Mazda 5 was introduced as a 2006 model, and significantly re-styled and updated for 2008, with a new grille, front fascia, headlights, and taillights.The Mazda 5's hood is expansive and flows gracefully into the windshield and A-pillars. A single, horizontal bar divides the grille opening and supports the Mazda trademark logo, while the opening itself resembles an angular, stylized grin. The broad lower air intake and the large fog light recesses support the impression that the Mazda5 is chuckling to itself. Headlight housings slash into the fenders and reach around the sides to touch the front wheel well arches, which are mostly filled by the tires.
From the side, the vista is much busier, although geometrically consistent. A strong wedge influence flares character lines and surface planes from the pinched-down front end rearward to a tall, chopped off, stubby tail rendered even more awkward by a pouting, bulbous rear bumper. Matte black B-pillars and C-pillars play down the height of the glasshouse. Side mirrors attach to the lower half of small, wind-wing-shaped quarter windows. Body-color, full-round handles bridge concave circles in the doors. A gentle bulge crossing the doors' lower extremities ties together the blistered fenders. The slots for the sliding side doors scar the flanks. The optional side sill extensions create a ground-effect look that somehow works, giving the perspective a more complete, more finished touch.