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Vital Statistics
Mazda 5 MPV
"Good-looking MPV is a touch compact inside"
evecars.com rating
Athletic for an MPV, it's quick off the starting blocks
LIST PRICE:
£17,275 - £21,560
TARGET PRICE:
£14,556 - £18,653
Best for:
refusing to fit the traditional "mum bus" mould
Our favourite edition: 2.0D 110 TS 5dr
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to summary
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What’s it like to drive?
The Mazda 5 is surprisingly sporty for an MPV: it sprints away from the starting block and changes direction faster than a premiership footballer. The only trade-off is the occasionally bumpy – not to mention noisy – ride. If you preside over a sizeable brood, avoid the smallest engine or it’ll struggle every time you head uphill – and making the kids get out and push is a direct contravention of child labour laws (probably).
What’s it like inside?
The interior of the Mazda 5 is simple but sleek, with no-frills rotary dials for the heater and stereo. It’s easy to get comfy in the driver’s seat, whether you’re tall or petite. There are two major plus points: the first is the sliding rear side doors, which mean no more embarrassing door prangs in crowded car parks; the second is the giant luggage bins, which can swallow the entire toy collection of even the most doted-on only child. The middle seats can be slid, folded, flipped aside or even turned into an impromptu arm rest.
Will it break the bank?
If you pride yourself on being a spendthrift, the Mazda 5 could be the MPV for you: the basic model is a full £1,000 cheaper than the Volkswagen Touran and costs very little to run. It barely registers on the company car tax radar, you get good mileage to the gallon with the diesel and everything’s well-built under the bonnet. You’ll need to keep the kids on a short leash, though: it may look good on the inside but some of the plastics are a bit flimsy and need to be handled with care. The car scores top marks for security, with seven three-point seatbelts and six airbags, including cabin-length curtain ’bags that ensure everyone’s safe. You only get stability control with the most expensive model but all cars have deadlocks and an alarm. You get plenty of kit, too: even the most basic models come with air-con, electric mirrors/windows and a CD player. Spend a little extra and you get stability and climate control, plus a six-CD multichanger.
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What It Says About You
The doyenne of sensible decision-making, you still like to feel a little sporty
Our Rating
Athletic for an MPV, it's quick off the starting blocks
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