Before Mazda changed the naming conventions of their MPV and SUV range to the familiar CX-format, there was the awkwardly attached number system. There was the Mazda5 and in other markets, the Mazda8, yet oddly enough, the Mazda5 was known as the Mazda Primacy for many years. A compact 7-seater, the Mazda5 was with us for two generations, finally bowing out around 2015.
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If you have a budget of around R200 000 and you're needing a 7-seater solution for your transport woes, the Mazda5 will invariably end up on your radar, as should the Renault Grand Scenic and Toyota Verso. Many of these models will fetch similar prices and we're only going to concentrate on the last versions of these models sold in South Africa (All of these models have since been discontinued).
This then takes a look at Mazda5 models from 2010 onwards, Toyota Verso models from 2013 onwards and Renault Scenic models newer than 2012.
Mazda5
The Mazda5 was not fitted with a traditional infotainment system in our local market. Japanese models were fitted with a touchscreen system but local variants had to make do with a simplified radio system.
These units don't allow for much in the way of aftermarket upgrades as the system is split between the control interface and the display that is integrated into the upper section of the dashboard. The one benefit of this is that the monochrome LCD display is closer to your natural eye-line and less distracting when looking at the display.
The system includes AM/FM reception and will accept CD, USB and Aux inputs. Most digital formats are supported including MP3, MWA and AAC files. Bluetooth connections are also possible for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
The control panel is extremely busy with no fewer than 23 buttons for presets and functions and three rotary knobs for Tuning, Volume and Audio Control. This is certainly a system that requires acclimatization before using.
Toyota Verso
The Toyota Verso is a slightly newer design than the Mazda5 and that is seen in the choice of infotainment systems made available to higher-end models. Toyota used the Display Audio system in the Verso, a feature-packed system with a touchscreen interface. While the system may have many features, the execution of the menus and displays are rather complex and require practice before using - not the sort of system that one could master while driving.
This system accepts inputs from Bluetooth, AUX and USB and will also play CDs. It has AM/FM tuner capabilities and plays audio through a 6-speaker sound system.
Controls for the system are in the form of the touchscreen or from the host of buttons flanking the screen along with the rotary knob for tuning and volume control. The Verso is also fitted with a multifunction steering wheel for added convenience.
The main detraction from this unit is the complex menu/setup and poor graphic display. The images shown here are of the international specification screen and local colour combinations vary.
Renault Grand Scenic
Introduced in 2012, the Grand Scenic III gave us a taste of where infotainment systems would eventually end up, with a multiscreen approach and dedicated infotainment control systems. The Grand Scenic has a similar split-surface approach with a high-level display for vehicle vitals and infotainment.
Interestingly enough, the Grand Scenic has a dedicated navigation screen as part of a collaboration with TomTom. This means that a permanent navigation screen is always available with the vehicle vitals alongside it. The Radio First Auditorium system will accept CD, USB, AUX and Bluetooth input and top-spec models are equipped with Bose audio.
A separate command centre is located in the centre console for controlling navigation functions. This is complemented by the steering column pod and facia control panel that has 17-buttons for presets and controls as well as a rotary knob for controlling that audio system.
Very little audio information is displayed on the colour TFT display as the binnacle serves as the primary gauge cluster and driver information centre.
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