2012 Mazda5 - The Only True MINIvan? - Review and Roadtest By Larry Nutson ...
2012 Mazda5 - Is this today's only true minivan?
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
The question is: Is this today’s only true minivan? A number of auto analysts and writers are questioning what has happened to the minivan segment. Is it a case of age related size and weight gain?
In 1984 when the-then Chrysler Corporation introduced the Plymouth and Dodge minivans they were about 176 inches long. Shop around today and you’ll find a two foot length increase has taken place with popular so-called minivans now being about 200 inches long. Not very urban and big city driving friendly. Granted many minivans reside in the suburbs. However big city maneuvering also comes in to play for that occasional family or group city outing.
I spent a week in the newly redesigned 2012 Mazda5, a Touring model with a base MSRP of $21,195. It’s Mazda’s first production vehicle to feature the Nagare “flow” design language. The Mazda5 is 180.5 inches long. It seats 6 in 3 rows of seats. It’s the only minivan to offer a manual transmission…a 6-speed. The automatic is a 5-speed and both transmission models are EPA rated at 21 city mpg and 28 highway mpg. The engine is a 2.5 liter, four cylinder with an output of 157HP. With the 15.9 gallon fuel tank you could drive 445 miles before refueling…that’s an all day road trip.
In the three-model range, below the Touring is the Sport model priced at $19,195 and the only model available with the 6-speed manual transmission. At the top is the Grand Touring model at $23,875. The shipping and processing charge for all adds $795. All very affordable.
All the talk today is rear vision cameras, and I believe they are very necessary on many of the larger SUVs and minivans of today to enable safe backing-maneuvers. A rear vision camera is not necessary on the Mazda5. The exterior is so compact and with excellent visibility out of all the windows, particularly to the rear, maneuvering and parallel parking is safe and easy. Besides the city-friendly length of the Mazda5, the 36.7 foot turning radius is a big-city help.
Minivan Xenon Headlights - News
LED is a great technology for headlights, throwing crisp, bright light without generating a lot of heat or requiring much power relative to the output. LEDs are resistant to vibration, and last much, much longer than Halogen or Xenon lamps.
The top-of-the line Grand Touring model adds a power moonroof, xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, automatic on/off headlights, heated door mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, anti-theft alarm system, driver's seat lumbar support
Even the base model is nicely equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, foglamps, a power liftgate, heated outside mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control and cloth upholstery. Other standard features include partial power front
Offered in Base, LE, SE, XLE and Limited trim levels and available in front and all-wheel drive configurations, power for the Sienna minivan is generated by a choice of two responsive DOHC engines: a 3.5L V6 or 2.7L four-cylinder prime mover.
The new B-Class looks more or less like a baby-R-Class complete with LED daytime running lights, xenon headlamps etc. Last month Mercedes had released pictures of the interior of the B-Class which generated a lot of interest among the people.
2012 Audi A3 - Motor Express
The latest 2012 Audi A3 model has a huge potential to appeal to a fairly wide as well as diverse set of car customers. This entry level model of Audi delivers hatchback sensibilities, promise of eco – friendliness, and a dash of athleticism.
This fuel efficient and stylish A3 range successfully maintains a reasonable amount of style and luxury for which Audi is known for, special thanks to classy – looking and upscale interior. Due to its wagon / hatchback design, it has versatile look which offers more cargo area as compared to the typical sedan.
It gives a tough competition to all other current branded vehicles namely, the Lexus CT 200h and Acura TSX Sport Wagon. It is a solid choice that should please plenty of people most of the time. This 4 – door hatchback offered in two – trim levels such as the Premium and the Premium Plus.
For comfort of the occupants, it is fully loaded with fog lights, alloy 17 – inch wheels, cruise control, steering tilt and telescoping wheel, automatic dual – zone climate control, leather upholstery, CD player, sound 10 – speaker system, satellite radio, and audio auxiliary jack and many more.
The Bluetooth Value package adds power driver 8 – way seat, steering multifunction wheel, 4 – way lumbar adjustments, and Bluetooth. On the other hand, the Premium Plus is fitted with the Bluetooth Value package and adds xenon headlights, different wheels, running LED lights, automatic transmission, steering wheel shift paddles, and interior aluminum trim and so on.
Its Navigation system Plus panel of 2012 Audi A3 gets Multi Media dash – mounted Audi Interface, upgraded navigation system, and either an iPod interface or 6 – CD changer. To improve its convenient quotient, its Convenient package adds automatic wipers, automatic headlights, parking rear sensors, premium sound Bose system, and rearview auto – dimming mirror etc.
Minivan Xenon Headlights - Bookshelf
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