Toyota Builds a Prius Mazda 5
Published: October 16th, 2010
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That doesn’t leave a whole lot to the imagination. The Mazda 5 is six inches longer than the Prius: check. The 5 also stands six inches taller than the Prius; does this? Toyota has said that interior room is 50% larger, so that looks about right. No word on third row seating; I’m guessing at least kiddie seats back there.
Power train? Almost undoubtedly, the bigger 2.4 L HSD version as used in the Camry hybrid and Lexus 250h. Mileage? If the first number isn’t a 4, don’t bother. I know one thing: this will sell in places like Oregon, either replacing Subaru wagons, and/or giving Prius families’ kids some growing room.
More by Paul Niedermeyer
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There's a significant mileage penalty for the 2.4L and added weight in the Lexus HS250h (which gets approximately the same mileage as the Camry Hybrid). The Prius5 may be about the same.
When I bought the Prius last year, we cross-shopped the Mazda 5. The slightly better build quality of the Prius and the hybrid mpg swung the deal in its favor... If there was a hybrid version of a Mazda 5 type vehicle at the time, I would very likely have bought it instead if it was rated 40mpg or better.
I like the Mazda5 a lot--low on power, but very high on flexibility for the price. I also joke about the Prius from time to time, mostly on appearance, but it's still a great idea. My wife does so much city-type driving in her gashog AWD wagon, this could be the ideal next step. I'll keep my eyes open for this one. About time!
This will be interesting. I am not sure how many people are going to give up their cars for this. I think the Prius hit the sweet spot with a slightly larger than compact size car that gets good gas mileage and is an excellent commuter. I am not sure how well this small minivan vehicle will be received. Fuel economy is very important, but I am not sure this will do well until crossovers sales fall off the map due to high gas prices.