Designed for young families on the go, this sleek six-passenger vehicle offers an interior packed with features and versatility, including second- and third-row folding seats that provide a flat load floor. Rear passengers are granted access via dual sliding doors.

With these characteristics it's hard to see the 2006 Mazda 5 as anything other than a miniaturized minivan, but Mazda would prefer that we all refer to their new creation as a multi-activity vehicle?which happens to look and operate like a minivan.

Available as either a Sport or Touring model, the 2006 Mazda 5 comes equipped with second-row sliding and reclining bucket seats, theater-style seating (the roof is angled to provide maximum headroom in the rear), easy entry for the third-row split bench seat, rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a CD player.

The Touring model offers additional standard equipment including an in-dash six-disc CD changer, climate control, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and side skirts. For safety's sake, all Mazda 5 models come with front-, side-, and side-curtain airbags and stability control. Disc brakes do the stopping and they're supported by antilock and electronic brake distribution systems.

Engine
Engine type	2.3-liter, 16-valve, inline-4
Horsepower (SAE net)	157 @ 6500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft, SAE net)	148 @ 4500 rpm
Redline	6500 rpm
Displacement (cc)	2260
Bore x stroke (inches)	87.5 / 94.0
Compression ratio	9.7:1
Valvetrain	DOHC, variable valve timing, mechanical lifters
Engine block	Aluminum alloy
Cylinder heads	Aluminum alloy
Fuel injection	Multi-port electronic fuel injection
Recommended fuel	Regular unleaded
Minimum fuel requirement (rating)	87 octane

As with all Mazda vehicles, drivability is a primary concern. To address that issue, the 2006 Mazda 5 uses a MacPherson strut front suspension with a multi-link setup in the rear. A 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine with Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) is bolted into the 2006 Mazda 5. This is the same motor found in versions of the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6, but in the Mazda 5 the horsepower drops by three ponies to 157 and torque dips by two lb.-ft. to 148.

When charged with powering the Mazda 3 and heavier Mazda 6, the 2.3-liter engine is adequate when rowed with a manual, sluggish with an automatic. It remains to be seen if the motor will be enough to make the Mazda 5 experience even the least bit exciting, especially when it's loaded up with six passengers. A five-speed manual transmission is standard fare, and may help to add some sporting character to the drive. A four-speed manually interactive automatic transmission is optional, and likely to sap what meager power is on tap.