The numbers this year point to a fairly significant change of sorts. Cars are actually down 5%, where ‘trucks’ are up some 20%. Mazda’s enjoys a market share of 5.1 and will probably do close to 80,000 units by years end.

For the future, Mazda thinks that its growth will be 6-8 percent 2011, and the main reasons for that are that a full year of sales with Mazda2, no visible fall off of Mazda3, and the new Mazda5.

At a recent media lunch, Mazda showed us its new 2012 Mazda5.

Introduced in 2006, first compact fuel efficient six passenger three row from Mazda. Sold over 50,000 by the end of 2010 – number two selling nameplate for Mazda.

The 2012 will be available on January 2011. The design is very ‘flowy’ in exterior (nagare) design, and the new two/three body line shaping is very unique, and visually stunning. It’s an overall very aggressive look, and with the sharp slanted nose, the visual impact can’t be underestimated.

Now, it’s a 2.5 inline four, six-speed manual, and the optional is a five speed automatic, and has better fuel mileage than the previous model, with both the manual and automatic. Power and torque are also up from the previous model.

It has two sliding rear doors, that are lighter, which makes access to third row much easier. The rear tailgate lift is higher…..5’10’’ won’t bump your head.

The dimensions remain the same, so Mazda resisted the temptation to get bigger, and thus heavier.

The third row splits 50/50, or folds down to 460L of cargo. With all the seats folded flat 857L of cargo space. Its all about function, and the interior flexibility is a major selling point.

At the Los Angles show, Mazda presented a demo of just how much can fit in the Mazda5 (check youtube or mazda.com) I am sure it is there.

The large gauges are still very prominent, and there are many, many storage points, including under the third row seats.

Driver’s seat is high adjustable, and the travel is longer than previous model front to aft.

Comes in two trim levels. GS starting at $21,795 has 16 alloys, power windows, dusk sensing headlights, rain sensing wiper.and now air-conditioning is standard – all this is about $300 less than 2010 model.

Also there is a convenience package with bluetooth, Cruise control, trip computer, anti-theft and leather wrapped steering wheels for $795

The GT trim has 17 inch wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler and Xenon headlights plus a host of other features for $24,795.

Mazda expects more entries into this segment, including maybe the Orlando from GM.

This is an expanding market segment, and Mazda is ahead of the game – again – with the new Mazda 5.

Merry Christmas.