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Mazda 5: Test Drive Review
Date: 21 October 2010 | Author: Rachel Burgess
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Mazda has raised its game in the MPV segment by launching a new Mazda 5 with improved interior, ride and looks.
The new 5 shows the firm's 'Nagare' design, which intends to give a sculptured sporty look to the MPV segment. But despite the new appearance, it's not a radical departure from the previous model - essentially, it has some new panels, better interior and a host of revised technology under the bonnet.
The carmaker expects the 148hp 2.0-litre direct injection petrol with start/stop to account for about half of sales, thanks, in part, to emissions of 159g/km, which is good for the sector. A 1.6-litre 115hp diesel, which will be the biggest fleet seller, doesn't appear until February and offers CO2 emissions of 138g/km. About a fifth of total volume will go to a third engine, a 1.8-litre 113hp petrol engine, which, bizarrely, has the highest emissions in the range at 168g/km.
The interior has plenty of cubby holes - a noted improvement by Mazda - while controls, including the electric sliding door releases and air conditioning, are neatly designed and easy to operate.
As before, the Mazda5 has kept its 'Karakuri' seven-seat layout. This means the second row can be three seats (although in reality the middle seat is only viable for a very small person), or two seats and an armrest, or two seats and a utility box. It can also be two seats and an aisle that provides access to the third row. Against its rivals, passenger space in the second and third row seems generous, and although it's still not a comfortable ride for seven adults on a long journey, it's more feasible than in other MPVs.
The model, as tested, is offered in two trims: TS2 and Sport. Standard equipment on the entry level TS2 is good and includes cruise control, aux-in jack, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric door mirrors and back-of-seat tables for the second row.
So, how does it drive? Not brilliantly. It will be adequate for most Mazda 5 drivers and the manual transmission is good, but the 2.0-litre 148hp engine is underpowered, there's plenty of noise encroachment into the cabin (despite the brand saying levels have dropped by 10%) and there is noticeable body roll.
Against competitors include Peugeot 5008, Vauxhall Zafira, and Ford Grand C-max, the 5 doesn't fare badly. RVs are on a par with the 5008 and Grand C-max at 30% and equal emissions of 159g/km on the Mazda 5 and Ford are class-leading. This new model is definitely worth trying, but all things considered, the obvious choice, the Grand C-max, reigns supreme.
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VerdictNot as good as top rival but still worthy of consideration |
7/10 |
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