New Mazda 5 redefines the aesthetics of a MPV

Mazda has released photos and some information about the all-new Mazda5 (a.k.a. Premacy on JDM) which is to be premiered at the press days of the 2010 Geneva Motor Show on March 2 and 3, 2010. European sales of the all-new Mazda5 will commence during fall 2010.

Mazda 5 is a great looking minivan derived from the Nagare (“flow” in Japanese) design study, environmental friendly with “i-stop” idling stop system, a 2.0-liter direct injection gasoline engine and other technologies that reduce CO2 emissions by 15 percent, helped by its excellent aerodynamic characteristics.

As one could expect from a MPV coming from Japan, Mazda 5 offers a high level of functionality, with dual sliding rear doors and multiple seat arrangements. This includes a karakuri second-row center seat that can be converted to a versatile storage space.

The ride is slightly sportier but still smooth to complement European customers who also prefer manual gearbox to automatics as a good way to reduce fuel costs. Thus the six-speed manual transmission has optimized gear ratios for greater fuel economy. The new Mazda5’s green credentials are further enhanced by its other available powertrains, which include a 1.8L gasoline engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.