MAZDA5 AN ECONOMICAL MPV
THE latest Mazda5 diesel is a very good seven seat people carrier that ticks all the right boxes.
The original 5 was brilliant to drive – the best handling MPV of them all – and the new model carries on that tradition well, without being quite such a driver’s car.
It pulls hard from 1,500rpm in all gears and as well as decent acceleration in the lower gears, it has enough in sixth for all motorway manoeuvres.
Mazda claims this 5 has the lowest emissions of any full size MPV, and it has a lot more going for it too.
It’s refined and quiet, very comfortable over all surfaces and has excellent handling and road-holding. Also, it’s a Mazda, so reliability should be excellent.
Interior
The rearmost two seats fold easily up from a flat boot floor and there’s a luggage cover. The electric sliding rear doors can be opened from the driver’s seat and the nearside one can be opened as you approach the car, using a button on the fob.
Equipment is excellent with steering wheel controls for stereo, phone and cruise, bluetooth, and climate.
