2008 Mazda 5 car

Set to debut at the Bologna Motor Show on Wednesday – Mazda has released the first pictures and details for the facelifted Mazda5.

On the exterior the Mazda has made minor modifications to the front dampers and have introduced optional power sliding doors for the pleasure of mother and baby (or for those who are just plain lazy). The suspension has been refined for enhanced stability round corners at high speeds topped off with a newly optimised brake booster for optimal braking response.

The MRZ 2.0-litre engine now includes an electric throttle and sequential valve timing (S-VT) increasing the torque at lower speeds. Mazda have also introduced 2 new transmissions to the Mazda5 Facelift: a six-speed manual transmission as standard and an optional five-speed automatic which is a first for the Mazda5.

On the interior the dashboard features a newly designed mid panel to fit in the new DVD navigation system with a new multifunctional touch screen.

See the press release below for more details.

Press Release

Mazda’s multi-activity vehicle, the Mazda5, will hit showrooms in early 2008 in a facelifted version that is even more family friendly with enhanced comfort, convenience and safety, combined with lower driving costs.

Talk about family values! The Mazda5 is the only MAV in the C-segment with two sliding rear doors, each with an impressive door opening width of 700 mm, which allows you to enter the vehicle with a baby in your arms. The Mazda5 facelift takes this convenience even further by introducing optional new power sliding rear doors that open and close in less than five seconds and stop automatically if obstructed. They are operated by a button from the driver’s seat, by the door handles or by the remote control key, which is especially convenient for families with small children.

Not only is the Mazda5 facelift more convenient to use, it is also more fun to drive. The MRZ 2.0-litre petrol engine has been completely revised and now has electric throttle and sequential valve timing (S-VT), which makes maximum torque available at a much lower engine speed than before for quick engine response in every gear. Two newly-introduced transmissions enhance the lively and agile character of this engine: a six-speed manual transmission as standard and an optional five-speed automatic – a first for the Mazda5 line-up. Yet despite its fun-to-drive nature, the new
MZR 2.0-litre uses 4 percent less fuel than the outgoing 2.0-litre, which means lower operating costs on a daily basis.