Mazda 5 2.0d Sport Luxury Road Test Report
Performance 
The Mazda 5 successfully combines the practicality and space of an MPV with a positive and eager driving experience. The engine we drove was the same 143 BHP 2.0 diesel unit which can be found in the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. It delivers acceleration in generous amounts, both low down in RPM range and higher up the rev counter when the engine really starts to display it’s abilities. The 6-Speed gearbox is tight and sporty, with gear ratios being fairly short for this type of car.
Ride & Handling
As with all Mazda vehicles the 5 feels like it is set up to reward the driver who likes to be involved in the driving experience. In the MPV sector it is all too common for the steering to feel light and detached but in the Mazda 5 the steering is weighted in a way which allows the driver to feel every part of the road. This car certainly delivers more for the driver than any other vehicle I have driven in this sector. The ride is not too soft, although it is comfortable and in our vehicle the leather seats enhanced the driver and passenger experience.
Build Quality & Reliability 
Mazda has been one of the manufacturers which over the years have influenced consumers to believe that Japanese car manufacturers are THE place to go to for reliable vehicles which won’t go wrong. This for example has helped make the Mazda Mx-5 one of the most successful vehicles on the road as Mazda succeeded in combining a sports car with reliable transportation and the death knell was sounded for MG Rover. The Mazda 5 shows no signs of departing from this ethos, the only downside being the fairly expensive servicing costs at main dealers.
Safety & Security
The way that the Mazda 5 becomes a 7 seater vehicle is possibly the safest way I have witnessed. The 7th seat is actually placed in between the two main seats on the 2nd row instead of right at the back of the vehicle within the crumple zone. The air bags are displayed at the front and side of the vehicle with remote central locking and alarm all standard.
Space & Practicality
The Mazda 5 is actually one of the better looking 7 seater MPVs. It manages to pack a lot into it’s frame as well! The vehicle we drove was the sport luxury which comes with an electric sliding side door. This makes the vehicle far more practical than a traditional MPV as access is easier for all rear passengers. Controls for the stereo and information display are mounted on the steering wheel, whilst the unique way the rear seats are structured allows for a large boot area.
Ownership & Value
At £22,045 the vehicle we drove was the Sport Luxury spec which included leather seats, electric sliding side doors and xenon headlamps. The residual values for Mazda vehicles area traditionally very strong due to it’s reputation for delivering reliable vehicles which age well. This makes for strong Contract Hire offerings and PCP deals. It is also worth pointing out that the insurance groups for this vehicle are very reasonable with the model we drove being insurance group 8E.
Performance 
Underneath the bonnet of the Mazda5 Sport lies a 2.0litre diesel, coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, and performance is pretty nippy for a MPV. The driver can easily and quickly get up to cruising speed, quickly cycling through the responsive gearbox, although personally it’s placed a little high on the dash. Marks can also be awarded to Mazda for its emissions which come in at under the 160g/km threshold at 159g/km of CO2 – which is exactly the same as the, slightly larger, SEAT Alhambra Ecomotive, known as one of the greenest MPVs available. Combined fuel economy is 46.3mpg and while on a long motorway run this wasn’t quite achieved it did manage to hit the 42mpg mark. Performance can’t be described as swift, however Mazda have pulled off the happy trick of providing the feeling of decent performance, although 0-62mph is achieved in a leisurely 11 seconds. The Mazda5 Sport also comes with an easy to use cruise control options on the steering wheel, giving a nice level of luxury for those long motorway trips.
Ride & Handling
With its sporty looks drivers will no doubt expect a certain level of sportiness in the ride and handling, and while there is no doubting the size of the car, the car handles well. It feels poised on the road, and suffers from precious little roll when cornering. Steering is light, but not to the cars detriment, and does not feel cumbersome in the urban environment. While you will not forget you’re driving an MPV compared to most of its rivals the Mazda5 is an enjoyable car to drive.
Build Quality & Reliability
The Sport Luxury trim comes complete with leather seating in all 6 (+1) seats, and is of a decent quality; materials used through out the interior are good. The dash is clear and uncluttered with all controls easy to reach. On the steering wheel controls to both the audio system and the cruise control can be found; and speaking of the Audio, the Sport comes complete with an integrated 6CD multi-changer and (a well hidden) Aux socket – so plenty of options for music lovers out there. Sport Trim also sees electric sliding doors; with driver controls to the right of the dash (including a vital on/off switch), which is a real advantage over many MPV rivals making it very easy access wise into the real of the cabin. Exterior aesthetics are positive with sporty features, including fog lights, privacy glass, sports styling kit (including front and rear sports bumpers).
Safety & Security
The Mazda5 is well catered for in the airbag department with six airbags as standard, including a large curtain to protect passengers on all three rows. The top specification cars, the Sport as driven here, also comes with Dynamic Stability control and Traction Control system to keep the large car firmly on the road. Central locking, alarm and immobiliser are also standard; with the electric rear sliding doors benefiting from driver controls.
Space & Practicality
One of the downsides to the Mazda5 is that it isn’t a true seven seater, essentially the floorplan is 2+2+2, while a small third person could just about be accommodated in a small middle seat on the second row, and this wouldn’t be recommended for journeys of substantial length. Squeezing in those two rear seats inevitably erodes the available boot space (as is the case for most MPVs), and only a skinny 112 is available in a fully manned vehicle. Maximum boot space however reaches to 857 litres. The electronic rear sliding doors are excellent for tight spaces, just make sure you leave enough room for the door to slide into, be careful of any near street furniture!
Ownership & Value
Prices for the Mazda5 start at £16,245 OTR for the 1.8 TS, while the OTR price for the Mazda5 on road test (the Sport luxury version) is £22,045. For the levels of spec that is included the car is a good value proposition, while its 8E insurance group should ensure that it is reasonable to cover. In the latest changes to VED, the car falls into the G category, so expect to pay about £150/yr for the tax disc. The car benefits from decent mpg statistics so you shouldn’t expect to see the petrol station forecourt too often.