Mother Proof's view

If the minivan is the grown-up, mature version of the family-mobile, the Mazda5 is the precocious little sister. It’s not quite as big, fast or well-developed as its big sister, but it still wants a turn on the dance floor. It’s more than a foot and a half shorter and 8 inches narrower than most minivans, which almost makes it look like it was left in the dryer too long. Those differences, though, also make it sportier and sleeker, and mean it can actually fit into parking spots at the mall. It looks more fun than a minivan, and in many ways it is.

Sadly, my test vehicle was a rather unfortunate greenish-yellow color that Mazda calls Golden Sand Metallic. I, however, will forever remember it as Hangover Green. Alternate names offered by friends included Asparagus Pee, Sunlit Grinch and just plain Hideous. Once inside the car (or happily color-blinded) it gets better. To see how the 2008 version compares with last year’s model, check out a side-by-side comparison of the two models.

The general feel of the Mazda5 is sporty and fun. The engine isn’t exactly the “zoom, zoom” type of Mazda advertising fame, but it definitely qualifies as zippy. It’s quick and agile around town, with a terrific turning radius that makes U-turns and parking a breeze. Like sisters, what’s incredible about the Mazda5 is its versatility; they both do equally well as a companion for retail therapy or someone to pick up the kids in an emergency. It doesn’t seem possible that this quick little car can seat six people, but it does. I think part of the trick is its smaller seats (like in an airplane). Now, I’m not someone who shops in the junior section, and the shorter seat surface became a bit uncomfortable for me on longer trips. The seats aren’t geared to hold wider folks, either, but there is plenty of headroom all around. Adults can fit comfortably in the second row, but not in the third. Kids, however, are perfectly situated in either row, and with four Latch connectors they’re nice and secure back there, too.

There are a bunch of really nifty features in the Mazda5 that make hauling kids and their stuff considerably easier. Sliding doors provide easy entrance and exit, and there are plastic storage bins under both of the second-row seats. There’s a table with two cupholders on the passenger side that folds out into the aisle between the seats. The table surface even pops out to reveal a toy net underneath. Nifty, no? There’s another plastic bin hiding under the floor of the rear cargo area, which, by the way, is magically bigger than it looks. With the third row up, I still fit eight grocery bags into the cargo area. I couldn’t fit a Costco run or the dog back there, but a moderate trip to the grocery store isn’t out of the question. When cargo space is an issue, the third row folds completely flat into the floor. The resulting area is almost cavernous. She may be little, but sis gets the job done.

Tons of techie stuff proclaims the youthfulness of my sister – uh – the Mazda5. Of course there’s the basic keyless entry and power doors and windows. No hip girl would be without those, but the Mazda5 also has a huge color screen that adorns the dash, providing both a navigation system and stereo controls. An auxiliary port makes hooking up an iPod or other MP3 player super-simple, and touch-screen controls allow easy access to satellite radio or your CDs. The navigation system is easy to use and accurate, but the car has to be stopped to program in a destination. This is supposed to be a safety feature, but it means a passenger can’t work the system either if the car is in gear. I appreciate the effort to guard me from my own stupidity, but please, there are limits.

Also annoying while driving is the ever-persistent road noise. In order to provide an economic package, Mazda apparently decided to skimp on noise insulation. Conversation is strained at highway speeds, especially with folks in the backseat.

What the Mazda5 doesn’t strain, however, is a girl’s budget. There are three trim levels, and only one engine is available. Leather is only available with the Grand Touring version. I will mention (yet again) that leather is worth the price. Aside from the obvious leaking sippy cup factor, the cloth seats in my test car seemed to attract lint and hair. Even with leather, the Mazda5 is still pretty affordable. Also economical is this car’s gas mileage: The Mazda5 got about 20 mpg in my hilly neighborhood, which is considerably better than the average SUV or minivan.

Simply put, this highly versatile little sister is game for anything, and you’re bound to enjoy her company.

*For more information on the 2008 Mazda5 and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

Latch Connectors: 4

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 6

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore (with third row down)

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent

Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Good Times

Specs

2008 Mazda5

Base price: $20,760

Price as tested: $23,725

Engine: 153-hp, 2.3-liter I-4

Fuel: 21/27 mpg

Length: 181.5″

Width: 69.1″

Ground Clearance: 5.5″

Turning Radius: 17.4′

Cargo space: 4.0-70.9 cu. ft.

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

Frontal Impact

Driver’s side: Not Rated

Passenger’s side: Not Rated

Side Impact

Front occupant: Not Rated

Rear occupant: Not Rated

Rollover resistance: Not Rated