Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Mazda 5 GT Touring sedan. I don’t mind driving manual transmission cars and rather enjoy the connection with the car but for an everyday driver I would probably opt for automatic. Fuel economy is equally as good and is stated it even gets 1 mpg better at 26/38 highway.
Probably the most significant impact on my driving this car is that it is unbelievable to me that there is anyone unable to have transportation that is inexpensive to purchase and operate. Really. Is there anything manufactured so significant that is so affordable. How can they put out such a great midsize sedan for the price of admission? And it gets 37 highway mpg! Fantastic. It is a spacious, solid riding sedan with great cargo area and is very comfortable.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 0%; Japan 95%. It is assembled in Hofu, Japan, Classification is Midsize. Cars from Mazda: CX-5,7 and 9, Mazda 2,3,5,6, Speed 3, MX-5 Miata, RX-8 & Tribute.
Handling & Performance:
Many today don’t even know how to drive a manual transmission car but relative to when they were referred to as “Standard Transmissions” they nearly shift themselves. Those of us who drove cars when all were manual transmissions it’s amazing how intuitive they are in selecting what gear you should be going into. Old standard transmissions were easily damaged and shifts took too much time to go from gear to gear. And when this MT is mated to nearly 200 hp it is easy to negotiate crowded highways.
It is fun to drive when you are more connected to the process of power going from engine to the wheels. I suspect that is why so many still like them.
Styling:
Lovely. The car I tested was painted a deep crystal blue and sand colored seating – very classy – added to a popular look identified with cars three times the price. Now that is impressive.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Very affordable and when you consider the whole package it is ‘Cheap’.
Conveniences and comfort:
Very good array of conveniences. Today you can link your cell phone, not only to make calls but, to play music, connect your ‘maps with Seri’ or any navigation system. And although this Mazda had navigation it can be eliminated to save money to buy the car and still have this important feature. It is never talked about how much NAV makes you journey safer it is clear to me that when you know or are prompted where to turn and when it prevents accidents. Another extremely important feature is the blind spot monitoring system that becomes addictive because it reduces stress as it warns you of traffic you simply cannot see.
Another feature I would not do without is the keyless entry and push button start/stop. Trust me, man demanded this feature be made for the women in our lives who can never find their keys. Now you can sew the control into their purse and they may not be able to get into the house but they can always start the car and get the kids to school or anywhere on time.
Consumer Recommendation:
Mazda has simply thought of everything. This is a great buy and a great value in today’s auto market. I would urge you to include Mazda and Hyundai and Kia above all. If you still have time for more include Subaru, Nissan Chevrolet in that order.
Recognized Competition:
Mazda 6 GT $23,000, Acura TL $43,000, Audi 2.0 Sedan $35,000, BMW 3-Series $33,000, Buick LaCrosse $36,000, Buick Verano $27,000, Chevrolet Cruze $21,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22,000, Chrysler 300 $31,000, Honda Accord $22,000, Hyundai Elantra $22,000, Hyundai Sonata $21,000, Kia Optima $22,000, Mazda 3 $21,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $20,000, Nissan Altima $23,000, Subaru Impreza $22,000, Subaru Legacy $22,000, Volkswagen Golf $23,000, Volkswagen Passat $28,000.
Good News:
Affordable to buy and operate, great fuel economy, luxury at a third the price of other badges, great value with most all the great features standard.
Bad News:
None worth mentioning.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 184 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 18” alloy wheels, power mirrors with turn signals, leatherette sport seats, 6-way power driver seat, tilt and telescopic steering column, 5.8” color touch screen display, rearview camera, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Aux 6-speaker audio, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, USB audio input and HD radio, Bluetooth hands free phone/audio, cruise control, LATCH system, anti-theft engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitor, blind spot monitoring system, 4-wheel power assist ABS disc brakes, electronic power assisted steering, independent suspension and stabilizer bars, auto on/off headlights, in glass antenna and rear window defogger, power windows and locks, keyless entry with push button start/stop, dual zone climate control with rear seat vents,
Gas Stats:
$3.75 / Gal avg. July 30, 2014
www.fueleconomy.gov
For more information.
25 City and 37 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,845.