2008 Mazda 5

Mazda 5 Facelift - An even Quieter Place to be

Mazda 5 facelift is not only more practical and easier to use, it is also a quieter place to be, making its passenger cell even more communicative and relaxing. Engine sound, for instance, has been reduced (for all engines) by the introduction of a multi-resonator around the fresh air intake duct. It has six different types of resonators that are designed to cut noise at frequencies between 80 to 470 Hz. Road noise has also been reduced by increasing the rigidity of the rims of the alloy wheels. This reduces load wheel vibration, which is transmitted to the body and experienced as road noise by passengers, by 1 dB. And, Thinsulate® insulation sheeting has been added to the roof liner, which absorbs high-pitched road noise (at 250 Hz and above) transmitted through the body shell.

Powertrains - Improved Fuel Efficiency, less CO 2 and new Automatic Transmission

Mazda's push to reduce the impact of its vehicles on the environment continues with the Mazda 5 facelift, which features an updated engine line-up that uses less fuel and produce fewer emissions. The MZR 2.0-litre petrol , which produces 107 kW/146PS at 6,500 rpm , has undergone a major update. It now comes with electric throttle for even livelier pedal response, and sequential valve timing (S-VT) which improves cylinder charging efficiency for more torque throughout the rev range. This allowed engineers to make maximum torque of 185 Nm available at a lower engine speed , now at just 4,000 rpm (500 rpm earlier than the outgoing engine).

The updated MZR 2.0-litre petrol can be paired to a new five-speed automatic transmission (see box) or a newly- introduced six-speed manual transmission that enhances even further the lively character of the top-end petrol engine. The six-speed manual's closer gear ratios, along with a newly- introduced electric throttle and S-VT, deliver a responsive and powerful drive with improved elasticity . Mazda 5 facelift with this new powertrain does 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds, down from 10.8 seconds of the outgoing powertrain (with five- speed manual transmission). Its sixth gear is laid-out to reduce fuel usage when cruising at high speeds. Combined with the new S-VT system that improves fuel economy at low engine speeds and Mazda 5's low drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.29, and you have a powerful, top of the range petrol version that uses just 7.9 litres per 100 km (combined), which is 0.3 litres or 4 percent less than in the previous 2.0-litre petrol model .

Mazda's updated MZR 2.0-litre petrol also produces fewer emissions . A new oxygen sensor is added to the exhaust system's close coupling catalyst and under-floor catalyst , which helps the engine control module optimise the air-fuel mixture to keep emissions as low as possible. This, combined with the improved fuel-efficiency described above, means the updated MZR 2.0-litre produces 11 g/km less CO 2 than the outgoing engine.

New Five-Speed Automatic Transmission

A new five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is introduced for the MZR 2.0-litre petrol engine, a first for the Mazda 5 line-up. It has a new torque converter that achieves an optimal balance between performance and fuel efficiency by reducing energy loss produced by slip, by employing a wide lockup range and acceleration slip control function. These features, combined with special tuning of the engine's electric throttle system, produce positive acceleration response in city driving and nimble passing on country roads and motorways.

Retained is the MZR 1.8-litre petrol with five-speed manual transmission from the outgoing model known for its agile, fun and frugal nature. It produces 85 kW/115 PS of power at 5,300 rpm and a maximum torque of 165 Nm at 4,000 rpm . Its needs just 7.6 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined), 0.3 litres or 4 percent less than before , and produces 8 g/km less CO 2 .

The MZR-CD 2.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel is retained as well. It comes in two power derivatives, a Standard Power version producing 81 kW/110 PS at 3,500 rpm and maximum torque of 310 Nm at just 2,000 rpm , and a High Power version producing 105 kW/143 PS at 3,500 rpm and robust maximum torque of 360 Nm at 2,000 rpm . Both versions use a variable-geometry turbocharger for maximum torque even at low engine speeds, ensuring lively pedal response, along with a dual-mass flywheel and common-rail multi- stage injection technology (with up to six injections per cycle) for smooth, nearly petrol-like operation. The efficiency of its exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler has been improved for the Mazda 5 facelift. Both diesel derivates are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard . They use just 6.1 litres per 100 km (combined), 0.2 litres or 3 percent less than the outgoing engine, and produce 162 g/km CO 2 , which is 11 g/km less . A diesel particulate filter (DPF) remains standard for both diesel versions.

Driving Dynamics & Safety - Suspension Updates for Even More Stability

The original Mazda 5 was one of the first new Mazda vehicles to employ high-tensile steels in the body shell for an ideal combination of reduced weight combined with high torsional and flexural rigidity. The facelift version inherits this robust structure and adds suspension updates front and back for improved driving stability and optimised ride comfort. The new dampers for the MacPherson strut front suspension reduce damping force lag between compression and extension. The multi-link rear suspension's forward lateral links are now raised by 2 mm , which increases toe-in by 30%. These updates help further increase grip and stability when Mazda 5 facelift corners at higher speeds, especially with a full load of passengers and luggage.

The original Mazda 5 scored 33 points and was awarded five stars on Euro NCAP testing, which is still one of the highest rankings in this class. The Mazda 5 facelift retains this safe and strong body shell with its unique triple-H structure, six airbags , and a collapsible brake pedal . In addition to this, active safety is enhanced with improved brake response . The brake booster was optimised to increase the speed that the fluid pressure rises when the driver first steps on the brake pedal for more positive feedback. Carryover options like an automatic light system and rain sensors also contribute to active safety. Large ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes, four-channel ABS, EBD and brake assist are standard. A DSC system , combined with Traction Control System (TCS) , is either standard or optional, depending on grade and market.

The new LED rear combination lamps that are part of the Sports Appearance Package, are not only a design plus, they also make the Mazda 5 facelift more visible to following cars. The rear lamps use 12 LEDs each , which increases their brightness and makes them easier to see when deceleration occurs. They also come on 0.15 seconds quicker than incandescent bulbs when the brakes are applied. Moreover, they use far less energy: only 9 instead of 52 Watts.