Mazda 5 (CW)

The second-generation Mazda 5 (CW, 2010–2015) is an underrated MPV that retains the excellent sliding doors of its predecessor while adding Mazda's "Nagare" flow-inspired styling and genuinely engaging handling. Unlike most people carriers, the Mazda 5 feels surprisingly agile through corners, with precise steering and a chassis that prioritises driver engagement over outright comfort. In the UK, it occupies a useful niche for families who need seven-seat practicality but refuse to accept a boring driving experience, sitting in insurance groups 14–21 depending on engine and trim. Mazda's mechanical reliability is generally strong, with the 2.0-litre petrol engine being the most durable choice, though the PSA-sourced 1.6 diesel requires careful DPF management. Sliding doors are a godsend for families with young children in tight car parks, and the interior is well-built if somewhat plain by modern standards. Running costs are reasonable, with the petrol returning around 35mpg and the diesel achieving closer to 50mpg on motorway runs. The Mazda 5 is a practical, well-engineered MPV that rewards informed buying.