Press Release
The new communicative and dynamic space wagon that masterfully combines cabin comfort, outstanding functionality and true driving pleasure with a clean and stylish design.Mazda Motor Corporation brings new depth to its Zoom-Zoom brand message with the world debut of the Mazda5 at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. Designed from the inside out for maximum comfort, convenience and enjoyment as the embodiment of its innovative "6 + One" packaging concept, the ambience throughout the cabin evokes conversation and communication among occupants. The Mazda5 also charms with its sophisticated, yet subtly stated body design that is pleasing to the eye, and its dynamic driving performance that is a pleasure to drive as part of one's daily lifestyle.
Aiming to establish a new standard in its segment
The space wagon segment is an important and growing segment in many markets around the world. Stephen Odell, Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of Global Sales, Marketing and Customer Service had the following to say. "In Europe, this segment has exploded in the past five years, growing in some estimations by more than 200 percent in the five largest markets. We think this is one segment where Mazda can definitely inject a little Zoom-Zoom."Mazda debuted the MX-Flexa as a six-seat space wagon concept at the Geneva International Motor Show earlier this year. Originally built to demonstrate one possible direction for a future Mazda vehicle instilled with Zoom-Zoom, the MX-Flexa was so well received that it spurred the momentum to further develop the concept and ready the Mazda5 for release as a production vehicle.
The Mazda5 will certainly inject a dose of Zoom-Zoom into the segment. The development goal of combining maximum comfort and versatile practicality with driving enjoyment and responsive handling is explained by Kenichi Fukunaga, Mazda5 Program Manager.
"We conceptualized the Mazda5 as a communicative and dynamic space wagon. The 'communicative' part of the product concept relates to the interface between the vehicle and users, and conveys the notion that the Mazda5 is rich in user-friendly practicality. It also conveys the notion that the Mazda5 enables passengers to interact with each other in comfort. And it conveys the promise of driveability that makes for natural-feeling interaction between the Mazda5 and the driver.
Overall, it reflects the personality of a vehicle that, compared with other models released since Mazda adopted the Zoom-Zoom brand strategy, is more clearly focused on utility and passenger communication.
The 'dynamic' part of the product concept relates to high running, turning, and stopping potential and to innovative styling that was achieved without compromises in packaging efficiency. It's important to note that the Mazda5's performance characteristics are aimed mainly at balancing the need for brisk acceleration with handling that feels natural and feels reassuring to the driver and passengers. Mazda vehicles are developed to deliver easy, enjoyable driving, good manoeuvrability and overall comfort through excellent body control and damping, not the kind of performance that's measured only in terms of all-out, raw speed.
Finally, the 'space wagon' part of the product concept conveys the notion that all of these benefits are delivered in a roomy, space-efficient form."
Key to realising the 'communicative' part is the introduction of a new "6 + One" packaging concept that aims to deliver maximum comfort for six occupants, plus an extra dimension of versatility and functionality. Included in this concept is the space established in the centre of the cabin that promotes communication, even when the exchange is between the front and third row seats. The focus on delivering this comfort and convenience is why development proceeded from the inside out.
