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Comments
One thing that the column leaves me wondering is this: if ESC is so great in all circumstances (and I'm not arguing that it isn't), then why do I read things like "GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler have announced they will standardize ESC on most of their SUVs for 2006"? I haven't really heard anything about ESC on smaller sedans.
When a high center-of-gravity vehicle (like an SUV) leaves the road in a skid, it is much more likely to have a rollover. Therefore, ESC does help to prevent rollovers INDIRECTLY by helping to eliminate (or control) the skid. For a vehicle with a lower center-of-gravity (ie. coupe or sedan), the vehicle is not AS likely to rollover in a skid.
ESC simply helps to eliminate or control unwarranted skids, thereby helping to aid driver control. While this is beneficial to all classes of vehicles, it is most beneficial to vehicles where skids can be the most dissasterous.
There is also a price component to the decision to offer ESC as standard equipment. Typically, SUV shoppers are not quite as sensitive to additional costs, therefore manufacturers can afford to pass on the costs of these improvements without (much) fear that the additional costs will be a problem. However, shoppers of small/economy cars ARE often much more price conscience and manufacturer's may feel that making an item like ESC standard would put them at a price disadvantage.
This applies today with such technology as ABS and side/curtain airbags which are standard in more expensive models but still options in small cars (Mazda3).
Unlike other studies, vehicle safety data is extremely specious because it is almost impossible to replicate the situation and or condition that led to the accident in the first place. While I agree with you in principle that there is some tangible benefit, I do like what the author had to say when he wrote:
"Of course, none of these systems is foolproof. If you enter a 30-mph corner at 60 or steer foolishly—or not at all—you will likely leave the road and suffer the consequences, even if your vehicle has ESC"
Mazda Adds 4WD Premacy to lineup
I say write letters to Mazda NA right away. Let your voices be heard.
They offer little detail on it. Looks good, though.
-juice
Some car makers who offer VSC have kept the same simple ordering as you note being so nice about the M5. It's simple, they just include VSC as a standard feature. For example, in 2005 you can't buy a CR-V without it. I believe the same is true for Highlanders and maybe even RAV4s (not 100% sure of that one).
It's official. We are a owners of a phantom blue, touring, 5spd, with NAV! The dealer and I came to an agreement on price and I am now zipping along in my new ride! And lovin' every bit of it!
I drove through a storm this afternoon and I did feel the wind push me around. Aside from that and the A/C working against the relentless Az heat, we are very thrilled.
I'm going to stay a member of the forum here, as they have been ever so helpful.
Oh-we did use the Gerber rebate in our deal-the dealer deducted the amount from our agreed upon price. I would not have known about that rebate unless I had read it here, so thanks to all for your insight, information, and discussion!
-juice
I did a "walkaround" of a M5 at the local dealer this past Sunday. I parked my Golf right next to it to see how the size compared and was quite impressed. About the only concern I had was whether or not that fat A-pillar on the M5 would be "in the way" while driving. I haven't seen anyone comment about it so I assume it's OK?
Also, I just want to add to the positive comments about this forum. It's nice to have a mature group. For instance, I appreciate the tone in rlawrence response about comparing seemingly dissimilar cars. Very well put.
Aw, gee, thanks.
As far as the A-pillar, I haven't even noticed it. I also drive a New Beetle, and I think it's sort of similar. Even the size of the dashboard and slope of the hood feels familiar.
I am very short - 5' 1" and I have found that every once in a while - not every drive, there are situations where I find myself trying to look through the A-piller and side-view mirror. I haven't yet tried driving with the seat higher as it only has happened a few times and it doesn't happen enough to annoy me.
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/aug/04cars.html
Does anyone know if this includes the Mazda5?
While it may include the Mazda5, the press release also reads as though this is something for the Japan market only since smart and Alfa are not currently sold on our shores (but that new 159 sure would look sexy, next to my Mazda5, wouldn't it?).
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http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=106717
-Jaz
dan
Meade
By today's standards, my miata is slow. 0-60 in about 9 seconds, somewhere behind a Camry and a Kia Sephia.
But it's plenty sporty. Especially in the curves.
629 sales in July. Pace should pick up when availability is better though.
-juice
Sporty is more than just grunt. As the owner of a Mazda3 meade, you should know that sporty is also handling, steering response, brake feel, etc. I think that the chassis calibrations in the 3 which lend it so much of it's 'sporty' character also show up in the 5.
To be sure, the extra 500 lbs. will take it's toll in both speed AND handling, but I think that they were calling the 5 'sporty' compared to other minivans, not to other cars in general.
We drove a Carbon Gray Touring with Nav (and more), and while the engine was a bit loud and strained on hills (we're in the Blue Ridge mountains), the overall package is just right. The only thing is, I'm looking to get back into a manual tranny, and our dealership doesn't expect one for 4 months or more. If I drive to DC (assuming my Acura will do the noble thing and fail on me), I can get a manual Sport 5 right away, but nothing is available near home at present. The car appears to be just right. The kids love vans, as evidenced by a 1500-mile trip we recently took in a Dodge Caravan, but they complained in the Caravan that they couldn't have their windows rolled down. Enter the 5. I hated driving the big Caravan behemoth, or my friend's '02 Odyssey, or my other friend's '05 Sienna, simply because they were unnecessarily big for daily driving.
Our '00 Subaru Legacy wagon is a good size for daily driving and the occasional long trip, but it simply doesn't offer more seating for grandparents/friends/etc. Again, enter the 5. It's almost the same HP, same weight and same length as our Subaru, yet it has the 3rd row. If we hadn't just remodeled our kitchen, I think we'd have a 5 in the driveway by next week. Oh well.
I'm glad to hear so many buyers have been pleased. I think when the time comes we'll be pleased as well. As Tom Petty said, the waiting is the hardest part.
"The only thing is, I'm looking to get back into a manual tranny, and our dealership doesn't expect one for 4 months or more. "
Our dealer called to follow up on our transaction (we have a touring 5 spd) and the dealer said that they don't expect ANY more manual trans. They currently have 8 automatics in stock.
pagetuner
http://www.sparepartsvb.com/mazda5_1.jpg
http://www.sparepartsvb.com/mazda5_2.jpg
http://www.sparepartsvb.com/mazda5_3.jpg
http://www.sparepartsvb.com/mazda5_4.jpg
Check out Surfing Magazine's online edition for a radical looking M'5 painted in some psychadelic colors.
Psychadelic5
Note: Surfing Magazine spells it "Mazda 5"
She didn't like the Matrix' styling either, so I should have known.
-juice
That's tough bro. You can't convince her to go down to a dealer and check it out? Maybe you can throw some crazy numbers at her like dollars/cubic foot.
What vehicle is she leaning towards (if any)?
I hope your vetoes are of equal value
The sliding doors open 4 inches wider than the MPV sliders.
We keep our 2nd row MPV seats with the gap in the middle (in part to enforce the hands off each other kid managment policy) but it also allows 3rd row access conveniently from either door.
John
Oh yeah we both have to like whatever we end up getting. The idea now is to trade in her car, though, so she especially has to like it.
-juice
Personally, I don't see a big difference between those with the side sills and spoiler and those without. However, if a Mazda5 sans the side sills means one less roadblock to you getting one, then as far as we're concerned, the two models look nothing alike.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2122839645
>From my information, the U.S. model MAZDA5 is not designed to tow
anything behind it. Unfortunately, the details as to why the MAZDA5 is
not recommended for trailer towing are not available, only that Mazda
does not recommend it.
Again, thank you for contacting Mazda and have a good day.
Mazda has done a great job in keeping this vehicle at about $20k. Kudos to them, and yes there will always be more that we want...such as vehicle stability.
John
Guess I'll just check back in a year or so and see if they wise up and give it a tow rating....and maybe that stability control, the "+1" seating and 4WD.
Lack of vehicle stability control (atleast as an option) is also an issue for me.
I hope Mazda takes note of how many potential customers want some small towing capacity.