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Mazda5 gets a nip and tuck

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Barely two years into production and Mazda have given the 5 MPV a facelift and feature update.

The striking MPV, with its sliding doors and rakish styling, now features new bumper and light arrangements, both front and rear, while new 16- and 17-inch mags designs add to the contemporary look.

New interior

Being an MPV, the interior is where most of the updates have manifested themselves - especially considering the Mazda5 having been launched with a distinctly underwhelming interior.

The seven-seat Karakuri versatility system remains, with two new black trim packages with either titanium-look or black centre panel and gear selector panel available too. A leather trim package is now optional too.

Much of the urban practicality of the Mazda5 has been gathered form its sliding doors, enabling passenger to enter and debus the MPV even in tight spaces without risk of door damage. The sliding rear doors now have optional powered operation too.

Infotainment, a key element in any multi-passenger vehicle, has received a welcome boost with the reconfiguration of the CD player to have full MP3 compatibility, whilst auxiliary jacks are available for MP3 players which use the car's audio system.

Navigation is now handled by an optional DVD navigation system with 7-inch multifunctional touch screen, voice command and rear view camera in centre panel.

Diesel power

Four engine derivatives are available, including turbodiesel power. Entry point is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder producing 85kW at 5300r/min and 165Nm at 4000r/min, while the 2-litre petrol engine now features sequential valve timing and produces 107kW at 6500r/min and 185Nm at 4000r/min.

For the more economically minded there is the 2-litre common-rail turbodiesel, producing either 85kW at 3500r/min and 310Nm at 2000r/min or 105kW and 360Nm in high power trim.

Two new gearboxes transfer power to the road. Beyond the standard five-speed manual, a six-speed manual or five speed auto channel the power, whilst a new rear suspension forward lateral link position ensures greater stability.

  • Mazda South African has not responded at time of publishing concerning enquires about the probability of these changes being brought to bear on the South African range.

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