Mini Minivan

In name, minivans are dead, or at least that is what Mazda Motor Corp. thinks.

In its ongoing marketing quest to boost its zoom-zoom image in North America, the auto maker has eschewed the word minivan and instead is calling its new 6-passenger Mazda5 an MAV, for multi-activity vehicle.

Built on the Mazda3 small-car platform, the diminutive Mazda5 maximizes space, offering three rows of seating, two sliding doors, a rear liftgate and plenty of storage — all the functionality U.S. buyers have come to expect from a minivan. Still, Mazda hopes to avoid the un-hip image the vehicle carries as an American icon first marketed more than 20 years ago.

The Mazda5 will be fortunate to share part of the success of its platform mate. The Mazda3, introduced in 2003, has been wildly popular, selling 67,135 units in the U.S. in the year's first eight months, a 22% jump compared with like-2004.

The Mazda5 has a more modest sales goal of 10,000-15,000 units annually. However, to date, the vehicle, which went on sale in June, has been selling at twice that clip. Company officials now say a 20,000-25,000-unit year is not out of the question.

The Mazda5 rides on a monocoque platform, with MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink suspension in the rear.

Compared with the Mazda3 5-door variant, the Mazda5 adds 4.4 ins. (11.2 cm) to the wheelbase and is 6.5 ins. (16.5 cm) higher at 64.2 ins. (163.1 cm). Compared with Mazda's larger MPV minivan, the Mazda5's wheelbase is 3.5 ins. (8.9 cm) smaller and is 4.9 ins. (12.4 cm) shorter.

The only available engine is a 2.3L inline 4-cyl. with variable valve timing, shared with the Mazda3 and larger Mazda6.

This is where the Mazda5's additional 532 lbs. (232 kg) over the Mazda3 5-door automatic, and 507 lbs. (221 kg) vs. the manual-equipped model, works against it. The new MAV's 157 hp and 148 lbs.-ft. (201 Nm) of torque feels downright skimpy.

Mid-range torque is noticeably lacking — putting the driver at a disadvantage when maneuvering through heavy traffic.

The Mazda5 comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic with sport shift is optional. Neither is stellar mated to the 2.3L, but the manual has a buttery smooth gearbox.

Inside, Mazda has sought to maximize space with stadium seating; the second row is elevated above the first and the third sits higher still.

The black and silver instrument panel is handsome and has a user-friendly layout. Materials are of good quality, with just a few areas where the test vehicle's plastic panels didn't fit tightly.

The Mazda5's exterior design is uncomplicated but aesthetically pleasing, melding a familiar minivan slab side with the aggressive front stance of the Mazda3 and Mazda6.

Standard on the Mazda5 are 17-in. alloy wheels, antilock brakes and six airbags, including side curtains to protect occupants in all three rows of the vehicle.

With the 5-speed manual, the Mazda5 is rated at 22 mpg city (10.7 L/100 km) and 27 mpg highway (8.7 L/100 km). The automatic results in a minor loss in combined fuel economy.

The starting price for the Sport is $17,435, and the Touring begins at $18,950. The 4-speed automatic is an extra $900. Destination and handling is $560 ($680 in Alaska). Options include a $2,000 navigation system on the Touring trim.

The Mazda5 is a handy people mover, but it needs more power. Execs won't say if more zoom-zoom is being considered, but the possibility exists given the V-6-powered MPV looks to be on its way out.

'06 Mazda5 Touring

Vehicle type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, 6-passenger 4-door minivan

Engine: 2.3L (2,260 cc) DOHC I-4, aluminum block/aluminum head

Power (SAE net): 157 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Torque: 148 lb.-ft. (201 Nm) @ 4,500 rpm

Compression ratio: 9.7:1

Bore × stroke (mm): 87.3 × 94

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Wheelbase: 108.3 ins. (275 cm)

Overall length: 181.5 ins. (461 cm)

Overall width: 69.1 ins. (176 cm)

Overall height: 64.2 ins. (163 cm)

Curb weight: 3,333 lbs. (1,513 kg)

EPA fuel economy, city/highway (mpg): 22/27

Market competition: Dodge Caravan; Kia Sedona