Mazda5 gets facelifted for 2008

One of the most tidy-looking midi-MPV around, the Mazda5 will undergo a mid-life update to keep it fresh ahead for 2008 and beyond. The MRZ 2.0-litre petrol engine has been completely revised and now has drive-by-wire throttle and sequential variable valve timing (S-VT), much like the current (facelifted) Mazda6 2.0L. The auto �box will have an extra cog with the updating exercise making it a 5-speed torque converter. According to Mazda, the new motor uses 4 percent less fuel than the outgoing 2.0L 4-pot. The facelifted MPV also features new front dampers and a refined suspension along with a newly optimized brake booster.

The 2008 Mazda5 will continue to have bilateral power sliding rear doors that open and close in less than five seconds and stop automatically if obstructed. They can be operated via a button near the driver�s seat, by tugging the door handles or with the remote control key.

Inside, the Mazda5 facelift features a new navigation and audio systems while the interior is claimed to be quieter - and more comfortable - thanks to the new multi-resonator located around the fresh air intake duct that lowers engine noise, strengthened wheel rims and Thinsulate insulation sheeting newly added to the roof liner to reduce road noise.



The 'new' Mazda5 is expected sometime Q2 2008 in Malaysia, to be fully imported from Japan and officially distributed by Cycle and Carriage Bintang (CCB).