There are some vehicles out there that can be almost off-putting when you’re confronted with what’s a bewildering array of trim levels, options and configurations to choose between. A lot of German luxury models are like that these days, but even they have nothing on our North American full-size pickup trucks, of course. But if you’re in the market for an attractive, practical and affordable minivan for those important family duties, the Mazda Mazda 5 likes to keep things nice and simple. In fact, there are now just two Mazda 5 trim levels of GS and GT to choose between, so let’s take a look at the features that are common to both and the things that set the Mazda 5 GS and GT apart from each other.
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Standard features and equipment
The first and most important item that’s common to both trim levels is the drivetrain. Under the hood of the Mazda 5 is a 2.5-litre DOHC gas engine that develops 157 horsepower and 163 of torque. The power is sent exclusively to the front wheel through a standard six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission, and all models can accommodate up to six people. And the really good news for anyone particularly concerned about the safety credentials of the two trim levels is that both models come with the full complement of active and passive safety features as standard.
It’s actually a similar story as far as comfort and convenience features are concerned too. Standard kit under that particular banner includes: automatic climate control, rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power features, remote keyless entry, two captain’s chairs with reclining and forward/backward sliding functions and custom-fitted floor mats.
As for the sound system, both models come with a four-speaker AM/FM CD player with MP3 functionality, USB and auxiliary inputs and steering wheel-mounted controls.
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Features unique to the Mazda 3 GS
What comes standard on the entry level GS that isn’t on the GT includes 16-inch alloy wheels, sporty cloth upholstery.
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What you get extra upgrading to the Mazda 5 GT
While the GS gets a set of 16-inch alloy wheels, going for the GT upgrades the Mazda 5 to a set of 17-inch alloys and the four-speaker audio system gets a pair of tweeters for improved sound quality. Other features only standard with the GT include: a tire-pressure monitoring system, leather upholstery with heated front seats, a trip computer, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability with Audio Profile, SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio, a tilt and slide power glass moonroof, fog lights, Xenon (HID) headlights, rear parking sensors and body-colour exterior trim.
At the moment a Mazda 5 GS costs from just $21,995, which isn’t a lot to ask for a six-seat vehicle that’s as stylish, capable and versatile as this. And if you want to opt for those extras that make the GT even more comfortable, the GT costs from $26,795.
For more information about the 2018 Mazda 5 and to schedule a test drive to try one out for yourself, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Moffat’s Mazda.