Mazda Introduces a Smarter Minivan
2000 Mazda MPV has Smart Design, Smart Features and Smart Size
NEW YORK, March 31, 1999 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO)
today unveiled the next-generation Mazda MPV at the New York International
Auto Show. "With the all-new MPV, the 'mini' is back in style," said Richard
Beattie, president and CEO of MNAO. "We think the MPV is 'smarter' than other
minivans because of features like class-leading seating versatility and dual
sliding doors with power windows. And since we're not in the business of
building big buses, we think customers will find it smart-sized as well."
Smart as in stylish, the new Mazda MPV delivers on image and style.
Insightful design makes the MPV the most distinctive minivan on the road.
Slanted D-pillars and liftgate convey the MPV's sportiness, while sculpted
bodysides create a stylish silhouette. The five-point chrome grille, multi-
reflector headlamps and aluminum-vaporized rear combination lamps add to the
MPV's sophisticated style. The shape of the rear window reflects the front
grille design and improves rearward visibility.
The dramatic exterior styling also carries over to the interior,
highlighted by a rounded instrument panel and V-shaped center console, with
all controls within easy reach of the driver and front passenger.
Styled with input from all four of Mazda's R&D centers -- Irvine, Calif.,
Frankfurt, Germany, and Yokohama and Hiroshima, Japan, the new MPV follows
Mazda's new "Contrast in Harmony" corporate design philosophy which blends
contrasting design elements such as soft and sharp, light and shadow and
static and dynamic. At the front, creases run across the curved hood. Bold
fender flares create a wide profile and contrast with sharp contours and a
character line. The sliding door tracks are hidden in the window channels for
a clean, smart look.
With the all-new MPV, Mazda introduces the first dual sliding doors with
power windows in its class. The MPV's doors are light and easy to operate.
The slide rails are mounted with a two-degree slant toward the front, greatly
reducing the force required to close the doors.
Other smart features include "side-by-slide" removable second row seats
(LX and ES models). By moving both fore/aft and side to side, the side-by-
slide design offer the advantages of both captain's chairs and a bench seat.
The tumble-under third-row seat folds flat into the floor, and features a
tailgate function, allowing the seat to flip over to face rearward, perfect
for family picnics or tailgate parties.
The 2000 Mazda MPV is "smart-sized," challenging the bigger-is-better
trend that has seen some minivans approach the size of full-size passenger
vans. Its short front overhang and expansive glass area provide optimum road
visibility and maneuverability, making the MPV easy to drive and park.
Although the new MPV is a short-wheelbase minivan, its interior space is
nearly comparable to a long-wheelbase minivan.
Clever interior design and packaging has resulted in a spacious, highly
functional interior, offering a generous amount of convenient, built-in
storage compartments and a multitude of beverage holders. For front seat
occupants there are 10 convenient, built-in storage compartments, including an
overhead console, large glove box with seven-liter capacity, storage tray
under the front passenger's seat, front door pockets, a coin box and a large
storage box that holds up to 12 compact discs in the center console. The
center console also houses a slide-out cup holder with integrated ashtray.
These dual adjustable cup holders hold everything from juice boxes to super-
sized cups.
Second-row passengers also have a number of drink holders. The second-row
seat has a pull-out dual cup holder, while a holder for plastic drink bottles
is located in the trim panel of each sliding door. On LX and ES models, the
front passenger's seat includes a large seatback pocket.
There are four more cup holders in the third row. Each side of the rear
quarter panel trim houses dual cup holders. Additionally, a covered storage
compartment is integrated into the armrest on the left side quarter panel
trim. The rear quarter panel trim also includes a 12-volt accessory socket
for using electronic accessories both inside and outside during tailgate
parties.
Behind the third-row seat, the deep well in the floor provides 17.2 cubic
feet of cargo space. When the third-row seat is folded into the floor, cargo
space is 54.6 cubic feet (53.7 with rear A/C). For runs to the home
improvement warehouse, folding the third-row seat and removing the second-row
seats yields 127 cubic feet in cargo capacity.
The MPV's HVAC and audio system controls are integrated in the center of
the instrument panel. The HVAC system includes a micron air filter and
optional rear air-conditioning and heating with individual climate controls
for front and rear passengers. The second- and third-row passengers are
cooled by vents in the ceiling and warmed by ducts in the floor. Separate
vents for each passenger ensure that air-conditioning performance in the rear
is every bit as good as the front.
Optionally available in the new MPV is an advanced in-dash six-disc CD
changer with premium nine-speaker sound system. With a high-performance
amplifier, two tweeters in front, two tweeters in the rear and a rear
subwoofer with a built-in 80-watt amp, this sound system delivers exceptional
audio performance and sound quality. An AM/FM/CD audio system with 100 watts
of power and a four-speaker sound system is standard.
Driver and front passenger supplemental restraint system (SRS) depowered
airbags are standard equipment on all models. Additionally, optional SRS side
airbags, located in the outer seatback bolsters, protect front seat passengers
in the event of a side impact.
For a rewarding driving experience, the MPV features a new high-tech, low
maintenance 2.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 engine with 170-horsepower and
165 ft-lb of torque. A variable air intake system allows this lightweight and
compact engine to deliver exceptional low- and mid-range torque. A durable,
smooth-shifting four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transaxle is
standard. Fuel economy is 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway.
An ideal diagonal roll axis gives the new MPV excellent roadholding,
smooth initial roll movements, linear steering response and high-speed
stability. With front-wheel drive, MacPherson struts and standard dual
stabilizer bars, the MPV is a true driver's minivan. The compliant,
independent front suspension offers exceptional handling stability and ride
comfort. The compact and lightweight torsion beam axle rear suspension
effectively minimizes camber and toe changes, providing a stable ride even
when the vehicle is loaded. Additionally, engine-speed-sensing power rack-
and-pinion steering provides quick, responsive handling.
The new MPV features 11-inch front ventilated discs and 10-inch drum
brakes in the rear. The optional four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
includes an electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) system that modifies
the braking force of the rear brakes depending on vehicle load, road
conditions and vehicle speed for shorter stopping distances when fully loaded
with passengers and cargo. The EBFD system increases hydraulic pressure
applied to the rear brakes when harder braking is required, and decreases
hydraulic pressure when less braking force is needed. To enhance the MPV's
sporty appearance, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels are optionally available on
DX and LX models. Sixteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels are available as an
option on LX models and are standard on ES models.
Mazda even put the spare tire in a smart place by stowing it curbside,
underneath the vehicle rather than inside or under the rear end like other
minivans.
Mazda offers customers a choice of three trim levels on the new MPV: DX,
LX and ES. Although the DX model is the least expensive, it is well-equipped
with all the practicality of the ES model. It includes standard features like
dual stabilizer bars, power steering, front air conditioning, a four-speaker
AM/FM/CD audio system and tilt steering column. The LX model adds power front
and rear windows and door locks, heated power mirrors, and privacy glass. ES
models add the following standard features: an ignition immobilizer system,
alarm, keyless remote entry system, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped
steering wheel, wood grain interior trim, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels,
premium nine-speaker sound system and front side airbags.
Options include a DX power package, an LX security package, an LX touring
package, a four seasons package and a GFX appearance package. The optional
GFX package includes fog lights, front and rear spoilers and aerodynamic side
sills. A power glass moonroof is a stand-alone option.
The new MPV will arrive in dealership showrooms beginning in July.
Pricing has not been finalized, but will be very competitive with other
minivans in the segment.
Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the research and
development, sales and marketing, and customer parts and service support of
Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO
has approximately 800 dealerships nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor
Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan.
