Is the Mazda 5 a suitable replacement for our Ford C-Max?

We're planning to replace our Ford C-Max, a 3-year-old 2-litre diesel, in the near future. It has great performance and economy and a good seating position, but we'd like less road noise and a smoother ride. Our mileage has dropped to 9000 per year since retirement so we're looking for petrol, not diesel. Can you recommend some alternatives? We wondered about a new shape C-Max (but is it any quieter?) or a Mondeo. We're looking for nearly new or used, the badge is not important but quality is. Our budget is £19,000 including the trade-in value.

Asked on 23 June 2012 by JS, Newport

Answered by Honest John
I suggest the Mazda 5 1.6TS2 on Toyo J48 205/55 R16 tyres. It's absolutely brilliant with a far better ride and handling than the old C-Max, and it's more economical and just as easy to get in and out of: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mazda/mazda-5-16d// and www.honestjohn.co.uk/our-cars/mazda-5-16d-ts2/tyre...r

Over 11,000 miles at an average of 48mpg I did not have a hint of trouble with the DPF, but I did do the miles in big chunks.
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