http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2011-mazda5-0/#2

 

That is one ugly looking 5. A real mish-mash of contours as though they tried too hard and came up with a Toyota Previa. The sliding rear door slot looks so wrong. The dash looks like an Insignias - not necessarily bad.

 

Where is the vomit smiley? lol

 

Well, I had a longer and more subjective look at the pictures today.

The exterior styling is odd in places, as though they fed the stylist too much crack cocaine. I can see body repairs being more expensive especially if damage occurs to the swoopy creases - most bodyshops will opt to replace a panel rather than replicate them.

The interior of the car is interesting. Apart from the new dash and leather seat facings design there seems to be no size and design difference to the old car. Even the seat rails, karakuri middle seat, box and underseat storage looks the same. From the B pillar backwards you could be in the old car.

The top half of the dash looks new, but the lower half housing the HVAC controls and window switches on the door look identical to the old car. So apart from the body, how much of an update is this?

 

Couldn't agree more about the body. The wrap around glass does nothing for it, IMO.
I always liked the rear lights on the latest 5's even if it is a touch boy racer!

Liking the seats though, but bet that is only an option coulour on the leather option, or something ridiculous like that.

Funny thing, the wheels look like 16's? not so low profile, wonder why?

 

I am scared to admit that I kinda like the new 5! A lot of people seem to dislike it, but I am in favor of it. Would be nice to see the engine stats - I hear its a new engine, but have not found anythign with power ratings etc - this vehicle crys for 200hp, but doubt they will have upped it that much...

 

In general, too gaudy. But I will say that Mazda's taste in OE wheels has improved greatly over some of the earlier versions.... beginning with the 5-spokes on the '04 (of course.)
I LOVED the second gen MS 6 series, but the factory alloy wheels were barely acceptable, imo. I know the aftermarket would've done better than they did even then.
I like the swoopy sides of the '010 3 series, but this is too much.

 

I think that it is absolutely hideous. Glad I bought the 2010

 

Read that the new 2011 5 will have a 167 HP engine, so up abotu 14 HP - Should be more, but thats something I guess...

 

No point in increasing the power. The current model can't cope as it is, so more would just make it undrivable, and imagine the tyre wear then??
It would need a major chassis and suspension overhaul to allow it to handle that much power, which mazda won't be able to manage, judging by the past
But maybe at least if it had 200+ we wouldn't notice funny tyre wear, just short life