Mazda 5 MPV is a non-Japanese version of Premacy minivan. In its homeland, this vehicle is entering the third decade in production. In other markets, it is available since the second generation of the MPV started in 2004. For Europe, the minivan was available between 2010-2015. Now, the company prepares the return of 2019 Mazda 5 MPV. That is not all since the Japanese carmaker intends to bring its minivan to the US, making the competition to Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Pacifica.
This is in a confrontation with latest reports that Mazda is discontinuing the Premacy. However, the company announced that outside Japan some markets will get this minivan in the future. Also, leaking sources are telling that carmaker is making more space for 2019 Mazda 5 MPV and its return to the UK and Europe. Furthermore, the development of the US unit will be a complicating process and don’t expect to see the same model for this region and other parts of the world.
2019 Mazda 5 MPV Engine and Specs
Definitely, the 2019 Mazda 5 MPV will continue to use the same unit as before. It is a 2.5-liter four-pot engine capable to produce 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This makes the minivan pretty potential and capable to transport passengers and tow their cargo without problems. Power goes through a five-speed automatic or a six-pace manual transmission. Buyers will choose between these two.
To be competitive in the US market, the 2019 Mazda 5 MPV will need a bigger unit. V6 definitely. Most of its future rivals are using V6s. And Mazda is not using such units at the moment. However, chiefs confirmed the return of famous Wankel engines. These unit had problems with efficiency and emission standards, and now after tuning, Wankel will be ready to power 2019 Mazda 5 MPV, among other vehicles. This power plant needs to create at least 280 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.
Hybrid and Mileage
Another option and in our honest opinion the more realistic is 2019 Mazda 5 MPV Hybrid. Currently, only Chrysler Pacifica is offering such powertrain. But, other companies announced hybrid minivans for 2019 and 2020 seasons. Mazda could make a strong impact if they succeed and deliver such a unit before others. This would improve the chances of the Mazda 5 minivan, although this class is facing a huge competition by crossovers and SUVs.
Hybrid is definitely a better solution regarding the gas mileage. The MPV and its Japanese sibling Mazda Premacy could return approx. 23/30 mpg converted to US measures. The 2019 Mazda 5 MPV hybrid will be able to go 30 mpg in city drive. Information about mileage of the pure petrol engine is not available since Wankel units are yet to be confirmed.
2019 Mazda 5 MPV Redesign
Well, both US and non-US versions of 2019 Mazda 5 MPV will have to take significant changes before its release date. The redesign could start the new generation since updates in 2015 and 2016 failed to deliver a more compatible car. The interior needs to show more, especially in safety and infotainment section. Mazda 5 minivan was comfortable, though. But, that is not enough to succeed in the toughest market in the world. Something special is needed, and Mazda’s designers will have to surprise us.
2019 Mazda 5 MPV Release Date
The release date of the 2019 Mazda 5 MPV depends on many things. Since there will be two different versions for the United States and other markets, debuts will happen separately. Well, the new model is taking big changes, and we won’t see it as soon as we would like. The second half of 2019 is likely timeframe for the premiere in the US. European buyers will get a vehicle with fewer changes. Also, they already had a chance to buy the Mazda 5 until 2015. Now, we could see Mazda 5 MPV in the first or second quarter of 2019.
Price and Competition
Again, like we are discussing two different models. The 2019 Mazda 5 MPV US version can’t cost more than $30,000 if the company wants to keep up with the competition. The entry-level model will be packed modestly to come with the lowest possible price. However, Mazda can’t bring it without some standard equipment that usually draws attention, or when carmakers fail to deliver these features, draw buyers away. So, the Japanese company must be very careful.
The best solution is to compare its competition’s offer. Toyota, Mazda’s partner, is one of the leaders in this class with its Sienna minivan. Mazda 5 could borrow some tricks from its sibling to make a good start. However, this is a double-edged sword. With two similar vehicles, Mazda and Toyota would spread the buyers, which are less interested in these vehicles. So, the true competition of any minivan is crossover SUVs. But, in the MPV segment, we still find Dodge Grand Caravan, Kia Sedona, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Ford C-Max. In European market, the situation is much better since buyers overseas are still finding MPVs useful and functional.
2019 MAZDA 5 MPV RELEASE DATE, HYBRID
I would love to see more on this minivan! I think it is just what I’m looking for in size and great mileage!