Features

When you test cars for a living, it's easy to fall for them from the driver's seat. Testing a new Mercedes or even a new Toyota can be great — until you see the price. Yes, we get sticker shock, too, especially because the test cars we get are often loaded with every option.

The i Touring Plus trim is interesting because it's not offered with any options. For $23,750, you get an automatic transmission, a moonroof, a power driver's seat, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth, a backup camera, a USB port, and a blind spot monitoring system. That's a heavy dose of features, especially the blind spot system, which can be a $1,500-plus option on other cars — and they're usually of the luxury variety.

    See also:

    Interior
    Because there's no backseat, the two occupants get more legroom than you might expect; a tilt steering wheel helps, but longer-legged drivers sometimes can't find a place where their knees and the ...

    Safety
    Standard antilock brakes have electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Side curtain-type airbags with rollover protection are optional on s models. ...

    Safety
    The Mazda5 hasn't been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Its standard safety features include seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, plus side curtain airb ...