DRIVEN: 2006 Mazda5

Story and Photos by Michael Banovsky

Remember when the minivan was mini? Better yet, remember the Nissan Axxess, the Toyota Van, and the original Honda Odyssey? (And the original Dodge Caravan, for that matter.) They were all from a time when the marketers were convinced that less was more.

That’s what Mazda would like you to think with their 2006 Mazda5. Part of the largest-growing segment across the globe – mini-MPVs – the Mazda5 is the first ‘mini’ to hit North America running.

It’s built off of Ford’s award-winning C1 platform – already seen here in the Mazda3 and Volvo S40/V50 – stretched a bit in all directions, and fitted with dual-sliding doors. It’s also fitted with Mazda’s sprightly 2.3L 4-cylinder engine, developing (in soccer dad guise) 157 horsepower and 148 lb/ft. of torque.



If it sounds anemic, it isn’t – with only one person on-board. Filled with people, luggage, or furniture, and it’s a bit challenged. Blame the lithe Japanese nation – anything more than two North American-sized adults and the engine sounds like a blender.With one person on board; however, it’s a hoot.

The manual gearbox has a long throw, which encourages full use of the engine. Handling is predictably predictable, right up to the limit. At the very low-low limit, the 5 displays (at first) somewhat unnerving characteristics.

I apologize to the trees that were scared in the making of this article. At the limit, a slight lift will bring out (not d0rift car levels here, folks) the tail, giving the sliding doors a better view of the road ahead. If you’ve driven a (BMW) Mini, it’s a similar at-the-limit feeling.

Because the 5 responds to a little bit of sliding, it’s much quicker in the corners than its large-van brethren, which just roll. The 5 rocks.



Inside, it’s standard-fare Japano-box construction (The only difference is that it’s in Mazda black). The first two rows are adjustable; all four seats have tilting backrests and are on sliders. The second row seats also fold forward sans-backrest to provide storage. When all three rows of seats are folded (yes, the six-passenger van that’s called the 5), the load area is cavernous.

Everyone I showed the 5 to was impressed. Basically, the 5 lets you to hold onto a long sweeper, your wife, and your kids. If DVD systems are entertainment for kids, the driving dynamics of the 5 are entertainment for adults.

If it doesn’t win AJAC’s coveted Car of the Year award, the voting journalists are probably too old and crotchety to understand.

Finally, the execution stays true to promise. Less is more.