Model tested: Mazda 5 2.0 Sport Nav petrol, Mazda 5 2.0 Sport Nav diesel
Price as tested: £19,080, £20,545
Range price: £14,760 - £20,545
Insurance group as tested: 9E
Insurance group range: 6E – 9E
Tested: January 2008, Sicily, Italy
Road tester: Stuart Milne
On sale: Now

The Mazda 5 seven seater MPV had some big boots to fill when it originally launched in 2005 it wasn't just replacing one model, but two, the Mazda Premacy and MPV people carriers.

And it needed to fit in with Mazda's Zoom-Zoom ethos, which meant it needed to be fun to drive, and good looking.

The formula worked, and the 5 became Mazda's third best selling model.

View more pictures of the Mazda 5

For 2008 it has received a host of tweaks improving consumption and reducing emissions.

Mazda's external upgrades for the 5 aren't immediately apparent, with redesigned front and rear bumpers, and head and tail lights.

It's under the bonnet where the biggest changes have been made.

The 2-litre petrol engine has been totally revised, which brings the Mazda's optimum pulling power down the rev range, making it easy to access its reserves of power from lower engine speeds.

And an all-new five-speed automatic transmission will be available in the coming months with the 2-litre petrol engine.

We drove the new 2-litre petrol and found it a very lively performer which revved freely. Although at higher motorway speeds it did become a little noisy.

Far better was the spectacularly refined 141bhp 2-litre diesel, which despite posting an 11 second 0-62mph time – 0.8 slower than the petrol – seemed more eager, and offered punchy mid-range acceleration for overtaking.

Mazda also offer a lower power 108bhp 2-litre diesel, and a 113bhp 1.8-litre petrol.

Better fuel consumption and reduced emissions

The diesels are the choice for those wanting extra mileage from their fuel, with both returning an average of 46.3mpg. The petrols return around 10mpg less.

Emissions are reduced by 8 to 11g/km across the range, meaning all models are one tax band lower than the pre-facelift Mazda 5. And insurance groups of 6 to 9 are very competitive for a car in this class.

That doesn't mean Mazda has sacrificed the 5's driving dynamics however.

Mazda has re-tuned the suspension to improve ride comfort and stability, particularly when the car is heavily laden. Even at high speeds, the 5 can carve through bends without fuss or drama; very much like a tall saloon car.

While the ride is by no means uncomfortable, rivals such as the Ford Galaxy are smoother. However, this could be caused by the large 17-inch alloy wheels fitted to our test cars; the entry-level TS model is equipped with 15-inchers, while the TS2 packs 16-inch wheels.

More frustrating was the amount of wind noise around the windscreen at speed, despite a noise-reducing system in the fresh air intake ducts and a sound-deadening roof lining.

Engaging drive

But as good as the Mazda 5 is to drive, for most buyers the important thing is how practical it is.

Its party piece is a pair of rear sliding doors, which are unique in its class. Mazda has worked hard to incorporate the rails into the car's design, and they are unobtrusive.

Mazda is proud of the fact the doors can be specified with electric motors, meaning they open or close in just five seconds, either by a pulling the handle, or pressing a button on the dash or on the key.

Mazda boasts the 5 has no fewer than 45 storage spaces in the cabin, and a clever seating layout. This means the second row of seats slide back and forth, and the centre seat – which is little more than a booster seat in reality – folds into a recess exposed when the near-side rear seat base is tipped forward.

The third row of seats fold into the floor and can be erected by pulling on a strap. There's enough space for children in the third row, but adults will find it uncomfortable on longer journeys.

And a hump in the roof lining, which conceals the rear seatbelt, limits headroom too.

Well equipped – and good value

A good level of standard equipment means the Mazda 5 should prove a practical companion. The entry level TS model, which starts at less than £15,000 – some £4,000 less than the equivalent Ford Galaxy – counts electric mirrors, air-con, electric front windows and an auxiliary input to connect an MP3 player.

The TS2 model adds 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, electric front and rear windows, electric and heated mirrors, folding picnic tables in the front seat backs and overhead storage spaces.

Step up to the Sport model, and the spec sheet includes dynamic stability and traction control systems, the Sports Appearance Pack (sports bumpers, grille, side skirts, rear spoiler and LED rear lights), privacy glass, trip computer, cruise control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, climate control, a six CD changer, front fog lights and Bluetooth integration for a mobile phone.

The range-topping Sport Nav model adds a DVD navigation system, with a colour 7-inch touch screen and a rear parking camera with guides to aid parking in tight spaces.

The Mazda 5 scored a full five star rating for adult occupant protection, and all models feature electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and driver and passenger, front side and full-length curtain airbags.

Mazda clearly knows its market, and says the 5 is popular with 35 to 45 year-olds with families, and predicts almost 50 per cent of buyers will opt for the well-specced Sport and Sport Nav models.

And with good levels of kit, low running costs and good driving dynamics, it’s a great alternative for those looking for something providing fun for all the family.

View more pictures of the Mazda 5