(continued from above)
In approaching the development of the all-new 2012 MAZDA5, Hideki
Matsuoka, MAZDA5 program manager, took the best of the current model and set out
to further evolve it. The team aimed to create a new multi-activity vehicle
(MAV) that combines superior environmental performance with a new expression of
stylish design. Matsuoka's concept for the new MAZDA5 was to bring to the market
a "contemporary smart choice."
"This concept expresses our goal to build
a new family mover for the global market that offers a smart solution to the
user's every need by establishing a balance between diverse functionality and
outstanding performance," said Matsuoka.
Changes to the 2012 MAZDA5
continue under the skin, too, as the vehicle is powered by a 2.5-liter MZR I4
engine, which also sees use in the MAZDA3, MAZDA6 and CX-7, and can be paired
with either a manual or automatic transmission. "We have further evolved Mazda's
trademark Zoom-Zoom driving experience by working to deliver an overall balance
of linear feeling and response that creates a unique bond between the driver and
car, as well as a stronger sense of trust in the vehicle," said Matsuoka.
MAZDA5's Smart, Emotional Exterior Design
Adopting the
expression "Seductive Smartness" as the design concept, the new MAZDA5's design
is aimed to achieve a higher balance of functionality and design, while at the
same time giving it a stylish new look that is immediately distinguishable from
the box-like designs found on conventional offerings in the market.
The
five-point front grille shares the unique design of the family face that is
found on every Mazda. This makes it immediately distinguishable as a Mazda
product, and lends it a dynamic and sporty expression that is true to its DNA.
The 'flowing' lines of the hood and headlamps gather in the center of the grille
to create a powerful sense of motion. And the curved lines that form the mesh
pattern adopted for the grille lend the impression that the mesh flows out from
the center to the sides, which expresses the essence of Nagare design.
The fog lamp bezels were designed to form a continuous line with the side
shoulders and wheel arches to present a wide, dynamic image. This blends
beautifully with the gentle S-shaped contour established by the flowing lines
off the sides of the front grille and up toward the headlamps. In addition, the
mesh pattern surrounding the fog lamps creates a design that flows back toward
the rear of the vehicle. The deeply sculpted form of the area around the hood
and fog lamps gives the front a firm countenance that emphasizes its
aggressive-looking styling. The hood is laid out taller than the previous
generation MAZDA5, which presents a greater presence.
The Nagare design motif applied to the sides of the body gracefully continues
the dynamic flow of the lines from the headlamps and front fenders, and then
carries that flow to the rear fenders and rear combination lamps in beautiful
fashion. In the same spirit, the rails for the sliding door are blended
skillfully with the character lines.
By connecting the flow from the
front and sides through to the rear fenders, rear combination lamps and all the
way to the tailgate, MAZDA5's design creates an exquisite and consistent body
line. Adding further appeal and lending the rear end a wider, more stable look,
is the powerful line cut by the prominent rear fender shoulders combined with
the placement of the rear combination lamps, which are laid out lower than on
the previous generation vehicle. The finishing touch is the extended rear
quarter and rear window glass panels that completely cover the D-pillar to
emphasize the fresh, flowing design.
Mazda MAZDA5: Review (2/2)