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Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

It's an attractive, flexible, spacious and fun-to-drive seven-seat MPV

Used Mazda 5 MPV 2005 - 2011

You'll hardly have to remortgage your house to arrange for insurance cover for your Mazda 5. Even if you treat yourself to a top-spec Sport, you'll still be paying no more than a group 8 premium. Stick with the less flash TS and TS2 versions and insurance costs will be no more than group 6.

There's little to split the two petrol engines when it comes to fuel economy and running costs. The 1.8-litre has a claimed 35.7mpg and the 2.0-litre returns 34.4mpg. Opt for a diesel and you'll see a 10mpg improvement on that figure, with 44.8mpg for the lesser unit and 44.9mpg for the more powerful 141bhp engine.

Both diesels will be slightly pricier to buy and to service than the petrol-powered versions. However, Mazda repair bills sit at the lower end of the class average.

It's an attractive, flexible, spacious and fun-to-drive seven-seat MPV

The 113bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine doesn't do a bad a job, but if you're regularly going to use the car loaded to the gunwales, you'll soon tire of its mediocre performance. With 143bhp and 136lb ft of pulling power, the 2.0-litre petrol does a much better job.

It's still not the best engine, though. For real mid-range response and an engine that doesn't have to be worked hard to provide it, you have to go for the 2.0-litre diesel. Its 108bhp may not sound that much, but it's got 229lb ft of pulling power and that's crucial in making it our recommendation. It's so good, in fact, that there's no point bothering with the more powerful 141bhp/266lb ft version.

There are three trim levels: TS, TS2 and Sport. Even if you pick up a basic second-hand TS at a Mazda dealer it'll still have plenty of kit with six airbags, remote locking, electric front windows, air-con and a CD-player.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.

Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.

But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.

There's no doubt that the diesel engines are a better bet than their petrol counterparts. However, if the car you're looking at was built between October and December 2005, it should have been recalled to have a potential stalling problem remedied. Have a look on the Vehicle and Operator Agency website at www.vosa.gov.uk for the full details.

On the whole, Mazda has always put in solid performances in studies such as the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey, so you can expect strong mechanical components and a hard-wearing interior.

Very high-mileage cars may have tired suspension components so have this checked. A full service history with evidence of regular oil changes is particularly important for the diesel engines.

The 5 seats seven. The middle row of seats consists of two large outer seats that move back- and forwards independently, plus a smaller middle seat. The base of this middle seat folds away and the back forms an armrest, or moves out of the way to allow passengers into the two rear seats, which fold flat into the floor to create more luggage space.

That's all very clever, but the real star of the show are the sliding rear doors, which are a real help in tight parking spaces.

Some of the cabin's plastics feel a little flimsy, but for the most part the dash looks upmarket and clearly laid out. The driving position is good, too, and there's a loads of oddment stowage in the well thought-out cabin.

On the road the 5 has a slightly sporting feel. It certainly handles well enough, but the price is a firm ride and a slight lack of refinement.

Used Mazda 5 MPV 2005 - 2011 review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

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There's no doubt that the diesel engines are a better bet than their petrol counterparts. However, if the car you're looking at was built between October and December 2005, it should have been recalled to have a potential stalling problem remedied. Have a look on the Vehicle and Operator Agency website at www.vosa.gov.uk for the full details.,On the whole, Mazda has always put in solid performances in studies such as the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey, so you can expect strong mechanical components and a hard-wearing interior.,Very high-mileage cars may have tired suspension components so have this checked. A full service history with evidence of regular oil changes is particularly important for the diesel engines.

What to look for when buying a Mazda 5 2005 - 2011, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Mazda 5 MPV 2005 - 2011 review

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