Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MPV 2.0TD

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.

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,391 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,000
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,794 off RRP*Used from £6,320
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag
Dacia £15k EV design render

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag

Dacia's new model will be developed in double-quick time, and it'll be built in Europe to avoid China tariffs
News
24 Jul 2025
Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe
Renault 5 - front static

Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe

Renault has no plans to fight Volkswagen for sales supremacy, despite huge growth in EV sales due to new Renault 5
News
23 Jul 2025
Hyundai slashes prices across its entire EV range
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - front cornering

Hyundai slashes prices across its entire EV range

Korean brand acts swiftly to cut prices on all its electric cars, amid confusion over Government’s grant scheme
News
25 Jul 2025