Photo: Mazda
While Volkswagen is trying to revive itself in America by bringing more models, Mazda is doing the exact opposite thing. The Japanese automaker recently released a statement regarding its 2016 model year lineup. There aren't big changes except for the arrival of the new Miata and the discontinuation of the Mazda5.
That's right, the Japanese minivan with Zoom Zoom attitude is going to be discontinued after the 2015 model year runs out. The press release also says that "there are no plans at this time to bring a replacement Mazda5 to the U.S. market beyond the 2015 model year."
The announcement doesn't come as a surprise since demand for SUVs is growing at double-digit rates and the minivan market is shrinking. Volkswagen is also saying goodbye to the old Routan, and perhaps it's for the best.
Both companies plan to fill this void with 7-seat SUVs in the near future. Mazda is already hard at work on its CX-9 replacement and should have access to Toyota's technology after a deal signed earlier in 2015.
For now, the 2015 Mazda5 is still listed on the official website. For the Sport trim level, a customer needs to source $21,240, while the mid-range Touring goes for $22,370. As for the Grand Touring model, that one is $24,770. The only powertrain available makes a 2.5-liter engine with 157 horsepower to an old five-speed automatic gearbox.
Crash tests carried out by the IIHS in July 2014 showed that the Mazda5 is unsafe. The safety organization concluded that a host of structural and restraint system problems existed. Parts of the occupant compartment essentially buckled, allowing way too much intrusion and damaging the crash safety dummies.
If it really wants to, Mazda could eventually offer another minivan. While the Mazda5 has also been discontinued from the European market, alternatives exist in Japan. One of them is the Biante GRANZ Skyactiv, which we think look rather cool.
The announcement doesn't come as a surprise since demand for SUVs is growing at double-digit rates and the minivan market is shrinking. Volkswagen is also saying goodbye to the old Routan, and perhaps it's for the best.
Both companies plan to fill this void with 7-seat SUVs in the near future. Mazda is already hard at work on its CX-9 replacement and should have access to Toyota's technology after a deal signed earlier in 2015.
For now, the 2015 Mazda5 is still listed on the official website. For the Sport trim level, a customer needs to source $21,240, while the mid-range Touring goes for $22,370. As for the Grand Touring model, that one is $24,770. The only powertrain available makes a 2.5-liter engine with 157 horsepower to an old five-speed automatic gearbox.
Crash tests carried out by the IIHS in July 2014 showed that the Mazda5 is unsafe. The safety organization concluded that a host of structural and restraint system problems existed. Parts of the occupant compartment essentially buckled, allowing way too much intrusion and damaging the crash safety dummies.
If it really wants to, Mazda could eventually offer another minivan. While the Mazda5 has also been discontinued from the European market, alternatives exist in Japan. One of them is the Biante GRANZ Skyactiv, which we think look rather cool.
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