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Mazda MPV Review

February 2006
Filed under: MAZDA Car News | MAZDA Headlines

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Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the fully redesigned Mazda MPV goes on sale today at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan. The MPV was originally introduced to the Japanese market in January 1990 as its first genuine minivan and since then it has taken a leading role in the minivan segment thanks to its advanced packaging and high level of functionality. Among other popular features, prior generation MPVs were known for their spacious cabins and this third-generation MPV's innovative packaging has been further evolved. With its innovative design and improved driving performance, it has achieved superb environmental compatibility at the forefront of its time. More than a user-friendly and stylish minivan, the MPV's dynamic performance and maneuverability refinements have made it Mazda's next-generation people mover, a "minivan with the soul of a sports car."

Product outline of the new MPV



1. Design innovation


A next-generation people mover with innovative proportions and a high-quality, comfortable cabin atmosphere.

- The new MPV's low floor is used as a base for three rows of seats, situated within the long wheelbase, in a layout that permits every occupant to sit in a comfortable position. The vehicle's four wheels are positioned toward the far corners of the body to realize low and wide proportions.

- The exterior design has a strong visual presence due to the front shape, which conveys a sense of solidity, incorporating dynamically styled vertical front headlights, and prominent wheel arches that tighten up and define the exterior's side view.

- There are two exterior designs available: the "Modern Appearance Package" that's chic and contemporary aesthetic and the "Sports Appearance Package" that emphasizes an aggressive and sportier image.

- With the interior design, indirect lighting is utilized to match the panel switches that have been designed with uniform touch sensitivity, enhancing the high quality cabin atmosphere. Two exterior design packages are offered: "High Style" and "Sports Style."
- There are nine body colors available in total with two new colors, "Cosmic Black Mica" and "Sparkling Gold Mica."

2. Driving-dynamics innovation


The MPV combines a minivan's cabin space with a sports car's posture and upgraded driving performance.

- The new MPV is powered by the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, which is the only turbo engine that meets the 2005 emissions standard 75% reduction level (SU-LEV) in Japan. This engine is tuned for use in a minivan, generating higher torque that matches that of a larger displacement V-6 engine. In addition, it is more eco-friendly than larger V-6 engines, achieving 10.2 km/liter in 10-15 fuel consumption mode (FWD models), complying with the 2005 emission standard 75% reduction level and achieving class-leading environmental compatibility. Because the inline four-cylinder engine is lighter, front weight is reduced, contributing to better handling performance.

- The turbo engine and four-wheel drive models feature the newly developed, electrically controlled six-speed 'Activematic' transmission.

- The newly engineered, high rigidity bodyshell consists of MacPherson struts in the front and a multilink rear suspension, exceeding the performance of conventional minivans in handling performance, and delivering a flat, steady-feeling ride.

- Turbo engine models employ 17-inch ventilated disk brakes that are commonly used in sports cars.

- For a premium quality interior space where all occupants can comfortably enjoy music or conversation, top class sound insulation is used to reduce road noise.

3. Packaging innovation


The new MPV is a further evolution of the innovative packaging seen in earlier-generation MPV's.

- With a class-leading long wheelbase of 2,950mm, interior comfort is dramatically improved for each occupant, realizing a cabin space where all occupants relax when the vehicle is in motion.

- A low floor, and large, class-leading 785mm-wide sliding doors promote ease of ingress and egress.

- The second-row seats have been newly designed for optimal ergonomics, with 'Super Relax Seats' available as a factory-installed option. Each seat has a seat cushion tilt mechanism; a longitudinally adjustable ottoman; a large head restraint with a swing function, which combines to reduce the ergonomic burden on passengers' muscles and enhance blood circulation, providing a feeling of first-class comfort.

- The third-row seats can be folded forward due to a 60:40 split design in one simple operation, and there is a large under trunk where everyday items can be stowed regardless of the seat arrangements. Consequently, practical utility and operability have been significantly improved.

- A premium audio system, jointly developed by Bose® and Mazda, and an HDD navigation system that is compatible with Mazda G-BOOK ALPHA telematics technology, provides the new Mazda MPV with an array of entertainment systems.

4. Improved safety features and environmental compatibility


This next-generation people mover has leading edge safety technologies and boasts innovative environmental compatibility that befits the demands of its time

- Mazda's own Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System offers passive safety protection and overall body rigidity, and disperses and absorbs energy in the event of collision to reduce the level of cabin deformation. This system has been optimized to suit minivan characteristics.

- The newest advanced safety technologies (AST), which consists of the Mazda "Precrash Safety System" (for the 23T grade)--a state-of-the-art collision prediction technology; the "Adaptive Front Lighting System" that promotes a driver's visibility at night when a vehicle is cornering by turning the headlights' beam, depending on the steering direction; a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that installs curtain & front side airbags to provide added protection to passengers sitting in all three rows of seats, are available as options.

- Better protection of pedestrians is furnished through an enlarged clearance gap between the hood and the engine, with a crushable structure employed in the cowl grille, designed to increase force dispersal in the event of a vehicle-pedestrian collision.

- Polypropylene is extensively used for parts due to its excellent recyclability, with materials compliant with ISO standards and compound materials now easier to separate, allowing Mazda to achieve at least 90 percent recyclability of the new MPV. Meanwhile, use of potentially hazardous chemical substances, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium has been drastically reduced. Also, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions have been significantly reduced during the coating process.

- All grades are certified for SU-LEV (the 2005 emission standard 75% reduction level). In addition, they exceed the 2010 fuel economy standard by 5% and thus meet the "Green Tax" standard, Japan's tax-reduction regulations for eco-friendly vehicles.

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