Autoblog

Click above for high-res images of the 2008 US Mazda5

While we just showed you the revised 2008 Euro Mazda5 that will make its debut in Bologna, we wanted to let U.S. 5 fans know that it will be more than a year before most, if any, of those changes find their way to our shores. We say this based on the fact that we've already seen the 2008 Mazda5. Quietly sitting in one corner of Mazda's display area at the L.A. Auto Show was the 2008 version of this fun and practical microvan. Besides some minor exterior tweaks to the front and rear fascias, different wheels and arguably better looking taillights, all of the changes appeared to be to the interior. Some of the complaints about the current 5 had related to the lack of dual armrests for all seats, the lack of rear vents for the HVAC system, no rear window tint, and a very limited interior color palette. Well, those concerns have been addressed. The show model was painted in a new darker red that has essentially replaced the salmon-like "Cardinal Red" that disappeared in '07. The interior, however was a light gray over dark gray leather, which will supplement the tan and black leather that first appeared with the Grand Touring model this year.

Although the photos are a bit dark, you can see the light side and rear window tinting Mazda is now using, as well as the new dual armrests and the revised dash and center console, which is a huge improvement over the previous edition. The pop-up navigation screen has been replaced by an in-dash unit with new controls. The center console loses its deep storage bin and cover in exchange for revised cupholders, heated seat switches, an open storage area and those all-important rear vents. You'll also notice that the hidden power outlet has been relocated a little higher up and has been given some company via a second port. While we didn't get a look under the hood, the transmission appeared to be the same 4-speed auto from the current lineup and this unit didn't sport any power sliding doors or rear view cam either. Whether or not they will be available is unknown, but it would make sense that if Mazda had planned to offer them they would probably use the show to flaunt those features. Anyway, these are some nice changes to an already very desirable nanovan.

Check out the full gallery below.

click above image to view more pics of the redesigned Mazda5

The Mazda5 seems to be a few quarts short of Zoom-Zoom juice compared to the rest of Mazda's lineup. It just has never seemed able to generate the same excitement from customers as the brand's other cars. Perhaps that's because it's fundamentally a little minivan, a type of vehicle that by its very nature defies the Zoom-Zoom culture. Nevertheless, Mazda will be introducing a redesigned Mazda5 at the Bologna Motor Show this week with a fresh face and new features that the automaker hopes will attract new customers in Europe and likely the U.S., as well.

New features include power sliding rear doors that open and close in less than five seconds, a new DVD-based nav system with a 7-inch touchscreen and a rear-view camera. Additional insulation and a resonator have also been added to the air intake to reduce engine noise seeping into the cabin. The 5's MZR 2.0L gets an electronic throttle and sequential valve timing, and at least in Europe you can order one with a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. We'll likely find out at the Detroit Auto Show in January what new features will carryover across the pond, but we'll let you know what the new Mazda5 has in store for U.S. customers as soon as we find out.

[Source: Mazda]

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, hint at MazdaSpeed possibilities. (Actually, they're more typical Ford of Europe wheels.) World Car Fans says the 2008 version of the family hauler won't be getting an engine change, though, so maybe it's just wishful thinking on our part. WCF, however, does say the 2007's 4-speed automatic gets upgraded to a new 5-speed auto in 2008, and the 5-speed manual will still be an option.

[Source: World Car Fans]