Mazda Mazda5
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a practical family car that doesn’t feel like driving a bus? The Mazda Mazda5 might be exactly what you need. This compact MPV cleverly combines the practicality of a seven-seater with the driving dynamics and fuel economy you’d expect from a much smaller car. It’s the perfect solution for growing families who refuse to compromise on style or driving enjoyment.

What sets the Mazda5 apart from traditional people carriers is its sliding rear doors and genuinely car-like driving experience. While rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan focus on SUV styling, the Mazda5 prioritises clever packaging and efficiency. The sliding doors alone make it a winner in tight car parks, while the flexible seating arrangement means you can carry seven people or fold everything flat for a massive cargo area.

Behind the wheel, the Mazda5 feels more like a tall estate than a traditional MPV. The engines are responsive, the steering is precise, and the ride quality strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. While it may not have the commanding driving position of an SUV, it offers something more valuable: genuine practicality without the usual compromises. If you need space but still want to enjoy your daily drive, the Mazda5 delivers both in a surprisingly affordable package.

How Does the Mazda Mazda5 Drive?

The Mazda 5 offers a choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines that prioritise economy over outright power. The 1.8-litre petrol engine produces around 115 horsepower, providing adequate performance for family duties with a 0-60 time of approximately 11 seconds. For those wanting more torque, the 2.0-litre diesel delivers 143 horsepower and significantly better pulling power, making motorway cruising and overtaking much more relaxed.

Where the Mazda5 truly excels is in its driving dynamics for an MPV. The steering is surprisingly direct and responsive, giving you confidence on winding country roads. The suspension setup manages to absorb bumps and potholes effectively while keeping body roll well controlled through corners. Unlike many people carriers that feel top heavy and unwieldy, the Mazda5 maintains a composed and predictable character that makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive every day.

Inside the Mazda Mazda5: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Mazda5 and you’ll find a thoughtfully designed cabin that feels more premium than the price suggests. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all major controls falling easily to hand. The materials used feel solid and well assembled, though some plastics in the lower areas show their budget origins. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to suit drivers of different heights.

The real magic happens with the flexible seating arrangement. The middle row slides and tilts, making access to the third row surprisingly easy for adults. With all seven seats in place, space is adequate for shorter journeys. Fold down the rear seats and you create a genuinely useful cargo area. The cabin is reasonably quiet at motorway speeds, though some wind noise creeps in around the door seals. Standard equipment includes air conditioning and electric windows, with higher trim levels adding features like climate control and upgraded audio systems.

The Mazda Mazda5 is an intelligent choice for families who need space but don’t want to sacrifice driving enjoyment. It successfully combines genuine seven-seat practicality with car-like dynamics and excellent fuel economy. The sliding doors are a game-changer for busy family life, while the flexible interior adapts to whatever you need to carry.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mazda Mazda5?

The Mazda5 shines when it comes to running costs, especially if you choose the diesel engine. Real-world fuel economy of 45-50 MPG is easily achievable with the diesel, while the petrol manages a respectable 35-40 MPG in mixed driving. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, typically falling into groups 15-20 depending on the engine and trim level.

Purchase prices for used examples represent excellent value, with good examples available from around £3,000 for older models. Maintenance costs are reasonable thanks to Mazda’s reputation for reliability and the availability of affordable parts. The diesel models do require occasional DPF regeneration drives to prevent clogging, but this is common across all diesel cars of this era. When you factor in the practicality and space you get, the Mazda5 offers impressive value for money, especially with flexible car finance options available to spread the cost.

Mazda Mazda5 Practicality & Boot Space

The Mazda5’s practicality credentials are impressive, starting with those clever sliding rear doors. They open wide even in tight parking spaces, making child seat installation and passenger access much easier than conventional doors. The boot space varies dramatically depending on seating configuration, from 135 litres with all seats up to a cavernous 1620 litres with rear seats folded flat.

The flexible seating arrangement is genuinely useful in real-world situations. The middle row slides forward to create more legroom for third row passengers, or tilts forward for easy access. While seven-seat capacity is claimed, it’s more realistic to think of it as a six-seater with occasional use for a seventh person. For families with young children or those needing regular load carrying capability, the Mazda5 hits the sweet spot. It offers much more versatility than traditional used Mazda cars while remaining manageable for everyday use.

The Mazda Mazda5 stands out in the competitive MPV market by offering genuine practicality without the usual compromises. It packages seven-seat versatility, sliding doors, and excellent fuel economy into a compact and easy-to-drive format. While it may not offer the most luxurious interior or the largest boot in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for family life.

You choose the Mazda5 because you need maximum flexibility from your family car. The sliding doors make everyday life easier, the efficient engines keep running costs low, and the car-like driving experience means you won’t dread the school run. It’s perfectly suited for growing families who want space and practicality without stepping up to a large SUV. With cars under £10,000 offering excellent value, the Mazda5 represents smart family motoring.