2011 Mazda5 To Debut At This Year’s Geneva Motor Show

We’ve often said that the Mazda5 is one of the most overlooked cars on the road today. To the naked eye, it’s pure minivan, but its small proportions and Mazda3 platform mean it’s actually quite fun to drive and is a relatively useful package. The small MPV segment will grow over the next few years in the United States, and Mazda will be ready with an all-new version of the 5, set to make its official debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Like all of Mazda’s newest vehicles, the 5 is given substantial doses of the automaker’s new Nagare design language, and we actually sort of like the swooping lines along the side. Mazda’s new corporate face makes the 5 look like a really tall 3 hatchback, and though it looks somewhat goofy, we’re still pretty pleased with the way the little van has turned out.

As of this writing, Mazda is confirming two new direct-injection engines, in 1.8- and 2.0-liter displacements, though we’re unsure if either of those will make it to our shores. It’s safe to assume that we’ll see the 2.5-liter four under the hood, and hopefully Mazda will continue to offer the 5 with a manual transmission for even more driver involvement.

We’ll have the full details in a few months when the car makes its official debut, but for now, scroll down to read Mazda’s official press release and scroll through our attached gallery to see a few shots of the new MPV.

All-New Mazda5 to Premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the global premiere of the all-new Mazda5 (known as the Mazda Premacy in Japan) during the press days of the 2010 Geneva Motor Show on March 2 and 3, 2010. Embracing dynamic and elegant Nagare design, the new Mazda5 emits approximately 15 percent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazda’s "i-stop" idling stop system, a direct injection gasoline engine and other technologies. European sales of the all-new Mazda5 will commence during fall 2010.

The new Mazda5 features an emotional design that blends elegance with a dynamic spirit. It will be the first Mazda production model to fully adopt Mazda’s Nagare (meaning "flow" in Japanese) design language, which finds inspiration in the beauty of flows found in nature. Nagare design has appeared in certain elements of recent production models and was previously showcased through a series of concept cars. The new Mazda5’s design achieves excellent aerodynamic characteristics with an outstanding drag coefficient and lift balance. In order to meet wide-ranging customer requirements, it also offers a high level of functionality, with dual sliding rear doors and multiple seat arrangements. This includes a karakuri second-row center seat that can be converted to a versatile storage space. With a sportier and smoother ride, the new Mazda5 responds precisely to the driver’s commands, enabling the whole family to travel in comfort and security.

Based on its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda is striving to improve the eco-friendly performance of its products. Whether stuck in traffic or cruising on the highway, the all-new Mazda5 with 2.0L direct injection gasoline engine and i-stop significantly reduces CO2 emissions thanks to the effective combination of i-stop, the high combustion efficiency provided by direct injection, and a six-speed manual transmission with optimized gear ratios. The new Mazda5 cuts CO2 emissions by roughly 15 percent compared to the model it replaces and provides a more comfortable ride with linear and smooth performance characteristics. It is now one of the most eco-friendly minivans in its class in Europe.

The new Mazda5’s green credentials are further enhanced by its other available powertrains, which include a 1.8L gasoline engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Commenting on the development concept, Hideki Matsuoka, the Mazda5 program manager, said, "The all-new Mazda5 meets the many needs of today’s customers. In a single model, we offer the competitive eco-performance necessary to address current market trends together with our distinctive, emotional design. The Mazda5 features outstanding functionality with sliding rear doors and multiple seat arrangements, and it delivers fantastic comfort with a linear and smooth ride that responds precisely as the driver intends."

Officially titled the 80e Salon International de l’Auto, the Geneva International Motor Show press days are March 2 and 3, and the public days are March 4 through 14. Mazda will hold its press conference on Tuesday, March 2.