Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivans/MPVs, Mazda
Spy Shots: 2008 Mazda5 facelift
After three years of wearing the same clothes, Mazda's anti-minivan minivan, the Mazda5, has been spotted trying out a new look. This spy shot shows the six-seater with a revised grille, redesigned headlights that extend a bit beyond the fenders, a more rounded front bumper, flashy chrome trim around the fog lights and LED taillights.
Possibly the most interesting thing on this lightly-camouflaged car are the 17-inch wheels. They are much sportier than what the 5 wore previously, and, dare we say it,
[Source: World Car Fans]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
db25 4:20PM (8/13/2007)
Its too bad the mazda dealer network is so scattered.
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DJ 4:23PM (8/13/2007)
17" wheels have always been standard on the 5 GT.
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Tired 5:20PM (8/13/2007)
Here's a rundown of all of the changes for the '08 Mazda5
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3215402&postcount=1
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Drewboy 8:01PM (8/13/2007)
Wow those actually sound like really good changes! I'm almost embarrassed to say, I really like the 5. It looks kind of like a Minivan, yet not. I have a couple pets, and its different shape from the 3 hatch means I can fit more stuff in. Helpful when I'm temporarily relocating them on my vacations... I'm glad they're replacing some of the colors, its about freakin' time.
B-NOIT 5:29PM (8/13/2007)
I don't see any LED taillights... Just the carry-over assembly.
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Tired 5:55PM (8/13/2007)
The Sport model doesn't get LEDs for 2008. Possible the test mule is a Touring or Grand Touring model.
MikeW 5:36PM (8/13/2007)
Only a 5 speed auto?! The '06 Mazda3 got one, so if they were going to go with a 5 speed auto and not a 6 speed, they should have done it for the '07s.
But hey, something thing is better than nothing.
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Tired 5:50PM (8/13/2007)
Agreed. Mazda has made some odd choices with the Mazda5, primarily a lack of advertising and support.
Hard to beat the utility and features for the price, but no one I talk too outside of car enthusiasts even know it exists.
Would I like a stronger engine - sure. But now that some of the obvious shortcomings of the 2007 seem to be addressed with the '08, for our young-ish family of four it's at the top of our test drive list.
psarhjinian 6:12PM (8/13/2007)
If I had to have only one car, it'd be a close tie between this and the Kia Rondo. The Mazda's more fun to drive, has easier access, but the Kia's seats are better and it's easier to live with (less noise, for one).
Both are excellent. I don't know how they're selling in the US, but in Canada they're doing amazingly well.
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Tired 6:54PM (8/13/2007)
The Mazda5 isn't selling well, but there's no advertising support for it.
For June '07 NA sales were 1,096. Year to date only 8,309 have sold.
Not impressive numbers for US, Canada and Mexico combined.
http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=26293
psarhjinian 8:34PM (8/13/2007)
I did some digging and it looks like ~25-30% of the 5 sales are Canadian. It outsells the Tribute, which isn't the case in the US.
Not entirely surprising, but I agree with you that Mazda hasn't promoted it enough. Given the price of fuel, they could make a real case for it.
tbirdkatz 11:16PM (8/13/2007)
If only they would put the Speed3 turbo 4 in it. It'd be a van I'd buy. As the current owner of a Nissan Quest, I'm glad to see vans with style. Although I like Suvs, gas is too expensive for it to work. A van is very practical, but very boring. The 5 looks great, but not enough power for me.
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Typesbad 12:00AM (8/14/2007)
I like the 5. Good packaging on a great platform. As already stated, it makes a great "only car".
Unfortunately the attention seems to be going in the wrong places. The front needed no real attention, (though there is obviously some new MAZDA6 in this face) but no revisions to those hideous taillights! Please!
The interior could stand to have a little more 3 and the engine, a little MAZDASPEED3. Just a little mind you. I don't need 263 hp unless the kids' seats are self cleaning, but a dose of direct injection and some light boost to around 180-200 hp would sure go a long way to making this car a little less of a chore when fully loaded.
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MiniMe 12:15AM (8/14/2007)
Nice looking microvan, except for the rear tail light lenses. When is this ugly trend going to end.
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Jason 3:39AM (8/14/2007)
This vehicle has continually failed in the US market because of it's size. It's too small of a minivan and too large of a hatch. They can facelift it until it's blue in the face, but I garantee this next one will still sell poorly.
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mazdafan 6:53PM (10/29/2007)
I don't think they're too small to make it in the USA.
I never really like the orinary minivans as they're too big and high. This one is perfect for us. Less weight better mileage too and more affordable package. Mazda just need to advertise these sporty minivans, now that the CX7 and 9's are already rolling.Can't wait to get in my 2008.
Nellydesign 8:35AM (8/14/2007)
As much as marketing types like to hold up the "zoom zoom" campaign as one of the most successful, the truth is, Mazda's advertizing fails in one regard. They never really talk about INDIVIDUAL vehicles. Its always a full lineup thing. Most of the individual spots seem to go to the local dealers and their adverts are always bad. When was the last time you saw a Speed3 ad or one for the 5? The only reason their cars sell is through word of mouth IMO. Its not due to their commercials.
And as for those taillights, ugh. George Jetson meets meets multi-colored snowman. Overall still the best of the people movers though.
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Madscientist 8:57AM (8/14/2007)
Why won't Mazda add traction/stability control? Even as a cost option this would make the Mazda5 more competitive.
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Chris 10:47AM (8/30/2007)
I agree, with price of gas and 4 kids, I'm looking for something with better gas mileage to drive to work with traction on can rely on through longer commutes in Cleveland weather, and can carry all the kids to drop them off at day care/school on the way to work.
waLLy 1:42PM (8/14/2007)
I miss my wagon. I always see these on the road and kinda pine for them. Maybe I'll make the jump next year.
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