End of the Road for the Mazda5

After 12 years of loyal services in its current form, the Mazda5 compact multipurpose vehicle will be pulled from the Canadian market. Introduced in our country for the 2006 model year, the Mazda5 was an interesting alternative for small families that needed space, but that didn’t want a big minivan or its heavier fuel consumption.

In addition, its sliding side doors and its high roofline were handy for entry and exit in tight parking spots, while its six-passenger seating capacity enhanced its versatility in a pinch.

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Unfortunately for the Mazda5, and for minivans in general, the current fascination with SUVs hurt sales, its CX-3, CX-5 and CX-7 brothers casting a shadow on it in Mazda dealerships.

With an aging design, an archaic infotainment system as well as the lack of a more modern and fuel-efficient powertrain—the Mazda5 never benefitted from the company’s SKYACTIV technologies—its popularity further declined. Its rivals haven’t had it easier, as the Kia Rondo will also be retired soon and the Ford C-MAX is hanging on thanks to its hybrid powertrain.

The 2017 Mazda5 starts at $21,995 before freight and delivery charges.