subject: The 2010 Mazda Mazda5 2.3-liter Mzr Engine [print this page] The MAZDA5, Mazda's compact minivan, returns for 2010 with no engine changes. The MAZDA5 is based on the previous-generation MAZDA3, and shares its four-cylinder engine.
The MAZDA5's sole engine is a 2.3-liter DOHC inline four. Known as the L3-VE, this 16-valve engine is part of the MZR family, used by nearly all Mazda passenger cars. All MZR engines are all-aluminum, with an open-deck cylinder block for reduced weight and improved cooling; vibration-quelling counter-rotating balance shafts; chain-driven overhead camshafts; variable intake valve timing; and intake runners optimized for better mid-range performance. The L3-VE engine is undersquare, with a bore of 87.5 mm and a stroke of 94.0 mm, to improve low-speed response. The MAZDA5's version has a compression ratio of 9.7:1, and makes 153 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.
While this engine provided ample power in last year's MAZDA3, the MAZDA5's extra weight saps some of its energy. Critics find it reasonably peppy with either transmission, but it feels somewhat underpowered for high-speed merging or passing. The 2.3-liter engine has a sporty growl when accelerating, which some reviewers find tiresome. It is generally smooth and refined, although it throbs a little at idle speed, despite its twin balance shafts.
While compact MPVs of this size are common in Europe, the MAZDA5 has few direct competitors in the U.S. Most rival minivans and crossovers are considerably larger, with V6 engines that produce more power, but also burn more fuel. The MAZDA5's EPA estimated fuel economy, 22/28 with manual transmission, 21/27 with automatic, splits the difference between a compact car and a midsize sedan. Mazda recommends regular fuel.
The 2010 MAZDA3 uses a new 2.5-liter version of this engine, the L5-VE, with 170 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. That engine will probably replace the MAZDA5's 2.3-liter engine in future model years.
