In a matter of seconds, and without having to remove or add anything, the regular seating for six over three rows can be converted to accommodate up to seven with a flexible stowable seat. The seventh seat cushion is stored under the nearside second row seat and can be simply folded out into the central space when required.

The third row seats are split 50:50, can be tipped forward individually and drop onto the cushion to form a flat load surface. Behind the seats, the luggage area measures from 112-litres, to 426- litres and up to a maximum of 857-litres – depending on the number of seats in use. There is a handy 15-litre storage area below the luggage compartment floor and throughout the vehicle a total of 40 storage compartments including 10 cupholders, provides maximum convenience and practicality.

The Mazda5, which features transversely mounted engines driving the front wheels, presents customers with a choice of two MZR petrol engines with a five-speed manual gearbox and two MZR-CD diesel engines with a six-speed manual transmission. All engines comply with Euro IV emission standards.

The 1998cc MZR-CD diesel engine is available in two states of tune, producing 110ps and 143ps. Both versions generate excellent torque that transfers into great driveability in everyday motoring situations. The 110ps power unit produces 310Nm and the 143ps unit gives 360Nm – both at 2,000rpm.

Sleek aerodynamics and moderate vehicle weight enable the Mazda5 to achieve highly competitive combinations of performance and fuel economy. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph takes 10.8 seconds for the 2.0-litre petrol model and 11.4 for the 1.8-litre, while top speeds are 122 mph and 113 mph respectively. On the combined cycle, fuel economy is a frugal 35.8 mpg for the 1.8-litre and 34.5 mpg for the 2.0-litre petrol, with CO2 ratings at 190 g/km and 198 g/km respectively. The diesel models are also lively performers with acceleration to 62 mph in 12.9 or 10.4 seconds for the high-power 143ps version. Top speeds are 111 mph and 122 mph respectively.

On the combined cycle, fuel economy for both versions is a highly competitive 44.9 mpg, with a CO2 rating of 173 g/km for both models. All models have a 60-litre fuel tank which gives Mazda5 a range of at least 430 miles and possibly up to 600 miles between fill-ups – depending on model, driving style, vehicle load and terrain.

Mazda5 designers created a body structure that effectively resists distorting in all regular driving situations – despite the wide opening sliding side doors and large rear tailgate. The stiff bodyshell has enormous benefits for the vehicle’s handling, crash safety, refinement and NVH. Mazda5’s suspension system was designed and tuned to resist the higher body roll potentially generated by its relatively tall body. It also provides a well-judged balance between rigidity and precise road feedback for maximum driving fun, and the cushioned stability needed for a comfortable ride with up to seven people on board. The MacPherson strut front suspension and rear multi-link system are optimised for superior road holding, while accommodating the broad variation in weights of passengers and luggage that will be possible in the ‘seats-up-to-seven’

Mazda5 delivers predictable, stable and safe handling under the toughest of driving conditions, and adds a host of active and passive safety technologies to inspire a feeling of on-road confidence including six airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, EBD electronic brake-force distribution and EBA (emergency brake assist).