Mazda Premacy
One of a handful of compact MPVs manufactured by Japanese carmaker Mazda, the Premacy is actually one of the best. With 7 seats, a lot of interior space and some impressive levels of equipment, it’s a fully loaded option that’s more than capable of staking a name for itself in an overcrowded niche. Modern Mazdas are a product of ‘outside the box’ thinking, and they are all the better for it.
The Premacy was first released in 1999 and was notable for being one of the most inexpensive 7 seaters around. Not much has changed over the years, and the latest generations are still true to their roots. A few design and engineering upgrades, plus a new name (Mazda 5) have kept it firmly in the spotlight as a family favourite.
While older versions were rather angular and uninspiring to behold, the current crop are the exact opposite. Featuring designs based on elements and nature, there are lots of curves, fluid lines and also the wonderful new ‘family face’ that’s been applied to new Mazdas. With a functional interior, everything is easy to use and close to hand, but a rather dull design and lots of plastic don’t provide the same excitement as the outside. It’s spacious and has those all important 7 seats which are pretty comfortable, although in all honesty the layout is better described as a 6+1. Rear sliding doors and an adequate boot space with the seats up mean it’s also quite practical.
You’ll find the Premacy easy to drive, although it does suffer from a lot of body roll. Slick handling and a comfortable ride however mean it’s more than good enough to take anything British roads have to throw at it. Around town, on motorways, in car parks and even on country roads, it’s poised and uneventful. You also get a choice of several engines, with one of the most popular being the 1.8 litre petrol.
Like most Mazdas, the Premacy isn’t exactly a bank account buster and it offers substantial value for money which is great for families on a budget. However buying second hand gives you the opportunity to make your money go even further. Motors.co.uk has a fantastic selection of quality pre owned cars for sale at bargain basement prices. What this means is that you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck, and with a used Mazda Premacy, you’ll be able to enjoy all the trappings of this solid MPV without for much less of the cost.
Essentially the Mazda Premacy is a good all round MPV that doesn’t disappoint. It’s easy to drive, has a lot of interior space and is rather economical too. While it might not be the most stylish or well decorated inside, it’s certainly not ugly, and you get a lot of equipment as standard. If you want a compact people carrier that’s a pleasure to live with on a daily basis, this one is definitely in with a shout.