that make the electrified steering not

only precise and quick to react, but also well-weighted and natural-feeling. There's very little on-centerdeadness (or nervousness) and it never feels like a video game console. Most people would never suspect the

teering is not assisted by hydraulics.

The five-speed automatic doesn't race to top gear by 35 mph so it's never caught on its heels when youqueeze the accelerator. It even downshifts quickly and decisively at freeway speeds with gradual throttlepplication. Finally, it's also clever enough to downshift a couple gears if you get hard on the brakes for anpproaching corner like a good sport sedan does.

Others should learn from Mazda especially in these regards. Even the driver of a family hauler doesn'thave to suffer with poor dynamics and lowest-common-denominator systems programming. Good for you,Mazda.

Summary

e were happily impressed with the 2012 Mazda 5's enviable roster of standard content, none of which waswindow dressing either it's all useful stuff. We thought it was still a little lacking in power, but we didarn 24 mpg over a 722-mile mixed-use driving cycle. We were absolutely smitten with the Mazda 5's

handling dynamics and overall driving "feel" that shames any extant minivan. Finally, the Mazda 5's cleverpackaging, simple and comfortable six-passenger seating, flat cargo floor and easy-slide side doors endow itwith genuine practicality.

Maybe the times are now right for the overlooked Mazda 5, which is on sale now. This hard-to-define vehiclehas enjoyed a loyal following from within the Mazda fold (mostly from satisfied Mazda 3owners who are
http://www.insideline.com/mazda/mazda3/2010/2010-mazda-3-s-five-door-grand-touring-follow-up-test-and-video.htmlhttp://www.insideline.com/mazda/2/2011/2011-mazda-2-full-test-and-video.htmlhttp://www.insideline.com/features/how-we-test-cars-and-trucks.html


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Speed Read

Vehicle Tested:

2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring

Base Price:

$24,670

Options on Test Vehicle:

Clear Water Blue; Rear Bumper

Guard ($50).

Price as Tested:

$24,720

Engine:

2.5-liter inline-4

Gearbox:

Five-speed automatic

Power:

157 hp @ 6,000

0-60 mph:

9.5 seconds

Fuel Mileage:

24 mpg observed

What Works (pros):

Only truly fun-to-drive "minivan" in

existence; impressive content for the

Specs & Performance

Vehicle

Year Make Model2012 Mazda 5 GrandTouring 4dr Minivan

(2.5L 4cyl 5A)

Vehicle TypeFWD 4dr 6-passengerMinivan

Base MSRP $24,670

Options on test vehicleClear Water Blue; RearBumper Guard ($50)

As-tested MSRP $24,720

Assembly location Hiroshima, Japan

North American partscontent (%)

5

Drivetrain

ConfigurationTransverse, front-engine,front-wheel drive

Engine typeNaturally aspirated,inline-4, gasoline

Displacement (cc/cu-in) 2,489/152

Block/head material Aluminum/aluminum

ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves percylinder, variableexhaust-valve timing

Compression ratio (x:1) 9.7

Redline, indicated (rpm) 6,200

now in a "family way"), but it has yet to make a dent in the overall market with those who are consideringCUVs or larger minivans.

f you can live without the enormous scale (that is usually underutilized) of a full-size minivan; if you wouldike the cargo-loading convenience of a wagon or hatchback but still need three rows of seating; if you justan't stomach the thought of (or justify the price of) a three-row CUV because "that's what everybody is

buying these days"; then you might want to consider a 2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring.

e would.

The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.


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money; good fuel economy; probably

as much minivan as most people

really need.

What Needs Work (cons):

Taller drivers might wish for more aft

seat travel; could use a bit more

power. Mazdaspeed 5, anybody?

Bottom Line:

The all-new Mazda 5 Grand Touring

discards some superfluous content,

augments standard equipment and

retains its core values and dynamicqualities.

Fuel cutoff/rev limiter(rpm)

6,250

Horsepower (hp @ rpm) 157 @ 6,000

Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 163 @ 4,000

Fuel type

87-octane acceptable +

91-octane for bestperformance

Transmission typeFive-speed automaticwith console shifter withmanual mode

Transmission ratios (x:1)1st = 3.620; 2nd = 1.925;3rd = 1.285; 4th = 0.933;5th = 0.692

Final-drive ratio (x:1) 3.458

Chassis

Suspension, front

Independent MacPhersonstruts, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizerbar

Suspension, rearIndependent multilink,coil springs, twin-tubedampers, stabilizer bar

Steering type

Electric-assist, speed-

proportional, rack-and-pinion power steering

Steering ratio (x:1) 16.2

Turning circle (ft.) 36.7

Tire make and model Toyo Proxes A18

Tire type All-season

Tire size P205/50R17 89V

Wheel size 17-by-6.5 inches

Wheel material Cast aluminum alloy

Brakes, front

11.8-inch one-pieceventilated cast-iron discswith single-piston slidingcalipers

11.9-inch one-piece solid


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Brakes, rear-

single-piston slidingcalipers

Track Test Results

Acceleration, 0-30 mph(sec.)

3.3

0-45 mph (sec.) 6.1

0-60 mph (sec.) 9.5

0-60 with 1 foot ofrollout (sec.)

9.2

0-75 mph (sec.) 14.6

1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) 17.1 @ 81.2

0-30 mph, trac ON (sec.) 3.5



0-60, trac ON with 1 footof rollout (sec.)

9.5


1/4-mile, trac ON (sec.@ mph)

17.3 @ 80.3

Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) 34

60-0 mph (ft.) 130

Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) 63.7

Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph)ESC ON

60.8

Skid pad, 200-ft.diameter (lateral g)

0.80

Skid pad, 200-ft.diameter (lateral g) ESCON

0.78

Sound level @ idle (dB) 42.7

@ Full throttle (dB) 69.4

@ 70 mph cruise (dB) 65.4

Engine speed @ 70 mph(rpm)

2,300


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Test Driver Ratings & Comments

Acceleration comments

Although the four-cylinder engine noise isapparent, it soundssporty: not thrashy orbuzzy. I found a tenth ortwo with A) brake-torque

launch and B) shiftingmanually. There's justenough power to get alittle bit of engine-bog-reducing tire spin, andmanually shifting nearerredline (rather than the400-500-rpm shy inDrive) seems to work,too. Linear powerthroughout entire gearrange and smoothupshifts in either auto- ormanual-shift modes. Nomatched-rev downshiftsin manual mode.

Braking comments

Medium-soft pedal,medium jump-in,medium dive, moderatefade resistance. Not great,but not below averageeither.

Handling comments

Skid pad: With ESC off,

steering is talkative andlively and precise. Verymild (almost none)understeer just beyondwhat I'd call a veryneutral chassis. WithESC on, throttle trimsback a little to maintainthe neutral feelingwithout the understeerjust beyond. Veryunobtrusive ESC. Slalom:With ESC off, the Mazda5 rotates in thetransitions, eliminatingall understeer, but verycontrollably -- unlike theprevious-gen 5 that waspretty spooky in thisregard. Steering isresponsive and precisewithout unnecessary


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weight. Very goodsteering. With ESC on,brake corrections aremild if I entered slowlyand squeezed throttle. If Ientered too fast, brakecorrection was moredramatic and lastedlonger. Good ESCtuning.

Testing Conditions

Test date 12/28/2010

Test location California Speedway

Elevation (ft.) 1,121

Temperature (F) 63.2

Relative humidity (%) 27.6

Barometric pressure (in.Hg)

28.9

Wind (mph, direction) 3.25 head/crosswind

Odometer (mi.) 981

Fuel used for test 91-octane gasoline

As-tested tire pressures,f/r (psi)

34/34

Fuel Consumption

EPA fuel economy (mpg)21 city/28 highway/24combined

Edmunds observed (mpg)22 worst/26 best/24average (over 722 miles)

Fuel tank capacity (U.S.gal.)

15.9

Driving range (mi.) 445.2

Audio and Advanced Technology

Stereo description

AM/FM/CD (MP3-compatible) 6-speakeraudio system with digitalclock

iPod/digital media Standard generic aux jack


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compatibility and streaming Bluetooth

Satellite radioStandard Sirius (6months free)

Hard-drive music storagecapacity (Gb)

Not available

Rear seat video and

entertainment

Optional (late

availability)

Bluetooth phoneconnectivity

Standard (includesstreaming music)

Navigation system Not available

Telematics (OnStar, etc.) Not available

Smart entry/Start Not available

Parking aids Not available

Blind-spot detection Not availableAdaptive cruise control Not available

Lane-departuremonitoring

Not available

Collisionwarning/avoidance

Not available

Night Vision Not available

Driver coaching display Standard

Dimensions & Capacities

Curb weight, mfr. claim(lbs.)

3,457

Curb weight, as tested(lbs.)

3,487

Weight distribution, astested, f/r (%)

57/43

Length (in.) 180.5

Width (in.) 68.9

Height (in.) 63.6

Wheelbase (in.) 108.3

Track, front (in.) 60.2

Track, rear (in.) 59.8


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Legroom, front (in.) 40.7

Legroom, rear (in.) 39.4

Legroom, 3rd row (in.) 30.5

Headroom, front (in.) 39.0

Headroom, rear (in.) 39.2

Headroom, 3rd row (in.) 37.1

Shoulder room, front(in.)

55.5

Shoulder room, rear (in.) 55.5

Shoulder room, 3rd row(in.)

49.3

Seating capacity 6

Step-in height, measured(in.) 14.3

Max cargo volumebehind 1st row (cu-ft)

Being researched

behind 2nd row (cu-ft) 27.5

behind 3rd row (cu-ft) 5.6

Cargo loading height,measured (in.)

25.0

GVWR (lbs.) 4,685

Payload, mfr. max claim(lbs.)

1,228

Ground clearance (in.) 5.5

Warranty

Bumper-to-bumper 3 years/36,000 miles

Powertrain 5 years/60,000 miles

Corrosion 5 years/Unlimited milesRoadside assistance 3 years/36,000 miles

Free scheduledmaintenance

Not available

Edmunds Inc. All rights reserved. This information was extracted from www.insideline.comand is subject to the terms of the
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2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring Full Test