As we enter what appears to be the final model year for Mazda’s aging 5, the Japanese automaker has pared down the available options for its mini-minivan, and finally eliminated the 6-speed manual entirely.
2015 Mazda5s are still available in three trim levels–Sport, Touring and Grand Touring–but only a handful of a-la-carte options remain, the most notable of which being headrest-mounted DVD entertainment system.
2015 Mazda5s are still available in three trim levels–Sport, Touring and Grand Touring–but only a handful of a-la-carte options remain, the most notable of which being headrest-mounted DVD entertainment system.
The Mazda5 was never a volume seller for Mazda, peaking at just over 22,000 units in 2008. This is likely the reason for Mazda’s reluctance to overhaul the small van under its new SkyActiv program. Without these improvements, the aging powertrain combination was only good for 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway–worse than the larger (but less flexible) CX-5.
The upcoming CX-3 will likely fill the role vacated by the Mazda5 when it goes on sale later next year, but its lack of sliding doors and third-row seating will put it at a practicality disadvantage to the outgoing van. Mazda’s only other three-row family vehicle is the larger, more expensive CX-9, which is due for replacement in 2017.
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