THE new Mazda5 people carrier now in showrooms has seven seats for the first time.

And it also has twin sliding rear doors, and new engines fitted with fuel saving stop/start technology.

Initially there will be 115bhp 1.8 and 150bhp 2.0-litre petrol units. A 115bhp 1.6 turbo-diesel will reach showrooms in January and all have six speed gearboxes.

Prices range from £17,695 and £21,495, and the new model is likely to remain fairly exclusive, thanks to the fact that the company is not aiming for large mass market sales.

That's good news for the 65 per cent of buyers the company expects to come from the private sector, who will be seeking individuality, practicality and versatility.

Mazda expects the 2.0 petrol Sport to be the UK's best seller but the completely reworked 1.8 is good for 39mpg with emissions of just 168g/km.

I found the power very useable in a short drive, with a 0-62mph time of under 13 seconds and maximum speed where permitted of 113mph.

It will be sold in TS, TS2and Sport trims, with six airbags, stability and traction control, aircon, cruise, a six speaker stereo and alloys.

: 22%

: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

: 9/10

: Ford S-Max