Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Mazda 5
- Competes with: Kia Rondo, Toyota RAV4
- Looks like: A mini minivan
- Drivetrain: 153-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual or automatic transmission
- Hits dealerships: Winter 2007/2008
The Mazda5 is one of only a few vehicles on the market that offers seating for six in a small package. The Mazda5 debuted in 2006 but had been on sale in other parts of the world for years before that, and that’s why it’s already getting some freshening for 2008.
Mazda has tweaked the exterior just enough to change the funky look of the past model to something a bit more sophisticated. Most improved are the large taillights, which exchange a stack of clear coated bulbs for sleeker LED lights for the Touring and Grand Touring trims. Mazda has kept the sliding rear doors but made the rear passengers a bit more comfortable with their own air vents. There are also new armrests for the first two rows of seats.
Mazda says mileage is improved thanks to a new five-speed automatic transmission — yes, it really had a four-speed previously. The engine remains the same 153 horsepower, four-cylinder we’re quite fond of in the Mazda 3. Pricing and an exact on-sale date haven’t been announced but we’d expect the price to stay close to the outgoing’s starting price of $17,735. More photos of the 2008 Mazda 5 are below.
