Thanks to our reader, stellarsilver5, we were tipped off to an image posted by The Wall Street Journal, which gave us an early peek at the North American spec 2008 Mazda5. Speculated to go on sale in December, the new 5 will receive a load of changes to round up the year. Albeit the poor resolution of the image, we can tell Mazda only switched the side of the steering wheel from the JDM Premacy. Sales of the facelifted Premacy have already commenced.The front fascia will be overhauled with a sleeker grille and sportier air intakes. The rear is also due for a redesigned set of LED taillights. An important change in the 2008 Mazda5 is the standard 5-speed AT in favor of the current version's 4-speed. New wheels are also due and no further changes on the powertrain will be made.
The interior is also due for a couple of minor changes throughout. A new Sand Color interior will be available alongside the current Black/Gray option. New electroluminescent gauges will also be added. Other new goodies include a standard auxilary jack input and a touch-screen navigation system instead of the pop-up style on the current model. The new transmission means improved mileage, so expect that as well. The production of the 5 will start this month with the full unveil next month. Sales are expected to proceed in time for the jolly holidays of Christmas in December.
[Source: The Wall Street Journal]
Continue reading to view the full image and a hi-res image gallery of the JDM Premacy.
