MAZDA PREMACY 1.8 GXi 5dr [SR] (1999)

Mazda Premacy - Bags of space and good workhorse

Didn't like the look of other people carriers so thought I'd give the Mazda Premacy a go. Overall pretty pleased, few minor probs but nothing major. Would recommend to a friend.

First thing is the space inside. Enormous. It is big on the outside but it's massive inside. Only trouble is that the seats which open up in the boot are very small. Not much use for anyone but the little kiddies. Fine for me as I happen to have some! With those seats back down the boot is really big, and lots of space around the seats to keep other stuff too. Comfort factor top notch. Slightly unpredictable arm rest but otherwise feels like you're in an armchair. Good suspension too, soaks up most bumps and holes.

The Mazda Premacy is reasonably powerful. Cruises at 90 without much complaint. Bit noisy at those sorts of speeds, and sometimes get a bit of an odd rattle sort of sound from somewhere behind the steering wheel, but nothing major and hasn't got any worse over the 4 years I've had it. Had a cam belt done at service time, that's about it. Car has some nice surprises, zips along overtaking in 3rd.

Clutch takes a bit of getting used to (set high up). Some body roll round corners but only if you're going at speed, fine otherwise. Gears can be a little bit of hard work sometimes, esp when first started up, but not that bad.

Dashboard itself is an enormous surface, great for spreading stuff out or chucking a coat on it or whatever. Tons of other spaces around the cabin, really made clever use of all the space. Only real problem with the car is the length of it, the bonnet really extends out a fair old distance, makes parking a bit of a trial. I suppose that helps aerodynamics though, and it does look a bit slicker than other people carriers. I do like the look of the Premacy, I mean it's not a porsche but on a scale of things it looks pretty alright.

Best thing is the reliability. The Premacy sails through the MOT no bother. Good family motor, not the most exciting drive in the world but good for what it is.