The Mazda 5 is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that is kind of a mix between an SUV and a minivan, with characteristics of each combining to make for a fairly smooth ride. First introduced as the Mazda Premacy in 1999, it would not see sales in the U.S. until its second generation was introduced in 2005, when it would be introduced to the states and renamed the Mazda 5 for the local markets. In the U.S. the Mazda 5 is available as a six-seat mini-minivan due to safety regulations, though in most other markets it’s a seven-seat MPV, with optional third-row seating that can fit three, like a standard minivan. In the U.S. the Mazda 5 is sold with sliding doors, though in many areas in Europe and Asia it has the standard four-door configuration, which also lends credence to the idea of it being more of a minivan as opposed to a multi-purpose vehicle. In the U.S. its base configuration retails for just under $20,000, though it comes available in three different models: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.
The sport model is the base model, and as such it does not have a lot of the optional features that the Touring or Grand Touring models feature as standard. For instance, the Grand Touring model features a moon roof standard, though it is not available on the sport and only available as an option on the Touring. Most exterior and interior features come standard on all models, and according to Mazda’s official website all three models share the same 2.5L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine capable of 157 horsepower and 163 ft-lbs of torque, which really isn’t all that bad for a multi-purpose vehicle. The Mazda 5 is particularly useful for families that have children, as it can seat six in the U.S. and seven outside, and has a lot of available cargo space for when you’re not using that third-row seating.
With a 108 inch wheelbase and 181 inch overall length, the Mazda 5 is definitely built like a minivan, and when it comes to shipping one your carriers will likely treat it much the same way. Minivans are built taller and longer than most standard cars – even the full-size cars you see on the road – because the extra space is most definitely needed. However, the longer frame and wider base typically means that it’s going to cost a bit more to ship. Larger vehicles typically do, as they take up more room (which makes it harder to maneuver other vehicles on and off the truck) and it weighs a bit more than most standard cars today. Heavier vehicles cause a drop in fuel economy for the auto transporter, which means they have to spend more time refueling (and more money on fuel) and less time transporting your vehicle. This in turn raises your prices, though with an MPV like the Mazda 5 it won’t be nearly as drastic as a full-size SUV or pickup truck.
But regardless of where you need transport services to or from, or what your budget is, American Auto Shipping is here to help you. You can fill out our free online auto transport quote request form and receive an instant quote. We clear all our auto transport carriers for reliability ahead of time, which means we make sure they are all fully licensed, bonded and insured before we ever send them to pick up your car. You can also call our toll-free telephone number and speak to one of our own live representatives if you have questions or concerns. So go ahead, fill out our free form, or give us a quick call, and find out what American Auto Shipping can do for you and all your auto transport needs.
Since 2007 Dave has written all the content and blogs for American Auto Shipping and during this time added the duties of customer support and transport logistics.
He currently resides in Washington with his three kids and their mom and cat. A fan of Marvel movies and good stories, when not shipping cars Dave can be found working on his novel, enjoying a good book or playing some tournament HALO.
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