New looks and comfort, improved fuel consumption, reduced emissions, a new five-speed automatic option and new optional power sliding rear doors were the key feature upgrades to the 2008 model year Mazda5.

It’s relatively minor stuff, reflected in the fact that Mazda is looking only to maintain its sales volume of around 6,400 units this year.
Half of these buyers will choose the range-topping Sport and Sport Nav models, which feature traction control, 17-inch alloys, sports styling kit, privacy glass, cruise control and rainsensing windscreen wipers.

There’s even more standard kit than usual with well specced Mazdas; but not enough space here to list it all.

The Mazda5’s exterior looks to have had a slight brush up with a deeper V in the grille the only obvious change.

Inside, it’s a similar story, although the finish has improved.

The obvious sales feature is the sliding rear doors which now have optional electric opening and closing – unique in the segment and very practical in tight car parking spaces with wriggling kids.

To drive, the Mazda5 hides its bulk well, though it isn’t as poised as its class-leading brethren Ford S-Max.

But it seats seven in a fair degree of comfort and the 1.8-litre engine gives enthusiastic drivers plenty to enjoy when those other six seats are empty.