• Summary
• What's Good
• What's Bad
• On the Road
• In The Cabin
• Prices and Specs
• Add Your Review

The new Mazda5 has been developed from the ground up with more legroom in the second and third rows, comfortable seats, instruments that are easier to use, and high levels of seat flexibility and functionality.  But the big talking point is that unusual crease that runs down the side - apparently it's based on patterns that are formed when wind blows across water.

It's certainly different and makes the new Mazda 5 stand out from other people carriers this size. Inside there's a new dashboard design to make the cabin seem larger than before. The interior is quieter and more comfortable at higher speeds. Wind noise has been reduced by new windscreen pillars which reduce air turbulence and wind noise. Elsewhere there are wider front seatbacks for both driver and passenger and the rear seats have been made more comfortable with extra padding.

The engine line consists of the updated 1.8-litre petrol with 115bhp while there's a new 2.0-litre DISI diesel. This produces 150bhp along with 191Nm of torque and also features Mazda's stop/start system, i-stop, which saves fuel by switching the engine off when the car is stopped in traffic.

But what makes it stand out from most other people carriers this size is that the Mazda comes with sliding side doors. And on the Sport version they can be opened and closed electrically - a great security feature if you have young kids in the back.

For Long-Term Test Reports see 'Our Cars'