2006 Mazda5 GT Road Test

Additional storage bins are located under the second row of seats. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Of course, this would be no concern for me or anyone in my Napoleonic family. My only complaint is that there's no way to angle the passenger-side lower cushion forward or backward for extra thigh support, so for me riding shotgun wasn't as comfortable as it could have been. Well, you can't win 'em all. I'd rather drive anyway, and that seat worked just fine thanks.

What probably matters more to most is how easily the third row seatbacks fold forward and lay completely flat, ideal for loading cargo. The second row seats drop forward too, lining up with the folded rear seatbacks almost exactly, creating a cavern of space. And Mazda doesn't merely stop at this, but rather has integrated lidded cubbies at each side of the cargo area, what when open allow enough room for golf bags and clubs to be stored sideways, optimizing space. And under the second row of seats, are additional storage bins. The one on the driver's side is merely a deep plastic tray, but beneath the passenger's side second row seat is a similar plastic bin, housing a fold-out centre console with integrated cupholders and, under that, a hanging netting "sock", handy for storing loose items, such as children's toys. Of course there's a storage bin under the armrest in the centre console between driver and front passenger, but the lidded, carpeted

Visibility is also excellent, out the front windshield, side windows, when looking toward the back via the rearview mirrors. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

tray that sat on top of that, only large enough for credit cards, was almost excessive in its willingness to please.

Another Mazda5 attribute that immediately impressed me was the quality of all the materials used inside the cabin. Not only is every plastic surface way above par, but all three rows of seats feature an extremely attractive cloth, woven in a sophisticated pattern that wouldn't look out of place in a Volvo or BMW. As mentioned previously the driver's seat is quite a comfortable one too. I drove for a few hours and was passenger for at least as many, and at least for the former never once felt a need to complain. The driver's seat features multiple adjustments, and a manual lumbar support is included.