Someone in Mazda has calculated that its new people carrier offers a choice of 100 different seating set-ups. I couldn't come up with anything like that number - but you get the general idea. In a vehicle a little over three inches longer than a small hatchback, with the same wheelbase as an estate car, you get versatility on wheels.

The spacious, user-friendly cabin of the Premacy has rear seats which recline, fold-up into useful tables, or can be taken out.

They weigh just over 26lbs and removing the centre rear seat allows the seats to slide inwards creating more space for rear passengers.

Now I hope this doesn't sound too van-like, because the reality of life on the road in the air-conditioned Premacy is a large car ride and luxurious interior.

Despite its clever use of space it delivers excellent handling and response regardless of the number of passengers or luggage carried.

The Premacy has three trim options - GXi, GXi with sunroof and GSi.

If there is a grumble it is the long movement on the gearstick, which can become wearing in stop-start city traffic.

You can get round this with automatic transmission, but it is available only on the GSi.

There are two petrol 1.8-litre engines - a 100 horsepower unit in the GXi and a 115 horsepower fitted to the GSi test model. A direct injection turbodiesel will be available from this month in the GXi.

Low insurance groups ensure good running costs for the new Mazda Premacy - group six for the GXi and group seven for the GSi.

On the safety front, the Premacy comes with front and side airbags, with an airbag cut-off system which detects when the passenger seat is empty or when a Mazda childseat is installed.

All seats in the Mazda Premacy have three-point seatbelts and headrests; driver and front passenger seatbelts have pre-tensioners.

Every model is also equipped with an advanced electronic anti-lock braking system, which optimises braking to the front and rear wheels to compensate for varying loads.

A traction control system is also standard on the new GSi model, cutting wheelspin and boosting stability on slippery surfaces or under hard acceleration.

Back on the practical side again, loading is easy as the low floor is just over 23in off the ground.

Four hooks hold the cargo securely in place and with the front passenger seat folded it can carry objects up to 2.6m inside.

With the seats folded, the new Premacy will carry, for example, two full-sized mountain bikes.

With five people on board the new Premacy can still carry plenty of luggage with extra storage and a 12-volt power socket behind panels in the load area.

There are two cup holders in the front and two in the rear, and a large glovebox.

Prices for the Premacy start at £14,375 and like every Mazda, the vehicle is covered by a three-year/60,000 mile warranty.

Story date: Wednesday 09 February

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.