The interior boasts 10 cup holders and a scarcely believable 45 separate storage areas, including useful bins under one or both of the middle row seats (depending on whether the seventh seat is stowed). Absent however, are the ingenious underfloor storage units from the Scenic, or overhead compartments from the Zafria. Mazda has delivered the most versatile and complete interior package in the class. Our only niggle was the inability to completely remove any of the seats.
Returning for a moment to our six versus seven debate, space and access aside, the main basis of contention is safety. As last weeks road test of the Honda FRV pointed out, a 3x3 layout places all passengers well inside the car, away from the rear crumple zone. While opting for a third row of seats the Mazda boasts an impressive array of both passive and active safety features. The rear quarters and tailgate have been engineered to provide both strength and energy absorption. Should the worst happen the curtain airbags extend across all three passenger rows.
Japanese manufacturers, including Mazda, have built a superior reputation for reliability despite producing cars with a distinct lack of interior design or tangible solidity. But things look brighter with the 5; a consistent, uncluttered design theme, thoughtfully placed controls and the overall construction gives a better impression of sturdiness. It’s a big improvement.
Mazda is pricing the 5 range very keenly. Compare our 2.0 test car with its rivals and £16,300 looks cheap, even before you compare the equipment count. Closest in price is the FRV at £16,500, but if you need seven seats, then you’ll need to find a further £700 for the slower Corolla Verso, or a £1,500 for a similarly powered Grand Scenic or Zafira. All Mazda 5’s come well equipped, even the base 1.8TS at £14,300 gets air-con and a CD player, but our 2.0 Sport boosts 17” alloys, climate control, a six-CD stereo and privacy glass as standard.
