Mazda5 Mini-Minivan Updated

Although compact-size minivans are prominent internationally, this automotive

trend is just starting to get underway here in North America. The vehicle that ushered this body style in to our neck of the woods was Mazda, with their 5 mini-minivan. It's the only van in its segment that features sliding doors, which make getting in and out a snap, even in tight parking spaces.

Just this past week at the Bologna Auto Show, Mazda announced that it would be unveiling a reworked version of its junior-sized people mover. Highlights of the change include new front and rear bumpers, the former with a sportier front valance which gives the van a freshened look. Inside, Mazda has reworked the center console completely, refitting it with gloss black and metal trim. One of the main new additions is an optional touchscreen navigation system, which is fitted straight into the console, as opposed to the old system which featured a flip-up design, and a cordless remote control to operate it. Besides being new, the navigation system also displays the image of the reverse camera, for easy parking. Two

other new additions include Bluetooth handsfree connectivity and full electrical operation for the sliding doors. The doors slide open or shut in less than five seconds, and can be operated from inside the vehicle or via the keyfob. Talk about fancy!

Mechanically, the only real changes are a pair of gearboxes; the 2.0-liter I-4 MZR engine now features a six-speed manual in place of the old five-speed unit. Likewise, the automatic gains an extra cog going from four to five. Both changes should improve performance while reducing fuel consumption, at least in Europe and other markets.

North Americans will also be seeing the revised Mazda5 soon (it's actually in some dealer showrooms now), but it isn't the same vehicle as what's being sold overseas. The North American 5 will feature new bumpers too, but they show off a different design, much more like what's found on the Mazda3, not to mention

LED taillights are available for the top of the line model. We also get the same interior as the European car, complete with the aforementioned nav system, Bluetooth and more. The sliding doors on our Mazda5 aren't quite fully electric, though they do feature a soft close electric motor that reels in the door. No changes have been made to the North American powerplant, which is both bigger and stronger than what Europeans are offered; its 2.3-liter inline-four makes 153 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, and can be had with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

Although the concept of a small-form people mover with an efficient engine should appeal to consumers at a time when fuel costs are rapidly rising, Mazda's sales of the 5 haven't been as strong as originally anticipated. Hopefully with these changes, things will turn in favor of the 5.