IN the increasingly competitive compact people carrier sector, where economy and versatility are becoming more important, Mazda has revamped its seven-seat offering - the Mazda5.

In comes new front and rear designs, rear light clusters, front grille and new style alloy wheels, but frankly, visually the Mazda5 is still nothing special. Yes it's a neat and tidy, contemporary design - but it certainly won't stand out in a crowd. Perhaps that is the objective.

Sliding side doors have now all but disappeared in this sector but in this application work quite well. On the Mazda5 they are especially good for offering wider entry than conventional hinged doors to the middle row of seats.

Access to the third row is a bit more difficult and they are not really designed to take full-sized adults, so leave it for the kids.

Fully occupied, the luggage area is a touch small for family use (112 litres with all sevens in pace) which means that the Mazda5 operates far better as a five seater with lots of cargo space - now rising to 426 litres.

But this manoeuvre needs to be planned well in advance as the rear seats are awkward to fold down because an allowance has to be made for the integrated head restraints and to maximise the load space means the tonneau cover has to be removed and replaced in a new position which is a bit fiddly.

With the middle seats also folded away, the luggage area grows to a useful 857 litres.

Inside, the Mazda5 is once again a clean-cut neat and tidy layout with a good sweep of slightly firm plastics, clear instrumentation and positive action switchgear.

The mid-range TS2 specification (priced at £16,310 as tested) includes: electric rear windows; leather steering wheel with audio controls; body coloured electrically operated and heated door mirrors; air conditioning; remote central locking with deadlocks; alarm and immobiliser and radio CD audio system.

Also fitted are Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

From the four engine options the performance pick is the 2 litre MZR petrol, a transversely mounted single overhead camshaft 16 valve unit developing 146bhp.

This provides nice crisp responses, designed more for acceleration (62mpg coming up in a fraction over 10 seconds) than economy as demonstrated by a best of 35.8mpg on the combined cycle. And with an emissions rating of 187 g/km this isn't the most environment friendly of options.

Compact MPVs can often be a bit boring behind the wheel but not the Mazda5 which is actually a fun place to be - something dads might appreciate at the weekend.

The six speed manual transmission (which does help stretch the fuel a bit) slots in well with a good spread of torque in most gears so that momentum is progressive and sustained.

To go with this there is a nice balanced ride quality, which is firm and settled with a touch of Mazda's sporting heart thanks to the latest suspension revisions.

Multi-link rear suspension gives it greater stability and agility and complements the fully independent MacPherson strut front arrangement.

Lively when it needs to be, there is a good feel on the wheel without too much input from the hydraulically assisted rack and pinion steering, which also helpfully gives it a compact 11.2 metre turning circle.

Overall, the Mazda5 is an enjoyable drive but in some areas is slightly compromised in practical aspects, but the sliding doors make it different - something it needs as the rest of the panel work is rather ordinary.