Mazda 5 2.0 TS2 (petrol)

Although we've only had our Mazda 5 TS2 for four months I am very happy with it. At first the ride seemed a little soft with a lack of body control, but now I'm used to it it doesn't get in the way of enjoying the car. We've had a couple of 5-hour trips with 2 kids in the back (i.e. not middle) seats, and no problems with car sickness.

As others have noted it is really a six-seater since the middle seat is not really practical for any distance. That said, we've used it a few times for short journeys and it is perfectly practical. Most of the time it is folded away and it's place is taken by the toy-bucket.

The sliding doors are really practical when it comes to getting kids in and out - especially in car parks. Plenty of storage for family journeys and useful amounts of space when the seats are down for journeys to the tip or helping your mate move house.

The engine seems a little breathless sometimes, which must be the way the engine management system is programmed. On balance I can't complain because the fuel economy is surprisingly good for a 2.0 litre petrol engine.

The biggest annoyances are that the passenger-side front airbag cannot be turned off (apparently that requires the Sport pack) and the cover for the luggage space is clunky and cannot be stowed in the car when removed.

In general this car seems excellent value for money, providing a lot of interior space without being a gigantic beast to drive.

We bought this car with very high hopes, only to be very disappointed with its actual reliability and safety. We have also had very poor service from Mazda UK.

I would not recommend this car.

This Mazda 5 people carrier is a 6 seater really not a seven. Good to drive and has not gone wrong. Smooth engine (1.8 petrol). But my main dealer not too helpful and the front tyres are wearing fast. Also there is no service record book as it is "electronic" - so harder to have it serviced at a non-Mazda dealer.