The Mazda 5 range has been taken upmarket for 2008, with a new look and improved equipment levels

The Mazda 5 range has been taken upmarket for 2008, with a new look and improved equipment levels.

New bumpers and light clusters front and back, along with a new front grille and alloy wheels give the Mazda 5 a sleek appearance.

And it doesn’t just look slippery, Mazda claim it is very aerodynamic and the fuel economy will benefit as a result.

Inside, the Mazda 5 has seating for seven people and builds on the previous MPVs practicality.

A new option is power sliding for the twin rear doors, which will open or close in five seconds and stop automatically if obstructed.

The doors can be operated from the driver’s seat, rear or from outside via the remote key fob.

Under the bonnet, the 2-litre petrol engine has been updated to improve driveability and response.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard with this engine, but a five-speed automatic will be an option on the TS2 model from March.

Mazda says handling and ride comfort has been improved by adjusting the suspension, while braking feel has been enhanced with a ‘brake booster’ to allow drivers to apply stopping force more easily.

There are four equipment levels available – TS, TS2, Sport and Sport Nav.

TS models start at £14,760 with anti-lock braking, front, side and curtain airbags, remote control central locking, electric front windows, manual air-conditioning and a CD player.

The TS2 has 16-inch alloy wheels, electric rear windows, leather steering wheel and gear knob, steering-wheel mounted audio controls and picnic tables in addition.

Sport models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, stability and traction control, sports body styling, front fog lights, privacy glass, cruise control, automatic lights and rain-sensing windscreen wiper, climate control, 6-CD autochanger and a Bluetooth hands-free kit.

Sport Nav models come with sat-nav, and a rear parking camera operated via a 7-inch touch sensitive screen mounted in the centre console.