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From YourSITE.com Mazda News
-- Mazda masterfully combines cabin comfort, outstanding functionality and true driving pleasure into a clean and stylish design IRVINE, Calif. -- Designed from the inside out for maximum comfort, convenience and enjoyment, the MAZDA5 is the embodiment of innovative packaging, stand-out versatility and Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom driving experience. MAZDA5 also charms with its sophisticated, yet subtly stated body design that is pleasing to the eye, and its dynamic driving performance that is a thrill to drive as part of one’s daily lifestyle. An entirely new type of vehicle for the North American market, MAZDA5 is aimed toward those who desire a MAZDA3 5-Door or similar size vehicle, but require additional cargo- and people-carrying capacity. MAZDA5 is part of a class of vehicle that is hugely popular in Europe and Japan, where space and utility must be maximized, and driving performance is held at a premium. “The MAZDA5 is a new approach to multi-faceted motoring,” said Weldon Munsey, MAZDA5 planning manager for Mazda North American Operations. “It has the dimensions, ease of use and value of a compact car, yet the sophistication, refinement and features of a premium import. Like the RX-8 sportscar, MAZDA5 breaks convention in seating access and interior design to create an entirely new type of vehicle.” The MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle will be available in either Sport or Touring trim levels. The Sport trim level includes an AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows and locks as well as cruise control. Touring trim includes all of the amenities of the Sport level and adds climate control, front fog lamps, attractive rear spoiler, sleek side skirts, an in-dash six-disc AM/FM/CD changer and a power moonroof. Striking 17-inch alloy wheels and a comprehensive airbag safety system are standard on both models. Communicative and Dynamic The development goal of combining maximum comfort and versatile practicality with driving enjoyment and responsive handling is explained by Kenichi Fukunaga, MAZDA5 Program Manager: "We conceptualized the MAZDA5 as ‘communicative and dynamic’. The ‘communicative’ part of the product concept relates to the interface between the vehicle and users, and conveys the notion that the MAZDA5 is rich in user-friendly practicality. It also conveys the notion that the MAZDA5 enables passengers to interact with each other in comfort. And it conveys the promise of driveability that makes for natural-feeling interaction between the MAZDA5 and the driver. Overall, it reflects the personality of a vehicle that, compared with other models released since Mazda adopted the Zoom-Zoom brand strategy, is more clearly focused on utility and passenger communication.” “The ‘dynamic’ part of the product concept relates to high running, turning, and stopping potential and to innovative styling that was achieved without compromises in packaging efficiency. It’s important to note that the MAZDA5’s performance characteristics are aimed mainly at balancing the need for brisk acceleration with handling that feels natural and feels reassuring to the driver and passengers. Mazda vehicles are developed to deliver easy, enjoyable driving, good maneuverability and overall comfort through excellent body control and damping.” The advantages of this ‘communicative and dynamic’ concept are efficiently woven into the very fabric of the MAZDA5’s roomy comfort and satisfying ride. DESIGN Stylish and clean from the inside out The MAZDA5 design team’s aim was to realize a fresh new “taste” in a design that is familiar and easy to grow fond of, but that continues to offer a fresh and well-balanced driving experience, even in constant daily use. The belief is that a vehicle built to satisfy all the daily needs of family use must deliver such a balance, and must appeal to a wide variety of customers. Another priority was to create a pleasing new utility design that broadens the appeal of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom brand strategy of stylish, insightful and spirited dynamic performance by taking it deeper into the realm of insightful engineering with a stylish and clean appeal. “Stylish and clean” describes the proportions and balance that faithfully inherit the benefits of Mazda's brand DNA while achieving a fresh expression of subtle, sophisticated detailing in a design that places priority on delivering smart functionality. Exterior Particular attention was given to the flowing wedge shape, lean solidness and compact appearance that embody the “stylish and clean” concept. The sweeping wedge shape of the low front nose section and stylish, flowing silhouette reveals the MAZDA5's dynamic spirit. It is supported by a strong character line along the side of the body that runs from nose to tail and merges with the inconspicuous finish of the sliding door's center rail to accentuate the body's wedge-shaped profile. The side of the MAZDA5’s body tucks in as much as possible at the rear for a solid and well-toned look and the roofline also slopes downward as it reaches the rear to complete the dynamic image while creating a compact look and a clean line that defies the roomy cabin space inside. Interior The materials, colors, and design throughout the interior were given utmost attention so Mazda could deliver a new people mover that customers will find pleasant to drive day-in and day-out, around town and on outings with family and friends. The sedan-like design of the instrument panel and sweeping line of its upper section provide a natural feeling and clear field of view. The center of the dashboard is raised to position the controls concentrated on the center panel where the driver can easily reach them, as well as to improve their visibility and operation. Interior detailing covers the finest points to enhance the finish and air of quality. For example, the simple and clean three-meter instrument cluster places a large speedometer in the center, and is designed for maximum visibility right down to details in relationship to the steering wheel's position. MAZDA5 will offer a black keynote color with cool silver accents on the center panel and elsewhere to create a balance that will appeal to those who appreciate a sleek, sophisticated or technical interior ambiance. PACKAGING AND CRAFTSMANSHIP Packaging The packaging delivers maximum comfort to occupants of all six independent seats, plus an additional dimension of utility through intelligent design that realizes easy access, ample seating arrangements, handy storage space and practical yet visually pleasing appointments. Core to the whole concept is the open space created in the cabin’s center that encourages and facilitates free and open interaction between all who ride in the MAZDA5. With an overall length of 177”, width of 69.1”, height of 63.6”, and sitting on a 108” wheelbase, the MAZDA5 manages to deliver roomy comfort while limiting overall size. Despite the long wheelbase, MAZDA5 features an impressive minimum turning radius, making it remarkably easy for any driver to maneuver in tight situations. MAZDA5 features large sliding doors on both sides. The doors open smoothly and do not swing out too far, making it easy to operate in parking spaces and other tight locations. The sliding doors provide far greater access for rear-seat passengers than conventional hinged doors. Features that make access to all seats very easy, even when loaded down with shopping bags, infants, or in other daily-life situations, include the wide sliding doors, the low and wide side steps, and one-touch third row walk-in mechanism. Particular effort went to ensuring maximum headroom and legroom while providing a comfortably tall hip point for friends or family who sit in the “stadium-seating”-style second- and third-row seats. This included overcoming a number of challenges such as developing a low-profile fuel tank to realize a low, flat cabin floor without sacrificing fuel tank integrity or capacity for extended touring, as well as angling the rear roof pillar back toward the liftgate to add extra head clearance while improving the aerodynamic characteristics at the same time. Versatile seat arrangements The second and third row seats can be easily arranged in a number of flexible patterns to allow maximum efficiency in the use of space. In addition to their long slide adjustment and reclining functions, the second row seats each feature a handy double-fold mechanism. Design details to achieve maximum comfort include slide adjustment and reclining functions on the second row seats, and a flat floor design that ensures maximum legroom in both the second and third row seats. Folding down the second and third row seatbacks creates an expansive luggage area with a virtually flat floor. Cleverly, a karakuri utility box stowed beneath the cushion of the right-hand seat in the second row can be folded out to store toys or the little things that accompany everyday life inside a vehicle. It is also fitted with two additional cupholders for second-row passengers’ use. The area under the cushion of the left-hand seat in the second row is left open, and offers further out-of-sight storage. Accessibility To ensure usability and ease of accessibility, painstaking research that included attaching sensors to test subjects and running simulations of the human body’s actual movement when opening/closing the door helped produce easy-to-operate sliding doors on both sides open to a full 27.5”, into which a parent can enter while carrying an infant. The walk-through cabin design and one-touch entry to the third row further add to the ease of access. Another product of extensive testing, the new light-weight lift-gate with two-step stop mechanism maximizes operational ease for users of all heights and builds. Craftsmanship Attention to detail readily seen in the quality of the seat, floor, and body designs is a testament to the development team’s eagerness to have users experience the company’s commitment to quality and finish the instant a door on the MAZDA5 is opened. The fit and finish speaks of the determination to deliver high quality throughout, right down to the small clearance tolerances for panel matching. Of particular note is the unobtrusive smooth surface of the B-pillar between the front and sliding doors that is painted in the body color. Similarly, the ridge lines and tracks for the sliding doors create a straight, clean finish. Additionally, clinical analysis of muscle movement when operating the transmission shifter led to the development of a center panel design that positions the knob at an optimum angle that makes possible operation without bending one’s wrist. DRIVING DYNAMICS Driving dynamics that improve the ownership experience While the achievement of interior comfort and versatility were priorities in MAZDA5 development, the signature Mazda driving dynamics of responsiveness, neutral handling and linear, controllable braking were not forgotten. The full spirit of Zoom-Zoom can be found within the MAZDA5. Powertrain Ensuring the responsive ride that the driver will appreciate is an MZR-series engine that has earned a reputation in the MAZDA3 and MAZDA6 for delivering the linear, lively and torquey power of Mazda's performance DNA combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine has been tuned to deliver optimum performance in this new vehicle, and is matched with a smooth five-speed manual transmission or four-speed Sport-AT automatic, with manual shift mode. Producing 157-hp at 6,500 rpm and 148 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 3,500 rpm, the engine is well-matched to the vehicle. Chassis Building on the proven architecture of the MAZDA3 that has earned high acclaim worldwide, the suspension of the MAZDA5 is tuned to produce a ride that occupants in all seats will find comfortable and particularly well balanced and damped. MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear help suppress roll that may be induced due to the relatively tall body height. MAZDA5 is equipped with Mazda's electronic hydraulic power assist steering system (EHPAS). Ventilated disc brakes in the front and solid discs in the rear ensure positive response along with unrivaled stability and control. An anti-lock system (ABS) is offered as standard equipment. This high level of basic brake performance is representative of Mazda's brand DNA, and realizes the outstanding stability required to make the MAZDA5 perform to its potential. Rigid body Every detail of the body was optimized to realize the rigidity needed for a comfortable ride with minimal NVH as well as solid footing on the road at all times, despite the wide openings for the sliding side doors and large liftgate in the rear. Active and passive safety Mazda's own highly rigid, collision-safe Mazda Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System body is greatly evolved to match the characteristics of the MAZDA5's body design. The outstanding level of crash safety achieved was subjected to strenuous testing under conditions more severe than the regulations and standards of each market, with the goal being not only excellent scores in standardized tests such as NCAP (U.S) or Euro NCAP, but also an ability to ultimately protect passengers in the wide and unpredictable variety of real-world accidents. The airbag supported supplemental restraint systems add an extra measure of protection for all occupants, from the front and side airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, to a new standard-equipment side-curtain air bag large enough to protect those sitting in all three rows of seats. On the active, Zoom-Zoom side of safety, the MAZDA5’s advanced safety systems include a four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) system. Mechanical brake assistance boosts the brake pedal force applied by the driver in the event of an emergency to ensure a shorter stopping distance. The driver is also well positioned to assure clear visibility by minimizing blind spots and maximizing the view through the side windows, making pedestrians, small children and the likes easier to spot. Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide. © Copyright 2003 by YourSITE.com |
