Mazda Premacy
Encyclopedia
The Mazda Premacy is a compact MPV
built by the Japanese manufacturer Mazda
since 1999 and now in its second generation (third in the Japanese domestic market as of July 2010).
The first generation Premacy was built in Japan and exported to Europe and Asia. A re-badged
version was sold by Ford
in a few Asian markets (including Japan) as the Ford Ixion or Ford MAV.
The second generation is sold outside Japan as the Mazda5. Ford Lio Ho
in Taiwan, which assembles Mazda5 for the local market, adapted a re-badged version as the Ford i-MAX in 2007.
The first generation Premacy was a two- or three-row, five- or seven-passenger vehicle, while the second generation adds a third row of seats for up to six passengers in American form, and seven passengers outside the United States. Both generations feature near-flat floors, folding or removable second row, and fold-flat rear seats.
. As the Premacy was based on a sedan platform, it was less modular than some if its adversaries such as the Opel Zafira
and Toyota Ipsum
and was therefore relatively easy to maneuver. The second and third row seats could be folded and removed as on many other minivans.
This generation Premacy was also sold in some Asian markets as the Ford
Ixion.
The first generation Premacy is still manufactured by China's FAW Haima Automobile where it is called the Haima Freema.
It was powered by a number of engines:
, it competes with other vehicles classed as Compact MPV
s in Europe, and is viewed as a mini-minivan in the United States. It is based on Ford's
global C1 platform
, meaning it shares many parts with the Mazda3
. The Mazda5 replaced the Mazda MPV
as Mazda's minivan
offering in most export markets.
The Mazda5's closest relative is the European compact MPV
, Ford Focus C-MAX
, though the Mazda5 uses minivan-style sliding doors in the rear while the Ford has four conventional front-hinged doors. This version of the vehicle was also introduced for sale in the United States, making it the first compact minivan in that market since the 1994 Mitsubishi Expo (in the United States) and 1995 Nissan Axxess (in Canada). The Mazda5 is marginally larger than the 1984–1989 Toyota Van
. Competition joined the North American MPV market in 2006 with Mecedes-Benz's B200
(in Canada and Mexico) and in 2007 Kia Motors
followed suit with the 2007 Kia Rondo (in the United States and Canada).
In North America, due to safety regulations, the Mazda5 fits six passengers using three rows of seats, with two seats per row. Elsewhere, it is sold as a seven seater using Mazda's "Karakuri Seating System", which means the car has three rows of two seats, with the seventh seat a fold away jump seat in the centre of the middle row. The Mazda5 has three-point seat belts on all seven seats.
The middle row of seats recline and slide front-to-rear, and fold flat. The rear row also folds flat.
For the 2006 model year Mazda offered fewer Mazda5 options than in other markets. The North American version lacked the front-to-back roof rails that were included as standard in other markets. Other notable Mazda5 options not offered in North America included a back-up camera, power-assist side doors and even a choice of engine (2.3 L only). A second-row DVD
entertainment system was eventually offered as a dealer installed add-on. Mazda produced a limited number of Mazda5 units featuring all-wheel-drive but this version was not made available outside of Japan for the 2006 model year.
For 2010, Mazda added electronic stability control
and traction control
to the Mazda5, safety features that were formerly cited as oversights on the vehicle.
Engine options:
beyond a short period of time when in "sport mode". Although the five-speed manual transmission
equipped cars would seemingly not need to be recalled, Mazda chose to retrofit all Mazda5 versions with the new parts and software. The company also gave customers US$
500 (for Canadian owners, it is C$
500) plus a loaner car while the problem was mitigated. 2,700 vehicles were affected.
awards. Consumer Reports
ranked the Mazda5 as the best "tall wagon" in their test, though the car failed to gain a "recommended" rating due to unknown reliability.
In April, 2006, the Japan New Car Assessment Program (J-NCAP) awarded the Mazda5 a maximum six-star rating for front-occupant crash worthiness. In Europe, the Mazda5 was awarded a maximum five-star "adult occupant" safety rating in September 2005 by the Euro-NCAP.
For 2012 the Madza5 comes with a 157 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the base model, with a five-speed automatic optional while both the Touring and the Grand Touring come with a five-speed automatic with manual mode.
The third generation began selling on in Japan in July 2010. The Mazda5 comes in three grades: 20CS, 20E, and 20S. The base model CSdoes not include i-stop.
The top performance version, the Mazdaspeed5 (or Mazdaspeed Premacy), will be launched two years after the launch of Mazda Premacy in Japan.
In June 2011, a Nissan version of the third-generation Premacy known as the Nissan Lafesta
Highway Star was released. Unlike the Premacy, the new Nissan Lafesta Highway Star ditches the Nagare design.
; Mazda tests are sufficiently advanced that Mazda has a working prototype in a Mazda5 MPV bodyshell .
Compact MPV
A compact MPV is a car classification used in Europe to describe multi-purpose vehicle versions of small family cars , fitting between the mini MPV and large MPV sub-segments...
built by the Japanese manufacturer Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
since 1999 and now in its second generation (third in the Japanese domestic market as of July 2010).
The first generation Premacy was built in Japan and exported to Europe and Asia. A re-badged
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
version was sold by Ford
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
in a few Asian markets (including Japan) as the Ford Ixion or Ford MAV.
The second generation is sold outside Japan as the Mazda5. Ford Lio Ho
Ford Lio Ho
Ford Lio Ho is an automaker based in Taiwan. It is 70% owned by Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford Motor Company. Its current passenger car range includes the Fiesta , the Focus, and the Mondeo , as well as the i-MAX and the Escape. Its commercial vehicle range consists of the Ranger and the...
in Taiwan, which assembles Mazda5 for the local market, adapted a re-badged version as the Ford i-MAX in 2007.
The first generation Premacy was a two- or three-row, five- or seven-passenger vehicle, while the second generation adds a third row of seats for up to six passengers in American form, and seven passengers outside the United States. Both generations feature near-flat floors, folding or removable second row, and fold-flat rear seats.
First generation (1999–2004)
When released in 1999, the Mazda Premacy was one of the least expensive seven-seaters available on market. The 1999 Premacy used Mazda's CP platform. It was available with either front or all wheel drive and was equipped with four-speed automatic transmissionAutomatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. As the Premacy was based on a sedan platform, it was less modular than some if its adversaries such as the Opel Zafira
Opel Zafira
The Opel Zafira is a compact MPV engineered and produced by the German automaker Opel. The Zafira is sold under the Vauxhall marque in the United Kingdom.- Zafira A :...
and Toyota Ipsum
Toyota Ipsum
The Toyota Ipsum, Picnic, SportsVan or Avensis Verso is a seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle produced by Japanese automaker Toyota.- First generation :...
and was therefore relatively easy to maneuver. The second and third row seats could be folded and removed as on many other minivans.
This generation Premacy was also sold in some Asian markets as the Ford
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
Ixion.
The first generation Premacy is still manufactured by China's FAW Haima Automobile where it is called the Haima Freema.
It was powered by a number of engines:
- 1.8 L FP-DE I4, 135 PS, 170 newton metre
- 2.0 L FS-DE/FS-ZE I4, 135 PS, 180 newton metre
- 2.0 L dieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
I4
Second generation (2005–2010)
The new model has been for sale since summer 2005. It is now sold as the Mazda5 in all markets apart from Japan. While classified by Mazda as a mid-sized wagonWagon
A wagon is a heavy four-wheeled vehicle pulled by draught animals; it was formerly often called a wain, and if low and sideless may be called a dray, trolley or float....
, it competes with other vehicles classed as Compact MPV
Compact MPV
A compact MPV is a car classification used in Europe to describe multi-purpose vehicle versions of small family cars , fitting between the mini MPV and large MPV sub-segments...
s in Europe, and is viewed as a mini-minivan in the United States. It is based on Ford's
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
global C1 platform
Ford C1 platform
The Ford C1 platform is Ford's global compact car automobile platform. It replaces Ford C170 platform and Mazda's BJ platform. The C1 platform debuted with the European Ford Focus C-Max compact MPV in early 2004...
, meaning it shares many parts with the Mazda3
Mazda Axela
The Mazda3 is a compact car manufactured in Japan by the Mazda Motor Corporation. It was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Familia...
. The Mazda5 replaced the Mazda MPV
Mazda MPV
The Mazda MPV is a minivan manufactured by Mazda. Introduced in 1989 as a rear-wheel drive model with optional selectable four-wheel drive, it was replaced in 2000 with a front-wheel drive-only version...
as Mazda's minivan
Minivan
Minivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....
offering in most export markets.
The Mazda5's closest relative is the European compact MPV
Compact MPV
A compact MPV is a car classification used in Europe to describe multi-purpose vehicle versions of small family cars , fitting between the mini MPV and large MPV sub-segments...
, Ford Focus C-MAX
Ford Focus C-MAX
The Ford C-Max is a compact MPV produced by Ford in Saarlouis for Europe since 2003 and in North America from 2011. Although C-MAX was initially available only in Europe, the first generation was partially available in New Zealand. The North American model will launch with the second generation...
, though the Mazda5 uses minivan-style sliding doors in the rear while the Ford has four conventional front-hinged doors. This version of the vehicle was also introduced for sale in the United States, making it the first compact minivan in that market since the 1994 Mitsubishi Expo (in the United States) and 1995 Nissan Axxess (in Canada). The Mazda5 is marginally larger than the 1984–1989 Toyota Van
Toyota Van
The Toyota MasterAce is a vehicle that was produced by Toyota and distributed worldwide under several names, with "MasterAce" being the name used in Japan. North American markets received the MasterAce as the Toyota Van...
. Competition joined the North American MPV market in 2006 with Mecedes-Benz's B200
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a small family car introduced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz in March 2005. It is essentially an enlarged A-Class keeping the same engine and suspension system...
(in Canada and Mexico) and in 2007 Kia Motors
Kia Motors
Kia Motors , headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 1.4 million vehicles in 2010...
followed suit with the 2007 Kia Rondo (in the United States and Canada).
In North America, due to safety regulations, the Mazda5 fits six passengers using three rows of seats, with two seats per row. Elsewhere, it is sold as a seven seater using Mazda's "Karakuri Seating System", which means the car has three rows of two seats, with the seventh seat a fold away jump seat in the centre of the middle row. The Mazda5 has three-point seat belts on all seven seats.
The middle row of seats recline and slide front-to-rear, and fold flat. The rear row also folds flat.
For the 2006 model year Mazda offered fewer Mazda5 options than in other markets. The North American version lacked the front-to-back roof rails that were included as standard in other markets. Other notable Mazda5 options not offered in North America included a back-up camera, power-assist side doors and even a choice of engine (2.3 L only). A second-row DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
entertainment system was eventually offered as a dealer installed add-on. Mazda produced a limited number of Mazda5 units featuring all-wheel-drive but this version was not made available outside of Japan for the 2006 model year.
Mid-generation changes
For 2008, the Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 received a mid-cycle refresh with updated front bumper, wheels and rear LED lights for Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The automatic gearbox was updated to five-speed. The interior received a few changes to the dash including luminescent gauges, an updated radio control layout with auxiliary input, a rear A/C vent, and center console, and a full set of armrests for the first and second seating rows on North American models. Mazda first released the 2008 Mazda Premacy in Japan, with other markets to follow.For 2010, Mazda added electronic stability control
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
and traction control
Traction control
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
to the Mazda5, safety features that were formerly cited as oversights on the vehicle.
Specifications
The wheelbase is 2750 mm (108.3 in) with an overall length of 4610 mm (181.5 in). For the Japanese domestic market it is C model/F model – 4505 mm (177.4 in) / S model – 4565 mm (179.7 in).Engine options:
- 1.8 LLitér- External links :*...
MZRMazda MZR engineMZR is the brand name of a generation of Straight-4 engines engineered and built by the Mazda Motor Corporation between 2001 and 2011. The MZR generation includes gasoline and diesel powered engines ranging in displacements from 1.3L to 2.5L. All gasoline-powered MZRs feature an all-aluminum block...
I4, 85 kW (116 PS/114 hpHorsepowerHorsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
) - 2.0 L MZRMazda MZR engineMZR is the brand name of a generation of Straight-4 engines engineered and built by the Mazda Motor Corporation between 2001 and 2011. The MZR generation includes gasoline and diesel powered engines ranging in displacements from 1.3L to 2.5L. All gasoline-powered MZRs feature an all-aluminum block...
I4, 110 kW (150 PS/148 hp) - 2.3 L MZRMazda MZR engineMZR is the brand name of a generation of Straight-4 engines engineered and built by the Mazda Motor Corporation between 2001 and 2011. The MZR generation includes gasoline and diesel powered engines ranging in displacements from 1.3L to 2.5L. All gasoline-powered MZRs feature an all-aluminum block...
I4, 117 or 119 kW (159–162 PS/157-159 hp) - 2.0 L MZR-CD I4 DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
, 89 or 105 kW (105–143 PS/103-141 hp)
Recall
Mazda was forced to recall the Mazda5 in the United States shortly after production began due to a risk of exhaust system fires, discovered by US Mazda engineer Curtis Lee. Owners that were not made aware of the manual shifting mode ("sport mode") of the 4-speed automatic transmission would mistakenly leave the shifter in that position, resulting in high temperatures as the car would remain in second gear. Mazda's solution was to add a heat shield around the muffler and to alter the vehicle's software to not allow excessively high engine speedsRevolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
beyond a short period of time when in "sport mode". Although the five-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
equipped cars would seemingly not need to be recalled, Mazda chose to retrofit all Mazda5 versions with the new parts and software. The company also gave customers US$
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
500 (for Canadian owners, it is C$
Canadian dollar
The Canadian dollar is the currency of Canada. As of 2007, the Canadian dollar is the 7th most traded currency in the world. It is abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or C$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies...
500) plus a loaner car while the problem was mitigated. 2,700 vehicles were affected.
Awards
The Mazda5 was named "Best New Multipurpose Family Vehicle" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the YearCanadian Car of the Year
Canadian Car of the Year winners, as chosen by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada:-Canadian Car of the Year:-2011:Canadian Car of the Year winners, as chosen by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada:...
awards. Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...
ranked the Mazda5 as the best "tall wagon" in their test, though the car failed to gain a "recommended" rating due to unknown reliability.
In April, 2006, the Japan New Car Assessment Program (J-NCAP) awarded the Mazda5 a maximum six-star rating for front-occupant crash worthiness. In Europe, the Mazda5 was awarded a maximum five-star "adult occupant" safety rating in September 2005 by the Euro-NCAP.
Third generation (2011–)
The third generation Mazda5 debuted at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. This model received revised styling, marketed by Mazda as Nagare and Furai concepts. In Europe the new Mazda5 is offered with either a 1.8-liter four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct-injection and Mazda’s i-stop start/stop technology, which will reduce emissions by 15 percent. Both engines include a six-speed manual transmission as standard, as well as new environmental friendly features.For 2012 the Madza5 comes with a 157 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the base model, with a five-speed automatic optional while both the Touring and the Grand Touring come with a five-speed automatic with manual mode.
The third generation began selling on in Japan in July 2010. The Mazda5 comes in three grades: 20CS, 20E, and 20S. The base model CSdoes not include i-stop.
The top performance version, the Mazdaspeed5 (or Mazdaspeed Premacy), will be launched two years after the launch of Mazda Premacy in Japan.
In June 2011, a Nissan version of the third-generation Premacy known as the Nissan Lafesta
Nissan Lafesta
The Nissan Lafesta is a seven-seater minivan built by Nissan Motors for the Asian market. The name was derived from the Italian word festa, meaning holiday, festival or party, and according to the manufacturer "expresses a desire to spend an enjoyable time in the car together with family members or...
Highway Star was released. Unlike the Premacy, the new Nissan Lafesta Highway Star ditches the Nagare design.
Plug-in hybrid version
Mazda is developing a rival to the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet VoltChevrolet Volt
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by General Motors. The Volt has been on sale in the U.S. market since mid-December 2010, and is the most fuel-efficient compact car sold in the United States, as rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency...
; Mazda tests are sufficiently advanced that Mazda has a working prototype in a Mazda5 MPV bodyshell .