Review and photos by
Haney Louka, Autos.ca

Let’s call this the second instalment in my quest to find a worthy replacement for our 2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. I previously entertained the idea that the Toyota Venza might possess that magical combination of cargo utility with car-like handling and efficiency. While the Venza is efficient for its size and can handle about the same cargo volume as our Mazda, it falls short on its ability to satisfy my craving for responsive handling and a sporty demeanour going down the road. It also lost points for a few quirks that I would consider deal-killers.

2012 Mazda5 GS

So, on to the next applicant….

There are two choices that ostensibly fit the bill within the Mazda family; unfortunately neither of these is a wagon. The first is the CX-7, which could be a contender in naturally-aspirated form (the turbo-four is thirstier than many V6s in similarly-sized vehicles).

But this time we’re looking at the more frugal end of the Mazda people-hauler line-up: the new-for-2012 Mazda5. A vehicle that could best be described as a mini-minivan, it’s based on the Mazda3. (more…)

Review and photos by
Jil McIntosh, Autos.ca

The fundamental rule about vehicles is that not one of them, no matter how good, can be all things to all people. The Mazda2, a model all-new to Canada for 2011, isn’t a sports car, no matter how much “zoom-zoom” Mazda likes to inject into its marketing. That said, its combination of sharp handling, quiet ride and several standard features makes this smallest of Mazda models a fine runabout for getting around urban centres.

2011 Mazda2 GS

It’s available in two trim models, the base GX and my tester, the upper-line GS. A third trim line, the Yozora, is an appearance package that’s limited to 500 units and sold in Canada only. At $13,995, the GX is indeed base, requiring an additional $1,195 for air conditioning, and another $895 to add a convenience package that includes heated mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control and other items.

My GS, starting at $18,195, was further equipped with the only available option, an $1,100 four-speed automatic that replaces the default five-speed stick shift. (more…)

By Paul Williams; photos by
James Bergeron, CanadianDriver.com

Mazda has made something of a reputation for itself as a purveyor of sporty and sometimes unique vehicle types. The Mazda5 is no exception. Its sportiness is confined mainly to its nimble handling and six-speed shifter, but its uniqueness is thus-far unchallenged by being the only compact six-passenger vehicle with rear sliding doors on the market.

2012 Mazda5 GS

Introduced to Canada as a 2006 model, the Mazda5 quickly found its niche, finding over 50,000 buyers since its debut here. Key characteristics of the Mazda5 are those sliding rear side doors, the vehicle’s elevated height and overall compact dimensions, the spacious and versatile interior, and – because of its smaller size — an expectation of lower running costs when compared with an SUV or minivan. (more…)