Mazda's Top Of The Line Millenia Sports 1997 Refinements

11/14/96

What's new with Mazda's $28,000 luxury model Millenia for 1997? A revised and improved headlight design, 16 inch alloy wheels on the L version, a hopped up final drive ratio for improved performance, and an award from J.D. Power for quality assembly. The Millenia is one of those smaller luxury cars that doesn't seem to offer a whole lot of interior and trunk space at first glance, but crawl into the seating space and start piling stuff in the trunk . . . It has plenty of room, and at 30 grand it had better be plush. It is . . . and it has very good performance, especially the S model with the Miller cycle engine that puts out 210 hp. It's a V6, 2.3 liter DOHC with Lysholm compressor and dual intercoolers. The S also has electronic traction control. As stated, the S is the fun model with a lot of steam, almost no torque steer, subtle ride. With four wheel disc binders ABS, it can really be called a performance sedan. Highway speeds of well over 120 mph in cruise control are yours for the asking, and with seemingly very slight engine and driving effort. The one we tested had a moonroof, heated seats, AM/FM/Cassette/CD audio system. Fuel economy is 20 city and 28 highway, and Mazda also has a three-year roadside assistance program.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel