| October 13, 1998 |
Mazda Introduces New AZ-Offroad
- A sporty 4x4 offering excellent off-road performance and superb safety features -
Mazda Motor Corporation has introduced the new AZ-Offroad, an off-road type four-wheel-drive models conforming to the new micro-mini vehicles standard. These will be available through the Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.
The concept behind the new AZ-Offroad is "a sporty 4x4 offering excellent off-road performance and superb safety features." Despite being a micro-mini vehicle, it is a true 4WD vehicle combining distinctive styling, high clearance for excellent off-road performance, and the superb safety features of a compact vehicle.
The main features of the new AZ-Offroad are as follows:
| 1. | Despite the small body, it boasts strong, dynamic styling including a front face with large multi-reflector headlights. |
| 2. | Excellent drivability and stable ride on off-road thanks to the high-performance DOHC inter-cooler turbo engine and ladder frame. |
| 3. | Comfortable and versatile interior suitable for many applications, full-trim seats which can be arranged in a variety of configurations, and abundant cargo space. |
| 4. | Excellent safety features, including impact-absorbing highly rigid body with ladder frame and superb visibility thanks to high hip points and side under-mirror. |
New AZ-Offroad Product Summary
1.Strong and dynamic styling
| - | The front face has a distinctive look thanks to multi-reflector halogen headlights offering excellent light distribution properties and a grille built into the hood. |
| - | Stable-looking styling with long wheel base, wide treads, and thick center pillars. |
2.Excellent maneuvering and stable ride on off-road
Engine
| - | The high-performance DOHC inter-cooler turbo engine provides a quick acceleration and delivers comfortable driving at sustained high speeds. |
| Maximum output: 64 ps/6,500 rpm | |
| Maximum torque: 10.8 kg/3,500 rpm | |
| 105 mode fuel consumption: 16.0 km/l (4AT: 14.6 km/l) |
Excellent maneuvering and stable ride
| - | The newly designed ladder frame absorbs shocks when driving on rough roads to provide stable driving performance. The full-floating system, in which mounts are positioned at the joints between the ladder frame and the body, reduces the intensity of the road vibrations transmitted to passengers, ensuring a more comfortable ride. |
| - | A three-link rigid axle arrangement is used for the front and rear suspension systems. This maintains the maximum height at a constant level when driving on uneven road surfaces and increases maneuverability. |
| - | The drive system is a part-time 4WD system that allows switching between 2WD and 4WD modes while the vehicle is in motion. |
| - | Large 16-inch tires also enhance maneuverability. |
3.Comfortable Interior Suitable for a Wide Range of Applications
High-grade interior
| - | The high-grade interior features full trim and a molded roof. |
| - | The quiet interior is enhanced by the flash surfaced body, which helps to reduce wind noise when travelling at high speed. |
Superb utility
| - | The front and rear seats now have larger legroom and the rear seats provide plenty of interior space to ensure adult passengers enjoy a comfortable ride. |
| - | The front seat can be folded down flat and the rear seats have a double-folding mechanism to permit a variety of seat arrangements to suit different needs. |
Comfortable and convenient features
| - | Features provided to maximize comfort and convenience include UV cut glass (front door windows), an anti bacterial air conditioner equipped with a pollen filter, electric windows, and power door-lock. |
| - | The rear quarter and rear gate windows are equipped with dark tinted glass to cut glare. (XC model) |
| - | A floor console container equipped with cup holders, front door pockets and a coin holder, etc., provide plenty of convenient storage space. |
4.Excellent safety features
Impact-absorbing body
| - | The AZ-Offroad features a highly impact-absorbing body with a ladder frame. It provides enhanced safety in the event of a collision by dispersing the energy of the impact throughout the body and frame. |
Superb safety equipment
| - | The "Safety-pack," a set of three safety enhancements - driver-side and passenger-side SRS (*1) airbag systems, four-wheel ABS, and pre-tensioner-equipped seatbelts on the front seats - are available as an option. |
| - | Electromagnetic tension reducers relieve the pressure when the front seatbelts are locked initially. The seatbelts are also equipped with load limiters(*2). |
| . | |
| (*1) SRS: Supplemental Restraint System | |
| (*2) except for models with the "Safety-pack" |
Excellent visibility
| - | An enlarged windshield and high hip points provide superb visibility. Also, the position of the rear spare tire has been lowered to avoid obstructing the driver's field of vision in the rear direction. The left side mirror is equipped with a under-mirror to increase the visibility of the lower portion of the side body. |
| - | The high-mounted stop light does not obstruct the driver's field of vision in the rear direction. (XL model) |
5.Available models
| - | All models are the three-door type. Two grades are available: the basic "XL" and the deluxe "XC" which feature special equipment such as fog lamps, aluminum wheels, and a keyless entry system. |
Suggested Retail Prices (consumption tax not included):
| (In thousand yen) | |||||||||||||||||
|
| * | The cold area version is standard on all models. |
| * | The optional price of the "Safety-pack" is \60,000. |
