Topic: Long-Term Test Update 4: 2012 Mazda5 GS Manual

[jyarkony]

I believe that this "low volume vehicle" could become medium to high volume with the SkyActiv D (I know of at least one guaranteed sale!). Current families with 1-2 kids should be content with considering the Golf TDI wagon and the Prius V - both great choices in my opinion. An aside, why would Mazda think buyers of the 6 would go for a diesel sooner than buyers of the Mazda5? A vehicle that weighs about 4100 lbs. (Mazda 5 with 2 adults, 2 kids, and luggage) NEEDS a diesel.

No matter what engine you put in it, a microvan will never gain the same kind of traction as a mid-size sedan in the US—the market for sedans is huge, and they'll have to sell quite a few, and at a premium to justify the costs of the diesel engine, so they are sticking it in the car that has the highest possible sales volume and profit potential. CX-5 is probably number 2 in line to get it because CUVs are also all the rage, and that model could use an engine upgrade option...

And I disagree that the 5 needs a diesel—it'd be nice, both in its torque and its fuel savings, but this engine is fine for this vehicle, unless you need to drive aggressively...

[esiemens]

Good points! I tend to agree with your pessimism. Mazda will have left so much money and so many sales on the table if you are correct. SkyActiv gas would not be a great choice for this vehicle. I believe that this "low volume vehicle" could become medium to high volume with the SkyActiv D (I know of at least one guaranteed sale!). Current families with 1-2 kids should be content with considering the Golf TDI wagon and the Prius V - both great choices in my opinion. An aside, why would Mazda think buyers of the 6 would go for a diesel sooner than buyers of the Mazda5? A vehicle that weighs about 4100 lbs. (Mazda 5 with 2 adults, 2 kids, and luggage) NEEDS a diesel.

I keep asking on Facebook, in store, whenever I get a chance, to push for the Sky-D engine in a new (better looking) Mazda5 so I can upgrade my 06 with 205,000km on it. I love my 5, and the only issue I have with my 3 (eventually 4) kids is luggage space when going to grandma's house or going camping. My current solution is a hitch mounted platform I strap a rubbermaid bin to, which works great, but would LOVE the mileage from a decent diesel, maybe even the ability to pull a small (read tiny/motorbike sized) trailer without any extra cost in fuel. And since we will never get a Mazdaspeed5...

[Ice]

Good points! I tend to agree with your pessimism. Mazda will have left so much money and so many sales on the table if you are correct. SkyActiv gas would not be a great choice for this vehicle. I believe that this "low volume vehicle" could become medium to high volume with the SkyActiv D (I know of at least one guaranteed sale!). Current families with 1-2 kids should be content with considering the Golf TDI wagon and the Prius V - both great choices in my opinion. An aside, why would Mazda think buyers of the 6 would go for a diesel sooner than buyers of the Mazda5? A vehicle that weighs about 4100 lbs. (Mazda 5 with 2 adults, 2 kids, and luggage) NEEDS a diesel.

I keep asking on Facebook, in store, whenever I get a chance, to push for the Sky-D engine in a new (better looking) Mazda5 so I can upgrade my 06 with 205,000km on it. I love my 5, and the only issue I have with my 3 (eventually 4) kids is luggage space when going to grandma's house or going camping. My current solution is a hitch mounted platform I strap a rubbermaid bin to, which works great, but would LOVE the mileage from a decent diesel, maybe even the ability to pull a small (read tiny/motorbike sized) trailer without any extra cost in fuel. And since we will never get a Mazdaspeed5...

I wonder if the Mazda5 will be getting some sort of mid model change along the same lines as the CX-9?


Put a Mazda6/CX-5 style front on to banish the smiley face, a few modest changes out back, maybe a Sky Active engine and powertrain setup. I doubt we'll see the Sky-D but maybe they will introduce it in a big way. Not sure. Mazda would do well to distinguish themselves on the market but they are small and without the Ford backing they used to and I imagine it'd be quite the risk financially.

[jyarkony]

Good points! I tend to agree with your pessimism. Mazda will have left so much money and so many sales on the table if you are correct. SkyActiv gas would not be a great choice for this vehicle. I believe that this "low volume vehicle" could become medium to high volume with the SkyActiv D (I know of at least one guaranteed sale!). Current families with 1-2 kids should be content with considering the Golf TDI wagon and the Prius V - both great choices in my opinion. An aside, why would Mazda think buyers of the 6 would go for a diesel sooner than buyers of the Mazda5? A vehicle that weighs about 4100 lbs. (Mazda 5 with 2 adults, 2 kids, and luggage) NEEDS a diesel.

I keep asking on Facebook, in store, whenever I get a chance, to push for the Sky-D engine in a new (better looking) Mazda5 so I can upgrade my 06 with 205,000km on it. I love my 5, and the only issue I have with my 3 (eventually 4) kids is luggage space when going to grandma's house or going camping. My current solution is a hitch mounted platform I strap a rubbermaid bin to, which works great, but would LOVE the mileage from a decent diesel, maybe even the ability to pull a small (read tiny/motorbike sized) trailer without any extra cost in fuel. And since we will never get a Mazdaspeed5...

I've seen some 5's with roof rack mounted Thule cargo bags/bins which is the way I'd go if I was in that vehicle permanently. And yeah, a diesel is definitely more likely than a'Speed5! It does make sense from the consumer end, and maybe once the engine arrives in the 6, they will simply stick it in everything to make a s much of the money back on the investment to certify it here.

And welcome to the forum!