As Mazda replaces its range with the polarizing “smiley face” look model by model, a day will come when one will have to not consider the brand at all if he/she doesn’t “get” the design language (me for instance). The latest model to cross the bridge is the new Mazda 5 MPV launched at Geneva.
The standout aesthetic feature are those lines that flow along the 5′s profile, the first full application of the brand’s Nagare Flow design language previewed by its recent concept cars. The said lines combine with Mazda’s signature sculpted wheelarches and the curvy front end to create a cohesive look and a good Cd value of 0.30. Rear pillar metal have been deleted and the previous car’s high mounted tail lamps are ditched for conventionally placed items that go better with the new image. The 5′s segment unique dual sliding doors are of course retained. The overall look is very busy – either you like it or you don’t.
Inside, the 5′s cockpit follows the theme set by the current 3, but is less funky for this application. Seating for up to seven are available, including the occasional “Karakuri” seat, as per the old car, but comfort is improved via new seat designs.
The new 5 debuts alongside a new engine – the MZR 2.0 DISI (direct injection spark ignition) with “i-stop” start stop tech producing 148 bhp and 191 Nm of torque. This compares well to the current car’s 136 bhp/175 Nm, with 15% less CO2 emissions to boot. Paired to a six-speed manual with eco optimised gear ratios, its fuel consumption of 14.5 km/l is better than the 13.9 km/l of the MZR 1.8 engine with 113 bhp/165 Nm. Both engines come with single-nano tech catalyst and are Euro 5 compliant.
Mazda says that the 5, which was not bad to drive at all, is even better now thanks to increased spring rates and lighter stabilizers that improve straight line stability and makes body roll more linear. Rubber couplings added to the steering shaft and more rigid components provides a more linear steering feel while noise insulation is said to be improved.
Live pictures from Geneva and official gallery after the jump!
Mazda 5 live images from Geneva
Mazda 5 official images
Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.
Wow…….nice
1st……….Macam Merc B Class
What a happy looking camper!
What a happy looking camper! Makes me smile!
wah!! 6 gear manual…
i love it!!
very ugly butt…hehe
what happen to the rear???…so ssangyong looks!..euuwwwwwww!
Mazda happy happy face
any idea when will this be coming on shore ?
Now all Mazda lineups are one big happy family. (with the smiling face of course)
Sadly I'm not happy with it.
Damn cun!!!!
Ok, back to planet Bolehland, how much is the price going to be here?
cam Exora pun ada…kih,kih,kih….
ok but look very korean……………for me la..
looks heavy and too much estima shape,
Nice styling….Very European style…Spacious as well….
wow..the curves…
2 is coming in May. Hatchback n Sedan. Woo~Hoo!!! is zoom Zoom ZOOM…
it's an R-class butt!!>.<
When is it coming to Malaysia ?
tak la cun sangat. Line yang kat tepi tu nampak macam side-body ikan paus biru pulak… macam resakse laut pun ada.
yup… look like R-Class
the door gonna be so costly when kena langgar
Oh dear. Mazda is losing it in the design department. The Koreans are doing a far better job.
Hideous rear. Busy sides. Ridiculous face. Put together in a haphazard manner.
Wow, I really like the front lower facia and rims.Sweet looking ride.I can't wait to test drive it!I always thought of putting some sort of display on the back of my car.May I should have painted it.Mazad’s Marketing still going strong.
I think I can use the straight-on front shot as a Halloween mask.
Won't fit 3 chils seats in the middle row. Few cars will, that is the big advantage of the Verso. Nice car, I like Mazdas, but need to fit 3 chils seats in the middle….
wtf! why is the side so wavy!? imagine if you get into an accident, and the side is damaged, how the hell are they going to get back the original shape? Don't get me started on the back! A step backward for Mazda.
Always been a fan of Mazda design, but when they started the smiley face with Mazda3, its lost its appeal to me. I don't want a smiley goofey car. I want sleekness/class, or "garang" sporty. Smiley faces will never be sporty, and won't pass of as classy in my books.
I share the same sentiments as MBX Boy. I really liked the previous gen Mazda 6 2.3 (in pearl white), and still do. Anyone here wants to sell me one at a special price?
They got sucked in design trend set by Toyota with the new wish and previa.
Still, front to mid portion nice, but rear too sanyong ish. door panel cannot be repaired/ plastered, so need to change the whole panel in the event of an accident. Or you ask the panel beater to shape the waves for you. Hahaha.
7/10.
Whenever I see Neggara design, I always imagine the Ah Pek at kedai ketuk cursing…
it's malaysia, we love our Ah Pek's at kedai ketuk! They're darn alot cheaper compared to the ori Mazda shop… especially when warranty runs out!
boring
coming in year 2011
a mazda. so its look good.
yeah we should REJECT this design!!
carcoon said,
March 4, 2010 @ 9:31 am
Now all Mazda lineups are one big happy family. (with the smiling face of course)
Sadly I’m not happy with it.
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i wonder if it hit front car bumper it'd still be smiling huhu
We Malaysians always pay high attention to Wish, Stream, Estima and Odessey, but always forget about Mazda's MPV. Recall Mazda 5 and Premacy, these two models were fabulous!
estimate price range?
maybe the new trend of styling is toward that style?don't know..
this mazda smiley face cannot be implemented at all models I suppose.. I just love the old Mazda5 look..
oh no!!!what have they done to one of my favourite mpv…it seems that the new toyota wish had a better looking…
really dont really care about mazda..except impreza..
anyone can compare with Mitsu Grandis?
Really cute MPV!love Mazda smiley face
unlike cheap sporty cars Proton!try so hard to make sporty but failed!
Now most Mazda cars turned with Smile Flog Face, if with Light Green color you will imagine. I like it.:)