The new 2012 Mazda5 gets a swoopier design with flared front fenders and a trio of three side creases starting from the front door and continuing all the way back to the tail lamps. Mazda brings latest-gen small minivan to the U.S. for 2012. Seating six, the Mazda5 will remain a smaller alternative to the larger minivans, but with bolder styling. Hard-to-miss character lines improve aerodynamics. Second-row seats can now be converted into storage space. Mazda5 means driving a smaller, more easily maneuverable people-mover.

2012 Mazda5 has the same spunky 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder used in the Mazda 3. While other markets will get 5s equipped with Mazda’s idle-stop technology to reduce CO2 emissions by 15 percent and boost fuel economy by as much as 3 mpg in city driving. The 2012 Mazda 5 is expected to offer seating for up to seven passengers with the addition of a new second-row center seat that can be swapped out for a storage bin. Other high points of the updated interior include wider, thicker seats, power-sliding side doors and a redesigned dash layout. Cargo capacity will now max out at a substantially roomier 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

Specifications

Exterior

2012 Mazda5 will be announced the base price range from: $19,500-$24,000.