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January 19th, 2012 by admin
Mazda‘S new compact car, the Mazda3, has finally gone on sale with prices from £10,650.
It’s available initially in hatchback body style only with the choice of three petrol engines, but saloon and diesel models will follow in the summer when there will also be an automatic transmission option.
The three petrol engines are of 1.4, 1.6, and two litres. Coinciding with the arrival of the saloon versions in June will be a pair of diesels, offering power outputs of 90bhp and 110bhp.
Recognising that safety and security now sell, even the 1.4-litre petrol-powered S model has anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist, plus front side airbags and a category one alarm/ immobiliser.
The top of the range two litre Sport model takes the price up to £15,500 and comes with xenon headlamps, sports trim and a body styling kit, plus additional speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers and automatic lights.
The new Mazda is based on the same platform as the forthcoming new Ford Focus which is not due to make its debut until much later this year. By way of comparison, the current Focus 1.4 CL starts at £10,795, whilst the cheapest Vauxhall Astra 1.4 Envoy is £11,475.
January 5th, 2012 by admin
THE UK’s best selling Ford Focus model is facing an increasing challenge from the rival Mazda3 model, which has virtually doubled sales here so far this year.
Last month alone the Mazda3 attracted almost 1,000 buyers in comparison to 585 during the same month last year.
Together with the Mondeo-challenging Mazda6 model, the Mazda3 is emerging as the star of the rapidly-growing Japanese range.
Last month the Mazda6 attracted 1,334 buyers in comparison to 952 during the same month last year.
The MX-5 and RX-8 sports models are selling in record numbers and the line-up will soon be boosted by the arrival of the Mazda5 people-carrier to replace the Premacy. It gives Mazda a sales total so far this year of 3,366 in comparison to 3,279 for the same period last year.
This has been achieved without either the Premacy or MPV models, which are now deleted and will be replaced by the all-new Mazda5 in September.
Meanwhile the Mazda3 range continues to expand and illustrates that so-called niche market players can gradually become mainstream rivals to established favourites.
Although currently available in five-door hatchback form only, plus a saloon, there are three petrol engines and a diesel option to choose from. Prices start at £10,650 for the entry-level 1.4-litre S model, rising to £15,600 for the two-litre diesel in TS2 trim.
Other engine options include petrol units of 1.6-litres and two-litres, with prices of £11,600 and £14,600. This means that the Mazda undercuts the Focus by virtually £1,000 and is generally regarded as an equally accomplished family model anyway.
Its real rival is the Volkswagen Golf, but that costs so much more that the Mazda is increasingly considered the best all-round bet, helped by rock-solid residuals into the bargain.
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December 29th, 2011 by admin
IT was the car which brought affordable open top motoring back for the masses and in the space of just 15 years the Mazda MX-5 roadster has created an enviable track record.
First launched in the spring of 1990 this remarkable rag-top has become the most successful open-top, two-seater sports car of all time. Through two generations and countless special editions more than 716,000 have been sold worldwide and no less than 67,000 examples have found their way on to British driveways.
Its success has hardly diminished with age and the original car changed little over the years, but now the MX-5 has been given a complete engineering makeover and sexy new styling to bring it roaring into the 21st century.
And the success looks set to continue. A Limited Edition run of 400 special launch versions of the newcomer have already been snapped up and the Japanese carmaker is targeting 21,000 sales of the new MX-5 throughout 2006 in a non-premium sports car sector which, surprisingly, grew by some 35 per cent last year.
Blessed with longer and wider dimensions than the outgoing model, the new MX-5 is much more occupant friendly with additional shoulder, hip and elbow room for six-footers while the extra width also provides space for side airbags, albeit a £150 option on some models, which were an important missing link from the original.
The MX-5′s boot has always been decently sized for weekend-away people, clear of intrusion from the weighty mechanics of an electric hood, and an extra six-litres in the newcomer has made it even more so.
If you need more stowage space, an extra £300 will get you a rear luggage rack with centre brake light, while a locking glovebox, three useful storage compartments, bottle and cup holders provide added practicality to the interior.
Lifting or lowering the high quality soft top is a relatively simple exercise with just one catch to cope with atop the windscreen.
The hood, which now folds in only two places as opposed to five in the outgoing model, can be folded back in around six seconds and sits flush with the boot lid. No tonneau cover is required and the whole operation can be carried out without getting out of the car.
Mazda has retained the simplicity of a neat and tidy look to the cabin with an added touch of quality provided by decorative piano-black embellishments.
The neatly-cowled binnacle houses easy-on-the-eye instruments while an attractive shield-effect centre console is simply designed to cause little confusion for the button-pushers seeking access to temperature adjustment and the sound system controls.
The Mazda designers have succeeded in providing a comfortable driving position from which you are nicely in harmony with the controls. Pedal positions have been changed to improve heel-and-toe operation of the throttle and brake pedals for the enthusiastic, sporty driver.
A brace of petrol engines are available – 1.8-litre 125bhp and 2.0-litre 158bhp – both of which respond swiftly to the electronic throttle, sending power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
In fact, while the Mazda technical data lists 9.4 seconds for 0-62mph for the 1.8 and 7.9 seconds for the two-litre, the difference didn’t appear so marked on the road.
Even more precision is available in the 2.0 Sport model which boasts a six-speed manual gearbox with precise flick of the wrist action and an even shorter shift travel.
With either engine in charge, handling is superb. The new MX-5 tucks in and powers out of corners in completely unfazed fashion, providing a composed and grippy performance with total driver involvement and plenty of fun thrown in.
The precise steering has stacks of feel and along with 50:50 weight distribution, a lower centre of gravity and increased torsional rigidity makes the new MX-5 very easy to control.
Topless driving is made more comfortable by the larger, more efficient aero board wind-blocker and additional heating vents at foot level.
Ride quality, too, is good, the additional interior space combines with comfortable and supportive seating to help you reach journey’s end in good order.
Five versions of the new MX-5 are on offer – 1.8i entry level at £15,600, 1.8i with option pack at £16,400, 2.0i at £16,600, 2.0i with option pack £17,400 and the 2.0i Sport which will set you back £18,900.
Although air con is a £560 option on all models, the entry level MX-5 is quite well kitted out and comes with electric front windows, four-speaker sound system with CD, powered and heated door mirrors, remote central locking with deadlocks, Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser and ABS braking. The entry level model comes with a vinyl soft top and you have to notch up a grade for the cloth version.
In addition, items such as Dynamic Stability and Traction Control systems to help keep you on the long and winding roads don’t kick in until further up the range.
Overall, the new MX-5 continues to look the part with subtle changes differentiating it from the outgoing model.
Mazda has done a good job here in further modernising the MX-5 while maintaining the look that makes this legendary roadster instantly recognisable.
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December 27th, 2011 by admin
IT’S easy to understand why the Mazda6 Estate has piled up the awards.
The car achieves that rare trick of blending great practicality with style, as well as having good handling credentials.
More than 20 honours have come its way and are still arriving, a diesel version having been named Towcar of the Year 2005 by The Caravan Club.
For us non-vanners, there’s still plenty to admire. For a start, here is a estate that actually looks quite sleek, with lines and a sloping back-end that mean the Mazda6 avoids the boxiness that plagues so many of this breed.
Broad, eyecatching, wrap-around light clusters front and rear add to the smart look.
Not that design is allowed to interfere with the car’s main function of being a load carrier. Basic capacity is excellent at 505 litres and that soars to nearly 1,700 litres if you fold the rear seats by using the nifty one-pull lever.
The load area is broad, flat and virtually unobstructed, with a good entrance shape, and further stowage areas are available under the floor and in the flanks. Very impressive.
You might expect this cavernous behind to have an adverse effect on the car’s performance, but not so. In fact, in handling terms it is possible to forget the bulk is there.
The car’s stiff build has been teamed with a quite firm, sportyish suspension, which might not be to everyone’s taste but which gives authority to the drive. Steering feel is pretty good and, all round, handling is better than you would expect from this type of car. An 11.5m turning circle for a sizeable estate is another plus.
Performance in the test car was reasonably brisk, even with a fair load aboard, thanks to the willing 2.0-litre 16-valve 140bhp engine.
Standstill to 62mph is attained in less than 10 seconds – there’s a slick five-speed manual gearbox – and the car can go on to 126mph.
There’s some payback in economy but, although there is some road noise, distance cruising is relaxed. Comfortable, too, through the supportive seats. The upholstery and decor of the cabin echoes the smartness of the exterior.
The Titanium-look central controls console is a little cluttered but, above the basic S trim, steering wheel audio controls (cruise control is also sited here) compensate. I liked the big, clear dials, too.
Passenger space is good with fair legroom at the back and fine height throughout.
The test car was in TS trim and well equipped, with standard features including climate control, leather grips, front and rear electric windows, height and reach variation of the steering wheel, height adjustment and lumbar support for the driver’s seat, front, side and curtain airbags, armrests at the front (with double box) and rear, radio/CD player and remote central locking with deadlocks.
Externally, you get body-coloured everything, alloys, heated door mirrors and roof rails.
Mazda quality and reliability is always good and pricing is competitive for such a spacious and well-equipped car. Well worth checking out by estate-hunters.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0 TS2 Estate
Price: £16,400
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,996cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 192g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust
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December 26th, 2011 by admin
THE Mazda6 was the car that introduced the ‘zoom, zoom’ TV advertising jingle in 2002.
And it lived up to the tag by leading the way for the transformation of the marque from a brand which, with the exception of the legendary MX-5 sports job, had produced capable but perhaps far from inspirational motors, to a range which would genuinely excite the avid car-buyer.
From 2003, a number of facelifts contributed to further enhance Mazda’s mainstream family car as it continued its efforts to make progress against the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra and VW Passat.
At the start of this year, an all-new Mazda6 arrived in UK showrooms tasked with making further strides in the highly competitive volume upper medium private and business sector by adding a premium feel to complement its styling.
Available in saloon, hatchback and estate car form, the latest model offers a quartet of engine choices, three petrol of 1.8, two and 2.5-litre plus a two-litre 138bhp oil burner.
Trim levels are progressively generous with even the entry level models getting air con, electric windows all round, MP3 player, ABS braking with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control Systems as standard.
The latest 6 comes with unmistakeable Mazda DNA – sharp styling via taut, neatly crafted lines cutting across rolling surfaces punctuated with eye-catching exterior chrome detailing which helps create a fine balance between sophisticated premium styling and raw, sporty athleticism.
Driven here is the Mazda6 five-door hatchback in TS2 trim guise which adds dual-zone climate control, trip computer, cruise control, welcome home lighting, electric folding door mirrors, six-speaker sound system with six CD changer, integrated Bluetooth system, auto dimming rear mirror and front fogs to the entry level standard fixtures and fittings manifest.
It’s larger than the old model with an extra 20 millimetres of legroom for rear seat occupants while the well shaped boot now offers a generous 510-litres of stowage space in the hatch model with all seats taken. This increases to a massive 1702-litres in two-seater mode with the 60:40 split rear seats folded via a clever one-pull quick-release-and-fold-flat operation.
In addition to the cargo hold there are a number of places on board in which to store your bits and bobs including a lockable, illuminated glovebox, front centre armrest with storage box, seatback and front door pockets.
The driving environment is user friendly boasting plenty of leg and shoulder room for driver and passenger and there is stacks of manoeuvrability on both driver’s seat and steering wheel to help reach the optimum driving position with ease.
Overall visibility is fine but the sloping roofline in the back does limit headroom a little and may not suit everyone, while the high window line in the rear may perhaps prove a little claustrophobic to some.
Despite the odd hard bit of plastic remaining there’s a feelgood, premium quality to the dashboard. The dash has been neatly laid out resulting in a clean and clear look while centre console and steering wheel controls are easily navigable.
Powered by the two-litre diesel engine paired with a very slick-slotting six-speed manual gearbox, the new Mazda6 proves a very capable roadway companion.
With 140bhp, this is a highly responsive power source, capable of covering the 0-62mph dash in well under 11 seconds while developing stacks of smooth yet powerful mid range punch to help drivers in and out of the overtaking lanes with ease.
Depending upon individual driving style there is also the promise of 50.4mpg over combined driving routes while an impressively low 147g/km CO2 emissions level contributes to low ownership costs.
Although the ride may prove a little on the firm side for some drivers, the latest Mazda6 is certainly not unforgiving and performance through corners is neat and agile with body roll well under control.
There is also plenty of fun to be had via precise electronic assisted power steering as the car positively invites driver involvement.
Progress is refined over the long haul with noise at a pretty low level in this competitively priced, neatly put together, well kitted out and quietly relaxed Mazda cruiser.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0 TS2 Diesel 5dr
Price:£18,430
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 125mph
0-62mph: 10.7 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 147g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust
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December 20th, 2011 by admin
A BRAND new more refined, more sophisticated, high quality Mazda 6 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
I do hope they’ve kept it as much fun to drive. The present one is a superb car in every way and already the pick of the larger family car market.
The new 6 is reminiscent of the current Mazda3 at first glance, with very smooth flowing lines, but I wonder if it’s as distinctive as the car it’s replacing.
As well as revised versions of the 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines already available, there will be a new 2.5 petrol with 170bhp. The 2.0-litre diesel remains much the same.
It will be available as hatchback, saloon and estate and will be one of the most aerodynamic large cars on the market, which should help make it very economical.
The company claims the new car has top driving enjoyment with steering, handling and brakes which give the driver real response.
Interior
Inside, the designers have tried to create snug, cockpit-like driving environment with a relaxed driving position, clear instruments and intuitive controls.
Curved surfaces, sophisticated materials and a high-quality feel add to the air of craftsmanship.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0
Price: £N/A
Mechanical: 145bhp, 1,999cc, 4cyl petrol diesel driving front wheels via 6 speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 135mph
0-62mph: 9secs
Combined mpg: 37
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: Less than 190g/km
BIK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3 years/ 60,00 miles, 3 years paint, 12 years anti-rust, 3 years breakdown
Marks: looks like 9/10 (until I drive it)
Main Rival: Ford Mondeo
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December 13th, 2011 by admin
THE world’s best-selling open top car has just been given a secret weapon – a roof.
Mazda has turned its MX-5 roadster into a car for all seasons by fitting it with the fastest foldaway hard top on the market.
The roadster coupe treatment makes the MX-5 even more user-friendly as a fun two seater.
Priced from £18,210 for a 1.8-litre version to £21,265 for an all-singing-and-dancing two-litre Sport model complete with Bose sound system, the MX-5 takes just 12 seconds to convert from hard top to open top.
Neither does the operation interfere with cargo capacity which remains at 150 litres – very usable for a roadster and ideal for weekend breaks.
The roof folds away into a compartment between the boot and the cockpit – the same as with the rag top MX-5 – so it does not impinge on luggage space.
It also retains the car’s 50/50 weight distribution which gives it such pin sharp handling.
The MX-5 Roadster Coupe is as brisk as its soft-top counterpart. Top speed is a claimed 125mph for the 1.8 while the punchy two-litre can hit a reported 136mph with 0 to 60 acceleration of 9.6 and 8.2 seconds respectively.
Two-litre Sport models are fitted with a six speed manual gearbox resulting in average fuel consumption of 34.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 193g/km. Models with the standard five speed box have slightly better economy and lower emissions.
The roadster coupe is about half an inch taller and slightly heavier than the cloth roofed MX-5 but at a glance and on the road you will never notice the difference.
Roof up and the cockpit is nice, quiet and cosy. It’s also quiet homely with the roof down and even at speed the amount of wind noise and buffeting is minimal. And on chilly days there is plenty of warmth on tap from the standard fit climate control.
Trim design is the same as on the conventional MX-5 which is modern, functional and well put together.
The roadster coupe is some £1,200 more expensive that the standard soft top but comes with added goodies such as alloy wheels, air conditioning and iPod connectivity – not to mention a roof which guarantees plenty of fun year in, year out.
December 13th, 2011 by admin
Mazda created an instant classic back in 1989 when it launched the MX-5 and introduced a whole new generation to the thrills of topless motoring.
The pretty and more importantly reliable two-seater roadster put the fun back into driving and has been so successful that it now has its own entry in the Guinness Book of Records.
Designed by Scotsman Moray Callum, the MX5, which is known as the Miata in the USA and Eunos in other parts of the world, has sold a staggering 850,000 units and is officially the world’s best-selling sports car.
It is still going strong and its popularity continues to grow and to mark its 20 years of success, Mazda has given the current MK3 version a midlife makeover to improve its looks even further, increase refinement and lower emisssions.
I was lucky enough to drive the first version back in 1989 and 10 years later I was on a launch to celebrate its first decade of success. Now I have been lucky enough to test the latest MK3 in the West Highlands in glorious weather and to get the chance to sample some 20-year-old original versions that Mazda had brought north for the birthday celebrations.
The origianal cars were not museum examples, they had all been purchased from individual owners or auctions and the only work the Mazda team had carried out was a good clean, replacement brakes and tyres.
They were all worth between £1,500 and £2,000 and what fun they still provide for that type of cash.
Nimble, pretty and almost dainty compared to the new model, they had motoring hacks grinning from ear to ear and fighting for the keys.
Their simple mechanicals and lack of luxuries only seemed to increase the driving pleasure. The pop-up lights, electric windows and central locking were standard but that was it. The current models are almost limo like by comparison.
On the open road the original 116 bhp 1,600cc engine delivers adequate performance and keeps up with modern traffic because it is so light. The rear-wheel-drive chassis is perfectly balanced and the-five speed gearbox is a delight to use with changes only needing a flick of the wrist.
It only showed its age when it came to braking. It lacked the stopping power of modern machines and most of the early cars did not have ABS as it was then a very expensive option.
It can’t match the new car for pace or refinement but it is probably even more fun.
Parked next to the original you can see how the MX-5 has grown in two decades. The new MK3 looks significantly bigger, although you can clearly see it is an evolution of the original design.
Its sharp new look is a good one and there is a revised silver-trimmed grille, chrome finish door handles and the range-topping SportTech model gets new 17-inch alloy wheels.
There are no drastic changes to the cabin but the Bose stereo controls have been improved and there are some new trim colour combinations. The dashboard and other plastics have also been upgraded.
There is plenty of room for two, the driving position remains near perfect and leather-trimmed seats, air-conditioning and cruise control all help to distance this car from the basic original
Obviously it has put on a few pounds over the years but there is now a choice of 1.8litre and 2.0litre power trains to deal with it.
The MX-5 can now also be purchased with the usual folding fabric roof or in Roadster Coupe form with its electrically operated folding hard-top which operates at the touch of the button.
It gives the car more refinement when it is in place and looks neater when folded than the regular fabric hood. It also doesn’t restrict luggage space with a handy 150 litres being available. The original models only offered 125 litres.
The smooth 158 bhp 2.0litre model I sampled over some fantastic roads, took just 7.6 seconds to sprint to 60mph and has a top speed of 132mph.
A combined economy figure of 37.2mpg is claimed by the manufacturer but I think you will get slightly less than that in real life conditions.
There is a nice sporty soundtrack from the exhaust when you give it some revs and the new car still retains all the agility and accuracy of the original.
You can fly round corners thanks to the superb balance although the steering does not have the sharpness of the MK1.
After two decades in production the MX5 has wiped the competition off the map and it now has even fewer rivals.
The entry level soft-top can be had for £16,345 and prices rise to £21,695 for the Roadster Coupe SportTech.
Still a bit of a bargain then, when you consider that the first models cost £14,249 back in 1989. And remember it is possible to buy one and put a huge smile on your face for less than two grand.
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December 2nd, 2011 by admin
WHILE most car manufacturers are making life more complicated, Mazda is keeping it simple.
And that’s the nice thing about the Japanese company’s Mondeo-sized saloon, the Mazda6. With this car what you see is what you get.
Driving so many different cars I get tired of some so called innovations which just mean that as well as driving a car you have to almost become a computer operator to use the equipment.
The dashboard on the Mazda6 is neat, uncluttered and best of all the switches do exactly what they say they will. That means you can operate them quickly and simply – leaving all your concentration for the road.
The 6 is a stylish, spacious family car at sensible money.
Driving the Sport version meant my test car had a sleek but unobtrusive boot spoiler as well as 17 inch alloys wheels. Inside it comes with full leather seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob and – unlike the present trend – had both climate control air conditioning and a glass, sliding sunroof as standard.
Other standard features included cruise control, electric windows all round – with a one touch up and down feature on the driver’s side – and for music lovers you get a premium quality Bose system with six-disc CD autochanger, seven speakers and a separate amplifier.
Legroom and headroom in the rear is exceptionally good, but then this is a big car.
And when it comes to luggage the designers obviously had families or golf in mind because the boot is enormous and will easily swallow most family’s requirements for two weeks in the sun or a couple of sets of golf clubs.
The Sport’s four cylinder, 2.3-litre engine is responsive, offers good performance and is very refined.
As a high speed motorway cruiser the Mazda6 eats up the miles with ease and fifth gear is very flexible when it comes to the extreme speed-ups and slow-downs of today’s motorway journeys.
Mazda has been making quite a name for itself recently with rocketing sales, innovative designs and outstanding success in reliability surveys.
And while the Mazda6 is not as extreme visually as its smaller brothers – like the Mazda 3 – when it comes to reliability it is hard to beat.
It offers superb value for money and is a very good alternative to similar sized vehicles from more mainstream manufacturers.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.3 Sport 4dr
Price: £20,400
Mechanical: 166bhp, 2,261cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 9 secs
Combined mpg: 31
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 212g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint
December 1st, 2011 by admin
COMPETITION in the compact MPV sector is fierce, with almost every mainline manufacturer offering five or seven-seaters to those who need extra passenger capacity.
So it must be difficult to come up with something new to attract buyers and get one over on rivals.
Mazda has done just that with its Mazda5. It’s the sliding rear doors that make the main difference, plus the amount of room for six adults.
I know it can take three people in the third row of seats but the foldaway middle booster seat is just a bonus if you really need to squeeze in an extra body.
The rear doors are light, open easily, and slide closely to the side of the MPV which is ideal if you are in a tight space.
Mazda has fitted its seats in what it calls “theatre style” with each row of seats mounted a little higher than the row in front. The two regular second row seats, which slide and recline can be double-folded without removing their headrests to create a flat load area.
Similarly the third row can be folded flat and with all seats down the load space offered is a huge 857 litres.
This came in handy when I made several trips to the local tip, dumping 20 years of accumulated “may use again” rubbish from our loft in preparation for a house move.
Additional storage in the Mazda5 includes an area below the luggage compartment floor and Mazda claims a total of 40 storage compartments, including ten cupholders.
So, the Mazda5 offers plenty of versatility but how well is it screwed together and is the performance up to scratch?
Behind the wheel of the two-litre 110bhp diesel version tested, I at times felt I was driving a sizeable saloon instead of an MPV.
Steering is light, even at low speed around town, but out on the open road it stiffens up to give more feel on bends.
Built with Ford C-Max running gear the ride is good with most rougher surfaces being ironed out. Cornering ability is good with little body roll.
Unfortunately, I’m not too impressed with the amount of road noise entering the cabin. A bit more soundproofing would not go amiss.
Cabin interior is uncluttered with a very plain but attractive central console with decent-sized rotary dials for the heater and stereo/radio controls.
The driver’s seat has several adjustments and the steering wheel also adjusts for rake and reach which puts you in a good driving position giving good all-round vision.
The slick, six-speed manual has a dash-mounted gearstick which leaves the floor space uncluttered.
As for performance, the two-litre direct injection 110bhp diesel is adequate, but at times with a full load you have to work it hard.
However there is a bonus in that you can expect around 45 mpg on a mixed run which is excellent for a motor of this size.
Acceleration from rest to 62mph is claimed at just under 13 seconds and top speed at 111mph.
The Mazda5 TS2 specification has a good range of equipment, including remote central locking, electric front windows and door mirrors, CD, air-conditioning, electric rear windows, alloy wheels and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls.
Offered at £16,750, the TS2 is very good value for money.
FAST FACTS
Mazda5 2.0 TS2 Diesel 5dr
Price: £16,750
Mechanical: 110bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox.
Max speed: 111mph
0-62mph: 12.9 secs
Combined mpg: 44.9
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 173g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust
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