A recent trip on the ferry across the Irish Sea, gave me the perfect opportunity to put the Mazda5 to the test. I was on my way to Anglesey to test another Mazda model, the MX-5 GT race car. The Mazda5’s large luggage compartment easily accommodated all my camera equipment and race paraphernalia.
For a car that’s capable of carrying seven adults comfortably, you wouldn’t expect the 115hp delivered from its 1.6l diesel to be quite adequate, you’d be sorely wrong. It feels closer on 150hp, it’s a cracker of an engine that delivers far more than you would expect. It has a 15 percent improvement on the previous generation Maza5’s fuel consumption, with a combined fuel economy of 5.2l/100km. Its emissions are lower too, resulting in €156 annual road tax.
The car’s exterior is smart and modern, my test car was finished in clear water blue, just one of eight colours to choose from. There’s no shortage of equipment fitted as standard in the €29,995 Sport model I drove, 17” Alloys, dual power sliding doors, leather interior, climate control and Bluetooth are just some of the highlights on offer. The Mazda5 really excels as a true all-rounder.
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