Insurance Group: 16
MPG: 54.3
CO2: 138
0-62 Mph: 13.7 secs
BHP: 113 BHP
Range: 717 miles
PROS: Sliding rear doors make this an easy car to get in and out of and the seating is flexible. For a car of this class the drive is good too.
CONS: The rear seats are uncomfortable and the performance is hardly earth-shattering.
The 1.6 litre diesel is the only oil-burner in the Mazda5 range. The engine delivers 115 bhp and 119 lb-ft of torque which allows the car to travel from 0-62 mph in 13.7 seconds and gives a top speed of 111 mph. This makes it the slowest in this range with the petrol models outperforming the more efficient diesel.
The Mazda5 is surprisingly good to drive. The suspension irons out imperfections in the road, making for a smooth ride. Steering is light but responsive which gives the car the perfect balance of agility and stability on the road. An ergonomic gear level makes changing gears fluid and easy.
The old Mazda5 had simple clean lines, giving it an understated feel. This model has evolved that look and has added some fun and personality. There is a wave-like crease down the side of the car which looks great and reflects Mazda's design inspiration of wind and water. The Mazda5's pebble shaped indicators continue the feel of water whilst the grille and headlights take inspiration from the Mazda3. The rear lights are now horizontal which makes the rear look wider.
Kit wise you get: 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear electric windows, electric heated door mirrors, climate control, folding seats, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a CD/radio with six speakers which is a good level of kit considering this is the cheaper of the two diesel models. Metallic paint will cost you an extra £420.
The middle row of seats has the ability to slide back and forth to give extra leg room or boot space and the middle seat offers plenty of movement and adjustment, allowing all types of cargo to be accommodated within the cabin. Unfortunately this makes the middle row of seats uncomfortable, making long journeys a nuisance.
The two rear seats can be stored in the boot floor and whilst they enhance the occupant capacity of the car they are better suited to children rather than adult passengers. The boot can hold 112 litres when all the seats are up whilst folding the seats expands this to 1,485 litres of space - falling short of the 1,742 litres offered by one of the Mazda's main rivals: the Ford Grand C-Max.
According to the reliability index, Mazda is one of the top ten most reliable car builders and this means owners can expect years of trouble free service from this car.
Safety levels are also high in the Mazda5 with the addition of an electronic stability programme, traction control, anti-lock brakes and Isofix child seat mounting points and driver, passenger and front side airbags.
Priced at £20,655 this Mazda is far from the cheapest option on the market but the diesel engine makes it very cheap to run.
The diesel engine is a great choice and offers good fuel efficiency of 54.3 mpg with carbon emissions of 138 g/km, placing the car under road tax band E. This makes running costs fairly manageable, adding to the appeal of the car. Unfortunately, the limited practicality and comfort available in the rear of the car means that the Ford Grand C-Max is a better all-round performer.
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