Mazda Premacy

Mazda Premacy
Overview
Manufacturer	Mazda
Production	1999–present 2005-2015 (United States)
Body and chassis
Class	MPV
Chronology
Predecessor	Mazda Capella wagon Mazda MPV (North America)
Successor	Mazda CX-9 (North America)

The Mazda Premacy is a minivan built by the Japanese manufacturer Mazda since 1999.

The first generation Premacy was built in Japan and exported to Europe and Asia. A re-badged version was sold by Ford in a few Asian markets (including Japan) as the Ford Ixion or Ford MAV.

The second generation onward is sold outside Japan as the Mazda5. Ford Lio Ho in Taiwan, which assembles Mazda5 for the local market, adapted a re-badged version as the Ford i-MAX in 2007.

The first generation Premacy was a two- or three-row, five- or seven-passenger vehicle, while the second generation adds a third row of seats for up to six passengers in American form, and seven passengers outside the United States. Both generations feature near-flat floors, folding or removable second row, and fold-flat rear seats.

First generation (1999–2004)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Ford Ixion Haima Freema (China)
Production	1999–2004 1999–2009 (China)
Assembly	Changchun, China Hiroshima, Japan (Hiroshima Plant) Taiwan (Ford Lio Ho)[1]
Body and chassis
Body style	Compact MPV
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Mazda CP platform
Related	Mazda Capella
Powertrain
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length	1999–2002: 4,295 mm (169.1 in) 2002–2005: 4,305 mm (169.5 in)
Width	1999–2002: 1,695 mm (66.7 in) 2002–2005: 1,705 mm (67.1 in)
Height	1999–2002: 1,590 mm (62.6 in) 2002–2005: 1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Curb weight	1,210–1,355 kg (2,668–2,987 lb)

When released in 1999, the Mazda Premacy was one of the least expensive seven-seaters available on market. The 1999 Premacy used Mazda's CP platform. It was available with either front or all wheel drive and was equipped with four-speed automatic transmission. As the Premacy was based on a sedan platform, it was less modular than some of its adversaries such as the Opel Zafira and Toyota Ipsum and was therefore relatively easy to maneuver. The second and third row seats could be folded and removed as on many other minivans.

This generation Premacy was also sold in some Asian markets as the Ford Ixion.

The first generation Premacy is still manufactured by China's FAW Haima Automobile where it is called the Haima Freema.

It was powered by a number of engines:

• 1.8 L FP-DE I4, 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp), 152 N·m (112 lb·ft)
• 1.8 L FP-DE I4, 114 PS (84 kW; 112 hp), 161 N·m (119 lb·ft)
• 2.0 L FS-DE/FS-ZE I4, 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp), 171 N·m (126 lb·ft)
• 2.0 L diesel I4, RF-T DI I4, 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp), 220 N·m (162 lb·ft)
• 2.0 L diesel I4, RF-T DI I4, 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp), 230 N·m (170 lb·ft)

2001–2002 Mazda Premacy (CP) hatchback (Australia; pre-facelift)

Second generation (2005–2010)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Mazda5 Ford i-MAX
Production	2005–2010
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan (Hiroshima Plant) Taiwan (Ford Lio Ho)
Body and chassis
Body style	Compact MPV
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Mazda BK platform (Ford C1 platform)
Related	Mazda3 Ford Focus (Euro Mk.2) Ford Focus C-MAX Volvo S40
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L MZR I4 2.0 L MZR I4 2.3 L MZR I4 2.0 L MZ-CD Diesel I4
Transmission	4-speed/5-speed automatic 5-speed/6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,750 mm (108 in)
Length	4,610 mm (181.5 in) 4,505 mm (177.4 in) (Japan) 4,554 mm (179.3 in) (JDM S)
Width	1,755 mm (69.1 in)
Height	1,631 mm (64.2 in) 1,665 mm (65.6 in) (Japan/Europe)
Curb weight	1,470–1,610 kg (3,241–3,549 lb)

Initial release

The new model has been for sale since summer 2005. It is now sold as the Mazda5 in all markets except Japan.^[2] While classified by Mazda as a mid-sized wagon, it competes with other vehicles classed as Compact MPVs in Europe, and is viewed as a mini-minivan in the United States. It is based on Ford's global C1 platform, meaning it shares many parts with the Mazda3. The Mazda5 replaced the Mazda MPV as Mazda's minivan offering in most export markets.

2006–2007 Mazda5 (US)

2005–2007 Mazda5 (Germany)

The Mazda5's closest relative is the European compact MPV, Ford Focus C-MAX, though the Mazda5 uses minivan-style sliding doors in the rear while the Ford has four conventional front-hinged doors. This version of the vehicle was also introduced for sale in the United States, making it the first compact minivan in that market since the 1994 Mitsubishi Expo (in the United States) and 1995 Nissan Axxess (in Canada). The Mazda5 is marginally larger than the 1984–1989 Toyota Van. Competition joined the North American MPV market in 2006 with Mercedes-Benz's B200 (in Canada and Mexico) and in 2007 Kia Motors followed suit with the 2007 Kia Rondo (in the United States and Canada).

In North America, due to safety regulations, the Mazda5 fits six passengers using three rows of seats, with two seats per row. Elsewhere, it is sold as a seven-seater using Mazda's "Karakuri Seating System", which means the car has three rows of two seats, with the seventh seat a fold away jump seat in the centre of the middle row. The Mazda5 has three-point seat belts on all seven seats.

The middle row of seats recline and slide front-to-rear, and fold flat. The rear row also folds flat.

Specifications

The wheelbase is 2,750 mm (108 in) with an overall length of 4,610 mm (181 in). For the Japanese domestic market it is C model/F model – 4,505 mm (177.4 in) / S model – 4,565 mm (179.7 in).

Engine options:

• 1.8 L MZR I4, 85 kW (116 PS/114 hp)
• 2.0 L MZR I4, 110 kW (150 PS/148 hp)
• 2.3 L MZR I4, 117 or 119 kW (159–162 PS/157-159 hp)
• 2.0 L MZR-CD I4 Diesel, 89 or 105 kW (105–143 PS/103-141 hp)

Recall

Mazda was forced to recall the Mazda5 in the United States shortly after production began due to a risk of exhaust system fires, discovered by US Mazda engineer Curtis Lee. Owners that were not made aware of the manual shifting mode ("sport mode") of the 4-speed automatic transmission would mistakenly leave the shifter in that position, resulting in high temperatures as the car would remain in second gear. Mazda's solution was to add a heat shield around the muffler and to alter the vehicle's software to not allow excessively high engine speeds beyond a short period of time when in "sport mode". Although the five-speed manual transmission equipped cars would seemingly not need to be recalled, Mazda chose to retrofit all Mazda5 versions with the new parts and software. The company also gave customers US$500 (for Canadian owners, it is C$500) plus a loaner car while the problem was mitigated. 2,700 vehicles were affected.

2006 model year update

For the 2006 model year Mazda offered fewer Mazda5 options than in other markets. The North American version lacked the front-to-back roof rails that were included as standard in other markets. Other notable Mazda5 options not offered in North America included a back-up camera, power-assist side doors and even a choice of engine (2.3 L only). A second-row DVD entertainment system was eventually offered as a dealer installed add-on. Mazda produced a limited number of Mazda5 units featuring all-wheel-drive but this version was not made available outside Japan for the 2006 model year.

Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid (2007)

2007 Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is a version of Mazda Premacy with a two-rotor Wankel engine supporting hydrogen or gasoline fuel. The hydrogen tank with 110 liters at 350 bar stores up to 2.4 kilograms of hydrogen and is in addition to the 60 liter petrol tank.^[3]

Awards

The Mazda5 was named "Best New Multipurpose Family Vehicle" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. Consumer Reports ranked the Mazda5 as the best "tall wagon" in their test, though the car failed to gain a "recommended" rating due to unknown reliability.

In April, 2006, the Japan New Car Assessment Program (J-NCAP) awarded the Mazda5 a maximum six-star rating for front-occupant crash worthiness. In Europe, the Mazda5 was awarded a maximum five-star "adult occupant" safety rating in September 2005 by the Euro-NCAP.

2008 update

2008–2010 Mazda5 (US)

For 2008, the Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 received a mid-cycle refresh with updated front bumper, wheels and rear LED lights for Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The automatic gearbox was updated to five-speed. The interior received a few changes to the dash including luminescent gauges, an updated radio control layout with auxiliary input, a rear A/C vent, and center console, and a full set of armrests for the first and second seating rows on North American models. Mazda first released the 2008 Mazda Premacy in Japan, with other markets to follow.

2010 update

For 2010, Mazda added electronic stability control and traction control to the Mazda5,^[4] safety features that were formerly cited as oversights on the vehicle.^[5]

Third generation (2010–Present)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	Mazda5 Nissan Lafesta Highway Star
Production	2010–present 2010-2015 (United States)
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan (Hiroshima Plant) Taiwan (Ford Lio Ho)[6]
Body and chassis
Body style	Compact MPV
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Mazda CW platform
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L MZR I4 2.0 L MZR I4 2.0 L SKYACTIV-G (PE-VPS) I4 2.5 L MZR I4
Transmission	6-speed manual 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,751 mm (108.3 in)
Length	4,585 mm (180.5 in)
Width	1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height	1,615 mm (63.6 in)
Curb weight	1,470–1,568 kg (3,241–3,457 lb)

Mazda5 rear view

Initial release

In Europe the new Mazda5 is offered with either a 1.8-liter four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct-injection and Mazda’s i-stop start/stop technology, which will reduce emissions by 15 percent. Both engines include a six-speed manual transmission as standard,^[7] as well as new environmental friendly features.^[8]

For 2012 the US Mazda5 comes with a 157 hp (117 kW) 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the base model, with a five-speed automatic optional while both the Touring and the Grand Touring come with a five-speed automatic with manual mode. The third generation began sales in July 2010. The Mazda5 comes in three grades: 20CS, 20E, and 20S. The base model CS does not include i-stop.

Nissan Lafesta Highway STAR (2011–)

It is a version of Mazda Premacy supplied to Nissan by Mazda Motor Corporation on an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) basis. Unlike the Premacy, the new Nissan Lafesta Highway Star ditches the Nagare design.

Japan models went on sale in 2011-06-15.^[9][10]

2013 update

Mazda Premacy (2013–)

Changes to Mazda Premacy include the introduction of SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine and 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission. The SKYACTIV variant of the Premacy will have a fuel economy of 16.2 km/L based on Japan's JC08 mode.

Japan models went on sale in 2013-01-24. Early models include 20C-SKYACTIV, 20S-SKYACTIV, 20S-SKYACTIV L-package, 20CS, 20C, 20S.^[11]

2014 model year update

Mazda Premacy 20S-SKYACTIV CELEBLE, Premacy update (2013–)

Mazda Premacy is a version of Mazda Premacy 20S-SKYACTIV with 1-touch remote-controlled coloured door mirror in hi-gloss silver, LED door mirror winker, grill garnish in brilliant black, muffler cutter, chrome-plated outer door handle, seat in sand beige with black+ stitching, steering bezel in glossy dark grey, audio panel in glossy dark grey and silver, air-conditioning panel in glossy dark grey, 205/50R17 89V tires, 17-inch glossy aluminium wheels.

Changes to Mazda Premacy includes new titanium black mica body colour option (except 20CS), addition of deep crystal blue mica body colour option for 20S(4WD), introduction of Celebre Blue option for 20S(4WD) (seat in sand beige with black+ stitching, steering bezel in glossy dark grey, audio panel in glossy dark grey and silver, air-conditioning panel in glossy dark grey).

Japan models went on sale in 2013-12-26.^[12]

Production

Taiwan models of Mazda5 were produced by Ford Lio Ho Motor Co., Ltd.^[13][14]

The Mazda 5 will cease production run in the United States after 2015 due to sluggish sales volumes. Mazda will shift its focus on more crossover vehicles since crossovers are growing popular with demand.^[15][16]

References

1. "Facilities | Ford Motor Company Newsroom". Media.ford.com. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
2. Mazda. "Official product page on Mazda's Japanese site". Retrieved 2010-03-03.
3. "Mazda Premacy HRE Hybrid". Mazda.com. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
4. Mazda Website – Mazda5 2010 Model Mazda USA Retrieved on 2010-03-17
5. Healey, James R. "Mazda5: A minivan that's actually cool? Yep" USA Today 2008-03-14. Retrieved on 2010-03-17
6. http://mazda.autonet.com.tw/cgi-bin/file_view.cgi?b1120305M2011001
7. "Geneva Preview: All-New Mazda5 Model Set for Debut in March | AutoGuide.com News". Autoguide.com. 2010-01-21. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
8. "2011 Mazda5 in Details; Motorward". Motorward.com. 2010-06-28. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
9. "Nissan Releases All-New Lafesta Highway STAR Minivan".
10. Nissan offers rebadged Mazda5 in Japan as Lafesta Highway Star
11. "マツダ、プレマシーをマイナーチェンジ -ミニバン初のSKYACTIV搭載で燃費は「16.2km/L」へ向上-".
12. 特別仕様車「マツダ プレマシー 20S-SKYACTIV CELEBLE」発売
13. Mazda to Reinforce Sales Structure in Taiwan – Will establish a national sales company within current fiscal year and start operations in mid-2014 -
14. マツダ、台湾における販売体制を強化 －2013年度中に販売統括会社を設立し、2014年度上期に営業開始－
15. Mazda 5 going out of production, no successor planned
16. Mazda5 to be discontinued

External links

• Official Mazda Premacy website
• What Car Review