Category: Compact MPV 
Price Range: £16,245 to £20,295
Fine drive, rear sliding doors, improved 2.0-litre petrol engine.
Not a true seven-seater, traditional MPV looks, S-Max has better ride handling compromise.
Mid-life tweaks improve what already is a very impressive MPV.
As far as facelifts go, Mazda's refreshed 5 MPV is surprisingly subtle.
Few will spot the reprofiled front and rear bumpers, new lamps and the adoption of the new 'five-point' family grille. Even fewer will spot the five new body colours and the new design for the alloy wheels.
But it's out on the road the 'new' 5 reveals itself.
The headline improvement is the revised engine range: all engines now benefit from improved fuel consumption and superior emissions, making the 5 a better tax proposition for company car buyers. In addition to lower emissions, the formerly short-geared 2.0-litre petrol has had its cruising abilities enhanced thanks to a more relaxed six-speed gearbox; it also breathes better thanks to the addition of variable valve timing that boosts power and torque.
Under the skin, Mazda has also tweaked the 5's suspension to improve handling and increase stability.
For the 2008 upgrade, cabin quality has been improved, with a better-finished centre console. Sport and Sport Nav models gain a body kit and, as a direct response to requests from over a quarter of customers, power rear sliding doors are now available as an option.
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