5. Mazda 5

Mazda5 (2005 onwards model)

Mazda’s new MPV slides into view on July 22 – a date that, we’re told, “coincidentally coincides with the launch of the new Zafira”. No prizes for guessing which car Mazda considers to be its key rival.

There are now many compact MPVs, but it’s the Zafira that gave the sector real impetus when launched back in 1999. It proved that seven seats could be slotted in, while proving easy to slot away when not in use. This ‘lucky’ perch count has now become the accepted norm, and Mazda was never going to compromise itself with its all-new offering. So, the Mazda5 features two rear seats that fold cleverly into the floor when not needed. The action is low-effort and easy, and they’re roomy enough for even adults on short journeys, with a little compromise.

But, looking at the pictures, the rear doorhandles are in the wrong place. Why? Because the Mazda5 is the first compact MPV to offer twin sliding doors at the rear. And what a success they are. Access is simple, exiting in tight car parks is easy and, unlike most other sliding doors we can remember, these are effortless to operate – shutting without the need for a slam. With the sliding middle seats too, they also allow easy access to the rear. Their only flaw is the lack of a door-mounted arm rest for middle-seat passengers, as the doors squeeze so tightly to the rear panel when open. It does feel awkward, but at least there’s a comfy central arm rest. Hang on though, surely a seat should be there?

Yes… here’s another smart Mazda5 trick. The outer two seats are larger and more accommodating, with the middle seat taking the form of an ‘occasional’ perch. The backrest flips into a padded armrest when not in use, also clearing the way for a ‘walk through’ to the rear. And the base? Flip the nearside seat base and it folds in, like a Russian doll. They call it karakuri, we call it magic.

Inside and out

How Ford must be regretting its decision to make the Focus C-MAX a five-seater only. Because the Mazda5, with which it shares a platform, proves there’s the room for seven seats to work. And it drives almost as well too. The C-MAX is a driver’s dream but, while the Mazda5 is slightly softer for a more compliant ride, it’s still fun through the corners too. This MPV really handles, thanks primarily to its independent rear suspension, giving a feeling of agility rare in a people carrier. The way we threw it about like a hot hatch on the test route was quite something. Yet, even on the large-wheeled ‘Sport’ test car, the ride was absorbent and fluid. The semi-bucket front seats are supportive too.

Engines

Unlike VW Group cars, Ford prefers its companies to have more independence – share the platform but don’t make it obvious. So the Mazda5 uses engines from the Mazda6 – two petrols and one diesel, offered in two power outputs. Only the 145bhp 2.0-litre petrol (122mph, 10.8secs to 60mph) was available for testing, and it proved a reasonably useful engine in normal motoring, if you can accept a real lack of oomph below 2,000rpm. It also becomes raucous when revved over 5,000rpm, but has very smooth manners when driven more gently. However, as it adds over 10mpg to this car’s 34mpg consumption figure, we’re sure the diesel will be the preferred choice – particularly if it comes with a dash-mounted gearshift that’s as slick and positive as the petrol cars’.

The gearlever sets off a smart, well-built interior that’s rather darkly-trimmed but still airy-feeling. Again, all the controls are Mazda’s own, and will be familiar to drivers of more recent models. We liked it and, as with the exterior, considered the finish to be truly flawless. This is one brilliantly assembled new car. Equipment levels will be competitive in all three trims (TS, TS2 and Sport), as will prices. The 2.0-litre Sport costs the same as a 2.0-litre C-MAX Zetec, yet offers two more seats and much more kit. Stability control, climate control, CD autochanger and 17-inch alloys are standard, but lacking on the Ford.

Verdict

The C-MAX platform means it drives very well. Yet it also stocks seven seats, accessible through sliding doors, and is very well-built and equipped and all at prices that undercut its Ford-badged sister. The Mazda5 certainly has a lot going for it, even if the petrol engine isn’t as strong as the rest of it. Could it be the compact MPV to beat? We’ll need to drive the Zafira on UK shores to say for sure… so watch this space!