MAZDA INTRODUCES A SMARTER MINIVAN

2000 Mazda MPV has Smart Design, Smart Features and Smart Size

NEW YORK - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) 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 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 MPV's smart shape gives it a drag coefficient of just 0.33 Cd.

The dramatic exterior styling also carries over to the interior, highlighted by a rounded instrument panel and V-shaped center console, emulating the shape of Mazda's "winged-M" brand symbol and putting all controls within easy reach of the driver and front passenger.

Styled at Mazda's Hiroshima, Japan design center, 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, easy to operate and most important, trouble-free. 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 provide optimum road visibility and maneuverability, making the MPV easy to drive and park. Although the 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 cup 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 best-in-class at 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 a class-leading 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 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 rear and a rear subwoofer with a built-in 80-watt amp, this sound system delivers world-class 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 160 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.

Braking is by 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 on 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 MPV: DX, LX and ES. Although the DX model is the least expensive, it is well equipped with all the style, versatility and 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, driver seat lifter 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 trim interior, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, in-dash six-disc CD changer with 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 MPV will arrive in dealership showrooms beginning early July. Pricing has not been finalized, but will be very competitive with other minivans in the segment.