2012 Mazda Mazda5

Mazda's subcompact crossover is tiny yet versatile, seating up to six passengers or hauling just about any shape cargo thanks to its two rows of folding seats.

The Mazda5 is basically a mini-minivan, with sliding doors and a vertical liftgate out back, in addition to styling reminiscent of minivan. Offered in Sport, Touring, or Grand Touring trims, it's powered by a 2.5-liter, 157-hp, four-cylinder engine with available six-speed manual (Sport only) or five-speed automatic. Second row bucket seats can recline and slide while 3-row side-curtain airbags provide protection for everyone on board. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, seven airbags, engine immobilizer and adjustable head restraints at all seating positions. The Grand Touring trim adds automatic Xenon headlights, rain sensing wipers and a security system.

The Mazda5 has skipped the 2011 model year and is all new for 2012. It has received new styling inside and out, including a new engine and manual transmission. The Touring and Grand Touring also receive Bluetooth wireless streaming, and a trip computer. An MP3 decoder, driver up/down power windows and variable intermittent front wipers are now standard on all trims.<