AN already frugal but powerful petrol engine plus stop/start makes the latest Mazda5 one of the most economical petrol people carriers on the market.

The old model was the best if you enjoy your driving like me, and the new one is just as good in most ways, but a little slower on the uptake.

There are two petrol engines available, a 113bhp 1.8 and the 148bhp 2.0-litre I had fun with. A 1.6 turbo diesel is also just in showrooms, and it has excellent economy with the lowest emissions of any large MPV.

The 2.0-litre feels sluggish until you try and get the loud pedal through the floor, at which point it really wakes up and sounds lovely.

The ride is a little lumpy at slower speeds, but never uncomfortable, and it takes the corners just as well as its predecessor, making a twisting road a thing of joy.

As if that was not enough, it's a Mazda, so build quality and reliability are standard.

The rearmost of the seven seats are big enough for adults but the centre one of the middle row is only child size.

: Renault Grande Scenic