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Vans & Minivans Mazda Mazda5 Mazda5: No Traction/ Stability Control. Is this an issue?
71 messages, Last post on Apr 07, 2009 at 11:22 AM
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Replying to: italian_jamoke (Apr 03, 2008 4:57 pm)  , it is interesting. At least this last reply has a more down to earth explanation of why, I admit  . KIA should be happy to read all this though, but regardless, I won't see a KIA (nor my wife) on my shopping list for a long time, those things are as ugly as sin, and yeah, I've read a lot of stories around KIA post-sales quality issues regardless of their "initial" quality claims (new cars). For that matter, I would prefer to buy exactly the same car I already have, again (which I did)...
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Replying to: italian_jamoke (Apr 03, 2008 4:57 pm) And by the way, Really?? There are no NHTSA NA centric crash test results, but the Mazda5 passed the Japanese NCAP and EuroNCAP crash tests with the highest ratings (BMW, Volvo, Honda or even Renault in Europe and Japan would be a good comparison point) If NHTSA would not look at these global tests I'm sure the NA market would be already flooded with Chinese or Indian cars, honest. See the source: Mazda5 Wins Highest Crash Safety Rating from EU and Japanese New Car Testing Agencies http://www.japancorp.net/Article.asp?Art_ID=12380 |
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Replying to: coolmazda5 (Apr 04, 2008 7:43 am) Well on this at least we can agree. No Kia for me either. Fine car, but like I said, after close inspection at the Chicago auto show, I walked away unimpressed. I think the fact that the rear seats would not fold down without the headrest being removed kinda stuck in my craw. That, and no sliding doors. It’s always the little things (but I think this may be for another forum). I would like to point out that there will be more competition in this segment in the near term, especially with gas already approaching $4 here. Looking at the Sienna, not sure we really need a grocery getter with 260 ponies. The new Dodge Journey comes to mind (again DSC stnd) and one might consider the third row RA4 as well (I test drove this too), again DSC stnd. I wouldn't be surprised if we also see more similar sized >5 people movers, yet to be announced. Stranger things have happened. Seems to me that, although there is no direct competition (sliding door), there is enough out there to lure one away from (what some might consider) a less safe family car. (A nod to the UK test standards for the outstanding results, but even then DSC is needed for “full credit”). I am lucky that I have no immediate need and can wait to see just what the market shakes out for 09. In the mean time, as I said before, I have already contacted Mazda by email and as well by snail mail – and in both I make my case for what I want to see in the next iteration of the 5. Your point is made that this forum possibly serves little effect on Mazda’s corporate decisions, but it helps me to vent on the issue anyway. My #1 choice is definitely a Mazda 5, but I will be eagerly watching the posts for just how it will be packaged. No DSC will likely mean a Sienna and a lost sale for Mazda. |
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| Our 2008 Touring is our first new car in nine years, prompted by my wife's new job some 40 miles distant. The 5 is our only car - family of 6. I would have preferred DSC/ESC but was reassured by foreign test results and the fact that this vehicle is incredibly sure-footed - from the perspective of having driven for 36 years, I would speculate that any maneuver extreme enough to roll the 5 would defeat DSC/ESC if it were actually available - I have utter confidence in the dynamics of this vehicle. | |
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Replying to: researchqueen (Mar 31, 2008 10:34 am) If no ESC, sorry Mazda but we go with Kia Rondo or Toyota RAV4. You have the software/hardware application from the Euro Mazda 5.... make this happen, give it to the North American versions now.
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Replying to: ohioescbuyer (Jul 07, 2008 9:03 pm) 
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| I agree, traction control s/b an option. When it snows here (I'm in Canada) I drive my Honda Accord with traction control. | |
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From what I've read, Stability Control is basically software and a bit of processing hardware that sits on top of an ABS system (i.e. you can't have Stability Control without ABS), and it adds 300-500 to the sticker. Even with an extra $500, the 5 would be VERY competitive in its class, plus it's only 6-9 bucks a month extra on a 60-month contract. I believe that it's not the cost to the consumer, but the cost to them of retooling their U.S. production line that's making them pause. They're figuring they're not going to gain enough sales or stop enough lost sales to make the margins on the Stability Control option exceed the costs of adding it as an option. The changes on the 2009 version of the 5 are minimal. Of course, since the feds are going to mandate Stability Control by 2012, they obviously have plans to add it within the next few years, but they're probably waiting until they do a more extensive re-design of the 5 overall, so they can incorporate the retooling for Stability Control into that larger retooling of the production line. As for Traction Control, according to a Consumer Reports article, it does help distribute power between the two front wheels if you're slipping, but it's only useful if one wheel has a grip. If both wheels are slipping, it's useless. You're much better off with All-Wheel Drive for rainy or snowy conditions ("4-wheel" is best for uneven surfaces like offroading, while AWD is better for slick streets). But AWD will drop your mileage by up to 3-4 miles per gallon, which is why you don't see it on most minivans. Another thing to think about is that greater weight = greater traction. Just the increased weight of a minivan (even the 5) vs the weight of an economy sedan, gives you better traction from the get-go. For people who live in drier, warmer climates, Traction Control is unlikely to be needed. And if you look at the numbers on Stability Control, you'll see that while it lowers your chances of death in an injury accident by 43%, the numbers the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety have stated of preventing 10,000 deaths a year if every car had it, means there would be a 1 in 30,000 chance (10 thousand deaths out of 300 million Americans) that stability control would save your life in a given year. And that's if the guy you got into the accident with also had Stability Control. If you buy into the hype that you *need* these things, then by all means, buy something else. But boycotting fast food and quitting smoking will be more likely to improve your life and prevent premature death than spending a few thousand more for a minivan with Stability Control and Traction Control.
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Replying to: chiefbongo (Aug 08, 2008 10:53 am) From my point of view, it's pretty simple: People do get into car accidents (all the time), and stability control can help you avoid them or lessen their severity. I'll take the stability control, because I'm not one of those people who feel that it could "never happen to me," or that I'm such an outstanding driver that I could maneuver my way around whatever gets thrown at me. That's hubris (or youth). I've tested cars with and without stability control, and there's a difference. Both NTHSA and the IIHS think stability control is important enough to mandate, and I think that speaks volumes. So, like you said, it comes down to personal choice and budget. I find lots of ways to pinch pennies, but vehicle safety isn't one of them
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Replying to: researchqueen (Aug 08, 2008 11:16 am) Both NTHSA and the IIHS think stability control is important enough to mandate, and I think that speaks volumes So why they just don't bar the Mazda5 and others once and for all? They have the authority to do so. If it wasn't the case a lot of Chinese and Indian cars would be around already that is for sure... Look at the numbers in this post below and compare them with other "safe" vehicles with ESC. Yes, I agree is not the same, but if it would be so critical I doubt NHTSA/IIHS/NCAP would let them be running on the US streets http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f1a7505/0 |
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