OF the mid-sized MPVs on the market, the Mazda5 shines out as the best of all to drive.

It really shows that you don't have to give up driving fun when your family grows.

Power comes from excellent 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines used in the Mazda6 and it will seat seven over short distances.

There are three rows of seats in a 2-2-2 pattern but when another seat is needed, a narrower centre seat folds out ingeniously in the middle row. 

The rearmost seats fold up out of the flat boot floor in one very light and easy movement and the rear doors slide easily open with one hand and close just as easily.

Also, the space they leave is better than most for access to the rearmost seats.

It has excellent, well balanced handling, fluid and sticky road holding and peppy engines which, while they do have to be revved for best effect, do so beautifully.

Equipment in all models includes air conditioning, four electric windows, electric mirrors and central locking, plus much more.

The 5 is immensely practical and family friendly and it's such a good all rounder, I still make it best in class.