Mazda MPV 2.0TD

If you want a practical and dependable people carrier that does exactly what it says on the badge, the MPV could be for you. But if you're after a family ferrier that offers even a hint of excitement, then keep on looking.

As Mazda found out, without a diesel engine you might as well not bother in the people carrier sector. With only one petrol unit and dull styling, its MPV was one of the slowest-selling family ferriers in the UK last year, and a mere handful found owners. Now Mazda has given it the derv treatment, along with a new petrol engine and a facelift. We got behind the wheel to see if the changes can attract any more buyers.

The diesel model driven here uses a new 138bhp 2.0-litre common-rail unit which feels strong and punchy on the road, and returns nearly 40mpg - excellent for a car of this size. There's also a 143bhp 2.3-litre petrol powerplant to replace the old 2.0.

Driving the MPV is stress-free, if a little uninvolving - handling is reasonable, but the Mazda is set up for long hauls, not cross-country sprints. The major complaint concerns the brakes, which feel soft and unresponsive. Other changes are less significant, and include a new grille and headlights, as well as fresh alloy wheels. Inside, there's different upholstery and the seats are much easier to fold and remove. The huge interior is retained, along with the practical sliding doors which make it ideal for large families. There's only one trim level, but standard equipment is comprehensive and pricing competitive, with the oil-burner £19,995 and the petrol model £18,495. Ford's Galaxy 1.9 TD starts at £18,245, but if you want to match the Mazda's spec, you'll have to pay £21,245 for the Zetec model. Is the MPV worth buying though? It's certainly practical and capable, but it needs an injection of charisma to give it the 'zoom-zoom' of its more youthful stablemates.