MAZDA 5 MPV REVIEW

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

The majority of buyers will choose the only diesel engine in the line-up – a 113bhp 1.6. It’s no ball of fire, but has a decent amount of pulling power if you avoid letting the revs low drop too low. Two petrol engines are also available – a 113bhp 1.8 and a 148bhp 2.0 with direct injection. The 1.8 is a better bet – it’s cheaper to buy, feels perkier at the bottom of the rev range, and ultimately, isn’t much slower than the 2.0.
Ride & Handling

4 out of 5 stars

The 5’s suspension is a little on the firm side, so this isn’t the smoothest-riding MPV in the world, but it does a decent job of keeping you comfortable overall. The pay-off is solid body control, which is combined with impressive grip and quick steering. That’s makes the 5 very agile for an MPV.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

The 1.8 petrol is smooth and quiet, but the 2.0 is a bit rowdy. The diesel engine only becomes noisy if you work it hard, and you’ll rarely have to. Road noise is well subdued, but you do hear some wind noise at motorway speeds, and the gearshift is notchy. The stop-start system on 2.0-litre models works smoothly, but can take its time about restarting the car.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

Petrol versions are reasonably priced, but the diesel looks a tad pricey next to its more practical rivals. Resale values are strong on the diesel, though, which means it’s still a sound long-term investment. Most of the engines have competitive figures for fuel consumption and CO2, which should make the 5 affordable to run.
Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5 stars

Mazda’s record on mechanical reliability is pretty impressive, so you shouldn’t have any worries on that score. The cabin has a solid feel that inspires even more confidence that the car will last well, but it’s not particularly appealing. While many rivals use classy, soft-touch plastics, the 5’s are hard, scratchy and rather dour.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Any good MPV needs to be a safe place to put your family, and every Mazda 5 comes equipped with front-, side- and curtain airbags to give you peace of mind. A stability programme and sophisticated braking system should also help you avoid trouble in the first place. On the security front, all 5s come with both an alarm and an engine immobiliser.

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

There’s lots of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel, so drivers shouldn’t struggle to get comfy. All-round visibility is pretty good, thanks to a high driving position, and many functions can be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel. It’s just as well, because the stereo controls on the dash are a bit confusing.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The Mazda has a decent amount of space inside, but it’s not as roomy as the best compact seven-seaters. The seating system isn’t the most versatile, either – the central seat in the middle row is too narrow, and folding the middle row down requires lifting the seat bases. The boot is a decent size, though.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

The base-level TS cars come with an impressive amount of kit as standard: air-conditioning, alloy wheels, remote locking, four powered windows and cruise control. You can step up to TS2 trim for parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, climate control and Bluetooth, while the range-topping Sport models have sporty styling, powered sliding doors and leather seats.