Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015) Review
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Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015) At A Glance
Seven seats. Sliding side doors. Compliant suspension is superb on poor road surfaces.
Folding centre seat not as clever as that in the Ford Grand C-MAX.
The Mazda 5 is something of an underrated and overlooked option when it comes to affordable family MPVs. It has seven seats, drives well and offers economical engine choices. All of this puts it into contention with the Peugeot 5008, popular Ford Grand C-MAX and redoubtable Volkswagen Touran. Read on for our full Mazda 5 review.
The 2010 Mazda 5 was developed with more legroom than its predecessor in the second and third rows, comfortable seats, instruments that were easier to use and high levels of seat flexibility and functionality.
It also came with sharp styling to set it apart from the usual, slightly bland, opposition pitched at family buyers.
It was certainly different and helped the Mazda 5 stand out from other seven-seat people carriers. Inside, the dashboard design also helped to make the cabin seem larger than its predecessor.
The interior is quieter and more comfortable at higher speeds, too. Elsewhere, there are wide front seatbacks for both driver and passenger, and the rear seats gained extra padding.
The engine line at launch consisted of a 1.8-litre petrol with 117PS, while there was a new 2.0-litre DISI diesel.
This produced 152PS along with 191Nm of torque and also featured Mazda’s stop/start system, i-stop, which saves fuel by switching the engine off when the car is stationary in traffic.
For 2011, the 2.0-litre diesel was replaced by a 115PS 1.6-litre eight-valve diesel and a six-speed manual transmission, which weighs less and endows the car with outstanding front-end grip and suspension compliance. It corners astonishingly well on uneven surfaces.
In 2012, the 1.8-litre petrol was replaced by a 2.0-litre 150PS petrol engine.
Two factors separate the Mazda 5 from most other people carriers. One is its sliding side doors, electrically operated on the Sport version, which make loading and securing children easier.
The other is its exceptional combination of ride comfort, bump absorption and handling. It all makes the Maxda 5 a very appealing used car buy for families.
Fancy a new Mazda CX-5? Read our Mazda CX-5 review here.
Reviews for Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
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Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 D to 2.0 150
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–50 mpg
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015): Handling and ride quality
Mazda has always managed to make its cars feel more lively and engaging than most of the opposition. Sometimes that has come at the expense of ride comfort, but not in the Mazda 5.
It offers a brilliant balance of comfort, refinement and handling that has you wondering if this is really an MPV when you’re at the wheel. There’s little body lean in bends, it’s stable on the motorway, and very refined.
Only the steering can feel a little too light at higher speeds, but it’s ideal when parking in tight city spaces.
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015): Engines
Mazda offered a range of 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre petrol motors.
All work well, but if you can budget for a later 2.0-litre with 150PS, you are on to a winner thanks to its added punch and pulling power when the car is loaded up with seven people and kit.
Alternatively, you could choose the fine 1.6 diesel motor, which has more grunt than the figures suggest.
Its mere 115PS is offset by decent torque and well matched gearing, and it’s also pleasingly refined at all speeds.
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015): Safety
This generation of Mazda 5 was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, you can be confident in its safety, as it comes with airbags that cover all three rows of seating – not something all of its rivals can boast.
The Mazda 5 also has ESP as standard, along with traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes and Isofix child seat mounts.
This Mazda is too old a design to have automatic emergency braking or lane assist, though.
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015): Towing
Depending on the engine fitted to your Mazda 5, it can pull a braked trailer of between 1200kg and 1400kg, which is sufficient for many small caravans.
With an unbraked trailer, you can pull up to 600kg.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 D | 54 mpg | 13.7 s | 138 g/km |
| 1.8 | 39 mpg | 12.8 s | 168 g/km |
| 2.0 | 41 mpg | 11.0 s | 159 g/km |
| 2.0 150 | 41 mpg | 11.0 s | 159 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
79%
Real MPG
24–50 mpg
MPGs submitted
76
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 112–1485 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4585 mm |
| Width | 1750–1988 mm |
| Height | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015): Practicality
Practicality is a key ares for any MPV and the Mazda 5 is very family friendly.
The second row features Mazda’s ‘Karakuri’ system, which was similar to what was on offer in the Ford Grand C-MAX. Tipping the left seat cushion forward means you can store the middle seat cushion in the space below it.
You can then either drop the centre seatback forwards and down for a wide and comfortable centre armrest, or fold out a practical utility box – located under the right seat cushion – into the centre space. It sounds complicated, but it’s actually very simple.
When the box is in use, a 6.3-litre space is made available under the right seat cushion for extra storage.
When the middle seat is folded into the side seat, it leaves a space large enough to allow access to the third row, which means you don’t have to remove any child seats mounted in the second row outer seats and tip the seat forward to get to the back.
However, where the Sport version of the Mazda 5 puts one over the Ford Grand C-MAX is that its siding side doors can be opened and closed electrically, either by the key fob or by a button on the dash.
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015): Quality and finish
While you would struggle to call the Mazda 5’s cabin sleek or stylish, there’s no arguing with how well it is put together.
This is a Mazda forté and the interior will stand up very well to the usual onslaught of family life.
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015): Infotainment
The Mazda 5 predates modern infotainment set-ups, but you do get a digital display high on the dash to show the trip computer and radio information.
A Bluetooth connection was standard with all but the base model.
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015) value for money
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015): Prices
It’s a mark of how overlooked the Mazda 5 often is that you can pick up a very clean example with less than 50,000 miles on the clock for £4500. That’s for either a petrol or diesel version around 12 years old.
Choose a Mazda 5 from towards the end of it lifespan, and you’ll pay around £7500 for a nine-year-old car with 70,000 miles to its credit.
Mazda 5 (2010 – 2015): Running Costs
The 1.6-litre diesel engine is the most frugal in the Mazda 5 according to official figures, with it returning a claimed combined consumption of 54.3mpg.
Our Real MPG data shows that to be closer to 42mpg, while 138g/km of CO2 emissions means road paid at £190 per annum.
The 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre petrol motors are much the same for economy, each delivering a claimed figure of around 40mpg and offering 32mpg in real-world use.
The later 2.0-litre engine emits 159g/km, meaning you pay £255 per year compared to £305 for the 1.8 and its 168g/km.
Insurance won’t trouble most Mazda 5 drivers as the car sits in groups 12 to 16 (out of 50).
Nor will servicing be too much of a burden thanks to the Mazda 5’s strong reliability. Any good independent mechanic will care for it as required.
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The Mazda 5 TS is the entry-level trim and comes with six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS), two Isofix child seat anchor points, air-conditioning, cruise control, a six-speaker CD audio unit and 16 alloy wheels.
With the Mazda 5 TS2, you get rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, climate control, Bluetooth connection, automatic wipers and headlights, and a trip computer.
Choose the Mazda 5 Sport and you enjoy 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, electrically operated rear sliding doors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring, and front foglights.
The Mazda 5 Venture Edition came with front foglights, gunmetal alloy wheels, sports front grille, side skirts, spoiler, tinted glass, sat-nav, Bluetooth, air-conditioning and cruise control.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4585 mm |
| Width | 1750–1988 mm |
| Height | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1470–1490 kg |
| Boot Space | 112–1485 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 12000–12500 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £18,175–£22,440 |
| Insurance Groups | 12–16 |
| Road Tax Bands | E–H |
| Official MPG | 39.2–54.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until July 2019
| Medium MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| MPV 1.6D 115ps Sport Venture 5dr | £21,895 | 54.3 mpg | 13.7 s |
| MPV 1.6D 115ps Venture 5dr | £21,300 | 54.3 mpg | 13.7 s |
| MPV 2.0 150ps Sport Venture 5dr | £20,500 | 40.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
| MPV 2.0 150ps Venture 5dr | £20,005 | 40.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
On sale until October 2015
| MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6D Sport Venture 115 5dr | £21,895 | 54.3 mpg | 13.7 s |
| 2.0 Sport Venture 150 5dr | £20,495 | 40.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
On sale until December 2012
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.8 TS 5dr | £18,175 | 39.2 mpg | 12.8 s |
On sale until September 2012
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6D Sport 5dr | £22,440 | 54.3 mpg | 13.7 s |
| 1.6D TS2 5dr | £20,660 | 54.3 mpg | 13.7 s |
| 2.0 Sport 5dr | £21,145 | 40.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 2.0 TS2 5dr | £19,365 | 40.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
Model History
- March 2010: World Premiere of all-new Mazda5
- January 0001: DISI i-stop
- January 0001: DISI i-stop
- January 0001: DISI i-stop
- August 2012
- February 2013
- February 2014
March 2010
World Premiere of all-new Mazda5
This all-new model evolves Mazda5 functionality with rear side sliding doors and up to seven-seat Karakuri flexibility in the spacious cabin, yet offers an eye-catching exterior that is unique to the segment. This design, which also uses elements of Mazda's ‘Nagare Flow' design language, contributes to fuel efficiency by achieving a particularly low drag coefficient, together with optimal lift and air-flow stability characteristics.
The new Mazda5 is fitted with a newly-developed 2.0-litre DISI petrol engine equipped with i-stop, and a six-speed manual transmission with gear ratios specific to this version. This new direct-injection petrol engine offers smooth, linear performance characteristics which ensure that it is fun to drive.
The new Mazda5 is also one of the most frugal and clean MPVs on the market, achieving approximately 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2.0-litre petrol model it replaces. The petrol line-up also features a 1.8-litre engine with a six-speed manual transmission.
|
MZR 1.8 |
MZR 2.0 January 0001DISI i-stop |
||
|
Displacement |
cc |
1,798 |
1,999 |
|
Bore x stroke |
Mm |
83.0 x 83.1 |
87.5 x 83.1 |
|
Valves |
4 per cylinder |
4 per cylinder |
|
|
Camshaft drive |
By chain |
By chain |
|
|
Fuel injection system |
Electronically controlled manifold injection |
Electronically controlled direct injection |
|
|
Compression ratio |
10.8:1 |
11.5:1 |
|
|
Max. power |
kW |
85 @ 5,300 rpm |
110 @ 6,200 rpm |
|
PS |
115 @ 5,30 0 rpm |
150 @ 6,200 rpm |
|
|
Max. torque |
Nm |
165 @ 4,000 rpm |
191 @ 4,500 rpm |
|
Fuel type |
Unleaded fuel 95RON |
Unleaded fuel 95RON |
|
|
Fuel tank capacity |
l |
60 |
60 |
|
Emission control system |
Electronically controlled and with Catalyst |
Electronically controlled and with Catalyst |
|
MZR 1.8 |
MZR 2.0 January 0001DISI i-stop |
||
|
Suspension and Wheels |
|||
|
Front suspension |
MacPherson struts |
MacPherson struts |
|
|
Rear suspension |
Multi-Link |
Multi-Link |
|
|
Damper front |
Twintube |
Twintube |
|
|
Damper rear |
Monotube |
Monotube |
|
|
Stabilizers (front / rear) |
mm |
21 / 19 |
21 / 19 |
|
Tyre size |
195/65 R15 91V 205/55 R16 91V 205/50 R17 93V |
195/65 R15 91V 205/55 R16 91V 205/50 R17 93V |
|
|
Wheel size |
15 x 6.0J 16 x 6.5J 17 x 6.5J |
15 x 6.0J 16 x 6.5J 17 x 6.5J |
New Mazda5 Petrol – Performance
|
MZR 1.8 |
MZR 2.0 January 0001DISI i-stop |
||
|
Performance |
|||
|
Top speed |
mph |
113 |
120 |
|
Acceleration 0-62mph |
sec |
12.8 |
11.2 |
|
Urban |
mpg |
30.4 |
31.4 |
|
Extra urban |
mpg |
47.0 |
49.6 |
|
Combined |
mpg |
39.2 |
40.9 |
|
CO 2 emissions (combined) |
g/km |
168 |
159 |
|
Emissions ranking |
Euro5 |
Euro5 |
19-10-2010: New Mazda5 on sale in the UK From October 2010, priced from £17,695 OTR. Choice of three powertrains – a 2.0-litre DISI petrol (150ps) and 1.8-litre petrol (115ps) and a 1.6 -litre turbo diesel (115ps), all with six-speed manual transmissions, delivering up to 54.3mpg and 138g/km.
With its seven-seater versatility, intelligent packaging and engaging style, the New Mazda5 compact multi-activity vehicle has been engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of even the most active families.
The New Mazda5 arrives in the UK from October 2010, priced from £17,695 to £21,495 OTR, and will be available in Mazda’s familiar and generously appointed TS, TS2 and Sport trim levels. Standard equipment levels are, as you’d expect, exceptionally generous and include six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS), two ISOFIX child seat anchor points, air-conditioning, cruise control, a six-speaker CD audio unit and alloy wheels across the range.
The New Mazda5 also sees the debut of Mazda’s distinctive Nagare design language. Inspired by the flowing elements found in nature, the Mazda5 is instantly distinguished by its boldly sculpted flanks. These distinctive contours are complemented by the company’s striking face (five point grille), piercing headlamps, and a steeply raked windscreen angle resulting in a sleek and svelte silhouette that’s a world away from its more pedestrian-looking people-carrier rivals.
Getting in and out of the Mazda5 is now even easier. Its large, twin sliding rear doors – a ‘first in class’ feature unique for the Mazda5 in its sector – open to a wide 686mm and extend just 160mm beyond the bodywork when open, provide exceptional access in even the tightest spaces. Access is enhanced by a broad 130mm foot step and low 439mm step-up into the cabin. Perfect, in other words, for entering the Mazda5’s rear when carrying a child. Sport models come with power sliding doors as standard.
The Mazda5 is the last word in packaging flexibility and generous space for on-the-go families. Key to this versatility is its innovative seven-seat layout, which offers excellent packaging flexibility and generous space for all on board. The three rows of seats create a wide range of passenger-luggage combinations – from seven seats for friends and family on shorter journeys, to four seats with a generous luggage compartment for longer journeys to just two seats and a vast, flat-floored cargo area for hauling larger items.
Its seven seats can be flipped and folded to create a variety of load-carrying configurations. The 112- litre loadbay in seven-seat mode can be enlarged to 426 litres in four-seat configuration, while folding all five rear seats flat creates a vast loadbay of 857 litres (floor to belt-height) or ceiling loadbay of 1,566 litres (floor to roof). Perfect then, for flat-pack furniture fans.
The Mazda5 range debuts with the choice of three engines. The two petrol-powered MZR units – a 115ps 1.8-litre and a 150ps 2.0-litre DISI – are joined by a 115ps 1.6-litre MZ-CD turbo diesel unit. The three powertrains are all Euro Stage 5 compliant and drive the front axle through slick six-speed manual transmissions.
The flagship MZR 2.0-litre engine features DISI Direct Injection Spark Ignition and emissions-busting stop/start i-stop technologies. The system helps deliver some exceptional figures. Combined economy climbs 14.2 percent to 40.9mpg andemissions drop a full 15 percent to 159g/km over the outgoing 2.0-litre petrol engine. Performance is equally strong with a 0-62mph time of 11 seconds and a 120mph top speed.
The MZR 1.8-litre powertrain has undergone a raft of upgrades – including the introduction of new lightweight pistons and connecting rods as well as an electric control throttle valve. These upgrades result in a four percent economy boost to 39.2mpg and a six percentemissions drop to 168g/km over the outgoing 1.8-litre model. The MZR touches 62mph in 12.8 seconds and posts a 113mph maximum speed.
Featuring third-generation common-rail fuel injection, a turbocharger with and a DPF diesel particulate filter, MZ-CD 1.6-litre packs a technical punch, accelerating to 62mph in 13.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 111mph, while returning an excellent fuel economy figure of 54.3mpg (combined cycle) and posts tax-friendly emissions of just 138g/km.
August 2012
Mazda added new ‘Venture Edition’ Mazda5 models which come with sports styling and extra standard equipment including front fog lights, gun metal alloy wheels, sports front grille, side skirts, spoiler, tinted glass, sat nav, Bluetooth, air conditioning and cruise control.
The Mazda5 Venture Edition MPV is priced at £19,995 for the 150PS petrol and £21,290 for the 115PS diesel. The extra equipment comes on top of the standard equipment offered with TS2 trim level, which includes dynamic stability control, leather steering wheel with audio controls, iPod connectivity and a six speaker audio system.
February 2013
Enhnanced specification 'Venture' models announced priced from £19,995 (petrol) and from £21,290 (diesel) on-the-road. Specification includes 17-inch Bright finish alloy wheels, sporty black mirror covers, a choice of eight exterior colours (four of them new), chrome exhaust tailpipe trim and power-folding door mirrors with integrated indicator lights. The interior benefits from new Black cloth trim with red stitching for a sporty feel and an auto-dimming interior mirror. Also rear parking sensors and reversing camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system, an auto-dimming interior mirror and smart turn signal.
2.0-litre (150ps) MZR petrol engine for £19,995 or 1.6-litre (115ps) turbo-diesel costing £21,290 - both driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Depending on the model, EC fuel economy can be as high as 54.3mpg (combined cycle) and emissions as low as 138g/km.
The four new-for-2013 exterior colours are Arctic White (solid) and three Mica hues - Jet Black, Meteor Grey and Zeal Red. Carry-over colours are Aluminium Silver, Clear Water Blue, Crystal White and Stormy Blue. Also, a special ‘Venture' badge is fitted on the tailgate.
February 2014
The two upgraded Mazda5 Sport Venture models (with 150PS petrol or 115PS diesel power) boast new equipment such as a Brilliant Black front grille, heated power-folding bright silver door mirrors and black leather seat trim with contrasting grey stitching. Prices are £20,295 (petrol) and £21,695 (diesel) with a range of Metallic/Mica/Pearlescent paint colours as a £500 option. They also get a new 6.1-inch Mazda Navigation System with integrated Bluetooth.
What to watch out for
Phantom fault with 2012/62 Mazda 5 1.6D Venture. Engine cuts out in fast traffic and TCS/DSC light comes on. Disabling the TCS/DSC before a journey does not help. May be caused by a disparity in tyre circumference. Also suggested contacting ecutesting.co.uk
18-06-2014:Stress cracks across the windscreens are because the edges of the glass are exposed at the screen pillars where they are vulnerable to stone chips. These then turn into cracks right across the screen. The same thing is happening with Mazda CX-5s.
06-01-2015:Faults emerging on post 2010 Mazda 5 include: failed front n/s damper on 35k 2011 Mazda 5 1.6D on 17" wheels, failed handbrake on n/s rear, mysterious brake fluid leak on same wheel a few weeks later. Dealer told reader, "they all do that"
30-07-2016:2012/62 reg Mazda 5 1.6D suffered six sudden loss of power breakdowns in 2014. The only clue was the DSC/TCS light on the dashboard. The car was with the supplying Mazda dealer for weeks as they had no idea of the cause. Eventually they replaced an injector under existing warranty. (Same injector problem that afflicts Fords, Citroens, Peugeots and Volvos with the same engine). Now the same problem has caused another breakdown three weeks ago and the car is back with a Mazda dealer, who say that it is an injector problem again, but it is out of warranty and will cost an estimated £800 as they will also need to renew the oil and filter.
