The 5 is a medium-sized seven-seat MPV developed before Mazda embarked on its SKYACTIV programme, which has led to a new generation of engines, transmissions and other components. It has sliding rear side doors, considered a novelty when the car was launched but far more common within the industry now.

The range has been slimmed down over the years, and now consists of just two models. One has a 148bhp 2-litre petrol engine, the other an 114bhp 1.6-litre diesel, and both are called Sport Venture, though this doesn't distinguish them from anything else as there is only one trim level. There is no automatic transmission option.

Performance

Neither version is particularly quick. The petrol car takes 11.2 seconds to accelerate from 0-62mph and has a top speed of 120mph, while the equivalent figures for the diesel are 13.7 seconds and 112mph.

The diesel is more expensive as well as being slower, but it suits the car well, and it performs strongly at the low-to-medium revs most owners are likely to use. It's also reasonably quiet, though you're rarely left in doubt as to what fuel it runs on. The petrol engine needs to be revved beyond 4000rpm before it becomes significantly more powerful than the diesel.

Ride and Handling

The 5 rides quite well, though we slightly regret Mazda's decision to replace the previous 16-inch wheels with 17-inch wheels.

The 5 rides quite well, though we slightly regret Mazda's decision to replace the previous 16-inch wheels with 17-inch wheels. Handling probably won't be a priority for most buyers, who will choose a 5 more for its practicality. However, it's good enough, and the car can take corners quite briskly with no sense that it's on the limit.

Interior and Equipment

In other markets the Mazda5 is known as the Premacy.

The seven seats are divided into three rows, and those at the extreme rear are definitely for children only. Access to them via the sliding doors is, however, very good. The centre seat in the middle row is very small, so realistically the 5 can't comfortably accommodate more than four full-sized adults. The luggage capacity naturally depends on how many seats are in place. With just two, the available volume is 857 litres up to the belt line, with five it's 426 and with all seven it's 112, which in practice means that the kids will probably have to carry their own school bags. The standard specification includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB socket, front foglights, automatic headlights and wipers and a reversing camera.

Cost

The petrol-run 5 is much less economical at 40.9mpg, and its 159g/km CO2 rating means you'll pay £180 in VED.

At just under £22,000, the diesel is about £1,400 more expensive than the petrol car to buy, but its running costs will be significantly lower. Combined fuel economy is 54.3mpg, official CO2 emissions are 138g/km and annual Vehicle Excise Duty will cost £130 from year two onwards. These figures are obliterated by most versions of the similarly sized but more modern CX-5 SUV, which has the benefit of the SKYACTIV technology. The petrol-run 5 is much less economical at 40.9mpg, and its 159g/km CO2 rating means you'll pay £180 in VED. Its Benefit In Kind rating is 26% now and will rise to 35% in the 2019/20 financial year. The diesel will progress from 25% to 31% in the same period.

Our Verdict

The 5 is an old car now, and not long for this world. Despite its sliding doors it is no longer state of the art in the medium-sized MPV sector, so most potential buyers will probably look elsewhere. None the less, it retains a certain appeal, and will remain a good secondhand buy once production comes to an end.