Mazda have found themselves on quite a roll over the last few years with an exciting line-up of cars like the new MX-5 roadster, thrilling RX-8, slick Mazda3, and sporty Mazda6 saloon. Well, now Mazda is expanding its driving prowess into people carriers, with this 2006 Mazda5.

In Europe and Japan, where there’s little room or tolerance for big SUVs, compact crossover utility vehicles are very popular. Now Mazda hopes to spread that same space-saving, crossover philosophy to British families with the Mazda5.

Built on a stretched front wheel drive platform drawn from the Mazda3, the Mazda5 is aimed predominantly at young families and yet remains practical enough to benefit businesses and prove its position in the workplace.

Contrary to its name, the cabin holds not five, but seven passengers; this is down to individual second-row seats and a surprisingly spacious split folding third-row bench. This also makes for a very flexible cargo area.

Fold the split third-row seats into the floor, and you get a substantial amount of carriage space. Drop the second-row seat backs, and the Mazda5 can easily accommodate loads over five feet long. Plus items can be hidden in a cavity in each second-row seat. When the secondrow seats are used for passengers, they will find they slide and recline, offering SUV-size head and leg room.

Powering the Mazda5 is a 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit producing a healthy 143 bhp and from 2000 rpm you can tap into the 265 lb/ square foot. This is coupled with a slick six-gear manual transmission that is equally as good around town as it is on the motorway. The Mazda is comfortable on short journeys, however on a long it is a veritable haven, when you’ve been driving for a prolonged period of time you start to really appreciate the Mazda cabin, all controls are clear and concise. The multi-function audio system takes care of all your entertainment needs whilst looking stylish and taking pride of place as dashboard centrepiece.

Wet and dry road handling is composed and competent, fitting reasonably well with Mazda’s sporty brand image. The MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension delivers far better agility than any minivan. There is a bit of front push in tight corners, but less than a family hauler weighing 1653kg usually delivers. The electro-hydraulic, engine-speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering is light and fairly quick with decent feedback, while the four wheel disc brakes with standard ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution deliver respectable power and a solid pedal feel.

In the world of MPVs, the Mazda5 is definitely one of the best choices, a bone fide seven-seater that also retains almost van-like loading capabilities. The prices start at £14,400 OTR and even the top of the range model can be obtained for 19,800 OTR (including a mouth watering array of gadgets). You don’t have to take my word for it though, go to your nearest Mazda dealer and see for yourself. In fact, you can take the whole family.