Mazda 5 (05-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 24 March 2009
The Mazda5 may not be the first car that springs to mind when thinking of a people carrier, but it is one of the best. We'd recommend it over alternatives including the Vauxhall Zafira or Toyota Verso - due mainly to family-friendly features such as rear sliding doors along with simple folding rear seats and easy access. It's also good value and all models come very well equipped. It should be thought of as a '6+1' seater though - it does have seven seats but the central seat in the second row is narrow and uncomfortable. However solid build quality and typical Mazda reliability complete a strong package and make this an unsung hero among people carriers.
4 out of 5

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4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£15,880 - £23,695

Used price range:

£3,245 - £14,040

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Neat handling, stylish looks for a people carrier, rear sliding doors, well equipped

More a six-seater rather than a seven, small boot with all seats in use

The Mazda5 may not be the first car that springs to mind when thinking of a people carrier, but it is one of the best. We'd recommend it over alternatives including the Vauxhall Zafira or Toyota Verso - due mainly to family-friendly features such as rear sliding doors along with simple folding rear seats and easy access. It's also good value and all models come very well equipped. It should be thought of as a '6+1' seater though - it does have seven seats but the central seat in the second row is narrow and uncomfortable. However solid build quality and typical Mazda reliability complete a strong package and make this an unsung hero among people carriers.

For the review of the latest Mazda 5 click here

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "With a choice of 115bhp 1.8-litre and 145bhp 2.0-litre petrol engines, the seven-seat Mazda5 feels..."

  • Handling

    4 out of 5

    "Developed from the Mazda3, the Mazda5 has similar appeal for those who enjoy driving. It will turn..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "It is often the case with seven-seat people carriers that the two seats in the third-row are the..."

  • Practicality

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Mazda5 is about as versatile as compact people carriers get. Owners often like the idea of..."

  • Equipment

    4.5 out of 5

    "Entry-level TS models are fitted with six airbags (including first, second and third-row curtain..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4 out of 5

    "From the behind the wheel, it's clear that the 5 is part of the Mazda family, with clear..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4 out of 5

    "The price premium for diesel (£1,600) is pretty hefty and fuel consumption is quite a bit lower than..."

  • Green credentials

    3 out of 5

    "The 5 is relatively green and easy on the environment. With an average of 185g/km CO2 across the..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4.5 out of 5

    "Euro NCAP rates the 5 as a five-star car for occupant crash protection, making it one of the safest..."

  • Reliability

    4.5 out of 5

    "Mazdas are usually very reliable and we have no reason to doubt the 5 won't continue the tradition."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "The Mazda5 comes well equipped and the Luxury pack is one of the only few key options available. It..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "Prices are surprisingly high for the Mazda5 and although it's not a household name, it does have a..."

  • Selling

    3.5 out of 5

    "This model is better recognised than its Premacy and MPV predecessors thanks to the 5 name..."

Gallery

  • Interior Mazda 5 (05-10)
  • Exterior Mazda 5 (05-10)
  • Exterior Mazda 5 (05-10)
  • Exterior Mazda 5 (05-10)

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Owners' reviews