The Mazda takes the Ford C-Max platform as its base, but extends the overall length by approximately 170mm. Available initially as either a 1.8 or 2.0 litre petrol, a 2.0 diesel available in two states of tune will follow early next year. Tested here is the 2.0 model, in Sport specification on sale for £16,300.
Like all other seven-seater proponents in this sector, only those under five feet tall will be genuinely comfortable in the rear-most seats. In practice adults will be limited to the front and middle rows. The middle row will be most tempting, with seats that slide through 270mm and tilt by 38 degrees it provides greatest comfort. And should the rear seats be unoccupied middle passengers can slide their seats far enough back give more legroom than either the new Zaifra or the Grand Scenic.
The 5 works best in as a six-seater. The optional seventh seat is only good for occasional use; it’s not comfortable enough for longer trips. The disappearing seat mechanism is an ingenious system. Other than offering an alternative access route to the rear bench, the lack of a middle bench allows for longer items of luggage to be loaded through the car. It does reduce the segregation between the rows, yet it trails the Honda FRV’s staggered double V layout for stimulating conversation between front and rear passengers.
But midi-MPVs are about more than jamming in as many bodies as will fit: they also need to be able gather up a families luggage; be that baby buggies, bikes or university belongs. With all three rows upright the 5 provides 112 litres of space – less than either the Grand Scenic or Zaifra and certainly not enough for seven passengers on anything other than a daytrip. Fold both rear seats flat to the floor, and the luggage tally ups to a more useful 720litres. When the middle seat squabs flip forward allowing the backrests to fold flat, there’s a maximum 1566 litres of storage.