Over the last two decades there has been a surge in demand for vehicles with 3rd row seating in the United States. Families find that having one car that is capable of transporting three generations (including luggage and sports equipment) is preferable to owning multiple smaller cars. Some vehicles with 3rd row seating manage to narrowly accommodate three rows in a relatively compact space, at the expense of a comfortable driving experience. The makers of some vehicles with 3rd row seating decided to design the interiors in a relatively cramped fashion. This was done in order to allow drivers to navigate through narrow urban streets and to alleviate parking issues normally associated with large cars. Furthermore, decreasing the overall size translated to a lower weight, which means that the low fuel expenditure became highly attractive for the consumer.
These types of vehicles with 3rd row seating were not always popular in the States, as consumers were more interested in sporty SUVs, rather than utilitarian minivans. However, the state of the economy has forced a broad range of people to reassess their priorities, meaning that we are now witnessing a trend away from gas-guzzling SUVs and back toward classic compact vehicles with 3rd row seating. The Japanese manufactures have decided to capitalize on this trend, by introducing the Mazda 5 to the American market. This is a compact minivan, which seems to announce a return to simpler times, with an emphasis on fuel economy and practicality, rather than extravagant mpg ratings. The Mazda 5 is actually one of the smaller minivans as compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, it boasts 3rd row seating for up to six passengers, and the ability to fold the chairs out of the way to allow for more storage space.
The compact size of the Mazda 5 minivan translates to an ability to accelerate and corner in a surprisingly nimble manner, and its low weight lends it a sporty feel that is highly unusual for a car in its size category. The response of the gas pedal is impressive for a vehicle with the capacity to seat 8 people. The Mazda 5 is a viable option for budget-conscious households, due to its asking price and low running costs. The company has brought out an upgraded model, which does not change any exterior aesthetics, but rather improves engine power and seating comfort. In true Japanese style, the Mazda 5 is available in three different packages, containing increasing levels of luxury and power. Among the variables in these upgrades are more expensive rims, intelligent air conditioning, electronic seat reclining control, and a fully equipped audio system with all possible attachments. You can also opt for brighter headlight, which are able to shine through thick fog, and Bluetooth with which you will be able to control most aspects of the car’s electronics. The top model includes fancifully unnecessary accessories such as a touchscreen GPS, which admittedly does function more smoothly than alternative control mechanisms such as the BMW’s iDrive.