This is the new Mazda5, and if you have eyes you'll probably have noticed those two lines flowing down the flanks. They're arguably the finest work of sheet metal origami we've ever seen on a people carrier, and endow the new 5 with one of the most original design features ever committed to a car that wasn't penned by Chris Bangle.
Well, maybe that's a step too far, but it's intriguing, right? Plus, it gives us something to write home about, because elsewhere the Mazda5 is everything you'd expect of a new MPV: it's 15 percent more economical and environmentally friendly, as well as being bigger, more flexible and better to drive. Allegedly.
We'll find out for sure when we drive it, obviously, but for now we'll take Mazda's word for it. The seven-seater, whose looks are based on the 'nagare' styling language that debuted with a concept back in
2006 in Los Angeles, will make its debut in
Geneva in March, when the pricing and on-sale date will probably be announced too.
What we do know is that there's a new engine in the line-up: a 2.0-litre DISI petrol engine that Mazda promises is frugal and smooth. When we find out the good stuff, we'll let you know. In the meantime, look at the pretty wavy things down the side...
Mark Nichol - 20 Jan 2010