The range of people carriers on offer is growing even faster than the number of families turning to these vehicles in search of hassle-free motoring. As a consequence, there are some excellent MPVs that have had little or no publicity. Take the Mazda5. Despite being superior to many better selling MPVs, it frequently gets overlooked.

Introduced to the UK in July 2005, the Mazda5’s initial impact on the MPV segment was blunted by the absence of a diesel option. Instead buyers made do with a pair of petrol engines: a 1.8 and a 2 litre four-cylinder producing 113bhp and 143bhp respectively. With little to separate them in terms of performance, a secondhand 1.8 represents the better buy because of its superior fuel economy, and usually sells for about £300 less.

In January 2006 the option of diesel power became available. Buyers had a choice of “standard” and “high power” variants, both based on a 2 litre block, producing 108bhp and 141bhp respectively. If you intend loading up with people and luggage, it’s the higher-powered one that makes the most sense, but a hefty used price premium of about £2,000 can make it difficult to justify. That said, the more powerful diesel comes with a Sport trim that adds 17in alloys, a six-disc CD changer, traction control and digital climate control to the generous list of equipment found in the lower grade TS2.

While diesel MPVs offer a significant advantage in fuel consumption, the steep jump in diesel fuel costs have taken the gloss off this. Today the smart money would be on a 1.8 litre petrol model. Pick one up in the TS2 mid-grade trim and you will have bought a fine car. On the road it feels less like a mobile kindergarten than many competitors, offering sharp steering, a composed ride and crisp handling. The 1.8 litre petrol engine may feel a little lacklustre at times but it’ll return a respectable fuel consumption of about 35mpg.

As with any people carrier, the func-tionality of the interior is all-important. In the case of the Mazda5, the huge twin sliding rear doors minimise the risk of dents and provide terrific access in the tight confines of car parks. You can even walk through from one side of the car to the other. They’re the kind of eureka feature that, once experienced, you won’t want to do without until the little angels fly the nest.

Unlike most MPVs, Mazda opted for what it describes as a 6+1 seat configuration. In simple terms this means three rows of two seats with the option to slot a seventh seat between the two rearmost seats. The beauty of this is that in standard six-seat configuration all occupants have decent shoulder room, walk-through convenience and storage space.

Mazda is ranked ninth out of 28 manufacturers in the 2008 JD Power UK customer satisfaction survey, which suggests most Mazdas are reliable. However, the usual precautions apply. Check the service history, as missed service schedules could signal danger. Look for worn seats, replacement pedal rubbers or shiny steering wheels as signs of hidden or tampered mileage - or you could end up paying one-lady-owner-money for a mercilessly run former minicab.

The best low-mileage examples of the Mazda5 stay within the main dealer network so start your search there.

CHECK THE FOLLOWING

DIESEL Engines can be prone to heavy oil consumption while running in so check the dipstick if you buy a late model FACELIFT This year’s upgrade includes new bumpers, revised dashboard and standard six-speed manual box
SAFETY Curtain airbags run the length of the car and are standard on all models
SAT NAV A £1,650 option on Sport models only. Used examples are rare; do not pay a premium of more than £300
SEATS Middle-row seats slide and recline, while all except the driver’s can be folded flat
SPORT Larger 17in alloys and traction control are standard on petrol and diesel Sport models
STORAGE Mazda claims there are 45 cubbyholes and 10 cupholders in a Mazda5
TAILGATE Made from composite material rather than metal, it’s light and resists rust

VITAL STATISTICS
MODEL Mazda5 TS2
ENGINE 1798cc, four cylinders
POWER 113bhp
TRANSMISSION Five-speed manual
FUEL 35.7mpg (combined) CO2 190g/km
ACCELERATION 0-62mph: 11.4sec
TOP SPEED 113mph
COST NEW IN 2005 £14,897
COST NOW £15,570
TAX BAND F (£210 for 12 months)

VALUES
MILEAGE 10,000 20,000 40,000
2005 (05) Trade £7,150 £6,725 £5,925 Retail £8,750 £8,325 £7,495

2006 (06) Trade £7,950 £7,475 £6,625 Retail £9,550 £9,095 £8,195

2007 (07) Trade £8,875 £8,325 £7,375 Retail £10,450 £9,925 £8,975

THE ONE TO BUY
A 2005 05-registered Mazda5 MPV with 40,000 miles on the clock. Pay £7,495 at a Mazda dealer or £6,750 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY
2004 54 Honda FR-V 1.7
2005 55 Vauxhall Zafira 1.8
2005 55 Toyota Corolla Verso 1.6
2006 55 Fiat Multipla 1.6
2007 56 Renault Grand Scénic 1.6