Mazda Motor Corporation today unveiled the new Mazda MPV, a minivan that has wide customer following for its stylish exterior and flexible seat arrangement. The upgraded MPV goes on sale today at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.
The new Mazda MPV is the first of Mazda's new generation of vehicles to receive Mazda's newly developed MZR in-line four-cylinder 2,300cc DOHC engine. It is also available with the MZI V6 3,000cc DOHC engine. Both provide enhanced sporty and dynamic performance. Mazda has led the development of the new in-line four-cylinder engine for the Ford Group. The Ford Group will use versions of the engine globally, building approximately 1,500,000 units in Ford group plants worldwide.
The new MPV is equipped with an enhanced rear entertainment system, electric sliding doors on both sides and collapsible center table (all are optional). The result is an MPV that provides more fun and functionality for all passengers. MPV marketing communication will also be the first in Japan to carry Mazda's new brand message "Zoom-Zoom" (a phrase described to capture the love of motion experienced as a child) and the famous Zoom-Zoom music.
The upgraded Mazda MPV incorporates the following changes.
Two new engines that make the "Zoom-Zoom" concept a reality
The MPV is available with either Mazda's newly developed MZR in-line four-cylinder 2,300 cc DOHC engine or the MZI V6 3,000 cc DOHC engine. Both delivers a powerful driving performance.
Dynamic and "Zoom-Zoom" driving experience
The version equipped with the MZI engine also comes with five-speed automatic transmission. Improvements in dynamic performance, maneuverability, and silent operation provide the driver with a superbly responsive and satisfying ride.
Lively, sporty design
The new front grille, aerodynamic bumpers, and headlights reflect Mazda's design DNA concept and create a sporty exterior look that is both refined and powerful.
Plenty of interior functionality
The upgraded MPV boasts a host of convenient features, including newly developed electric sliding doors that open and close at the touch of a button, and a collapsible center table. The new rear entertainment system enables passengers in the back seat to enjoy the TV images received by the navigation system situated at the front.
Improved safety and environmental friendliness
All FF drive models equipped with the MZR engine qualify for the Japanese government's "green" reduction in the automobile tax rate. The rear seats are also equipped with ISO-FIX top-tether child seat mounting anchors.
Monthly sales of 4,000 units are anticipated.
Mazda MPV V6 3.0L 'MZI' Sports (w/optional
equipment)
[Major Changes to the Mazda MPV]
| 1. Powertrain |
| - |
The newly designed MZR 2.3L 16-valve DOHC
engine is destined to become Mazda's next-generation
standard. Innovations such as the variable
induction system (VIS), which provides the
optimum air intake charging effect, matched
to the engine revs, make for superior dynamic
performance and economy. Front-wheel-drive
models of the MPV equipped with the MZR engine,
which is certified by the Japanese government's
"low emissions: good" ranking,
meet the fuel efficiency standard for 2010.
The MZR combines excellent practical performance
with low emissions. This qualifies for tax
reductions under the Green Taxation plan.* |
| - |
The new MZI V6 3.0L 24-valve DOHC engine is powerful and equipped with the intake manifold communication control (IMCC) that constantly maintains the charging efficiency to match engine revs. This results in a maximum torque of nearly 90% from the low-rev range of 2,000rpm upward. Excellent torque is maintained throughout the entire range from low to high speeds. Fuel economy is good with regular gasoline and emissions performance is excellent and has been certified as a 'good: low emission vehicle' by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Finally, strengthened rigidity between the engine and transmission reduces engine noise. |
| - |
Models equipped with the MZI V6 3.0L DOHC engine also feature the Mazda's newly developed electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission system (5EC-AT). It provides precise shift control to ensure that the appropriate amount of drive power is available under all driving conditions and provide a smoother, more pleasant ride. |
| |
MZI V6 3.0L engine |
MZR in-line four-cylinder 2.3L engine |
| Total displacement |
2,967cc |
2,260cc |
| Maximum output (net) |
145kw (197PS)/6,300rpm |
2WD: 120kw (163PS)/6,000rpm
4WD: 117kw (159PS)/6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque (net) |
267Nm (27.2kg-m)/4,750rpm |
2WD: 208 Nm (21.2kg-m)/4,500rpm
4WD: 207 Nm (21.1kg-m)/4,500rpm |
| * |
Green Taxation Plan is a tax deduction program
which applies for the new cars registered
by 31st March 2003 and is certified by the
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Car owners pay less vehicle acquisition tax
(For privately owned car - 15,000 yen less)
as well as pay less Car tax (For good-low
emission vehicle, 13% less Car tax for two
years from the year of registration). |
| 2. Chassis |
| - |
The new MPV includes a number of changes and improves maneuvering stability. Changes include increased rigidity of the body and suspension, reduced damper attenuation, and smoother front damper. In addition, L-shaped coil springs provide just the right amount of center axis tilt. |
| - |
The new model carries larger front disc brakes
--16 inches (Sports and VS models) with a
tandem vacuum booster configuration. This
ensures stable control regardless of the
load size, the number of passengers, or the
road conditions. |
| 3. Quietness |
| - |
Through skillful placement of noise damping material, the soundproofing of the engine compartment has been improved. Also, sound damping covers have been added to the openings for the steering shaft and various electrical harnesses. The overall result is a quieter interior environment. |
| 4. Sporty Exterior |
| - |
MPV gains an even more lively exterior design through newly worked front and rear bumpers, headlights, rear combination lamps, and aluminum wheels. |
| - |
Features such as the sharper five-point grille and discharge headlamp (optional on all models except for B) give the front a sportier look. |
[Newly Developed Highly Luminescent Paint]
Two new body colors are available that use newly developed highly luminescent paint: Celion Silver Metallic and Greek Blue Metallic. The aluminum particles line up flat when the paint dries to create the metallic finish and the newly developed clearcoat suppresses random light reflection off the paint surface. The result is a heightened shadowing effect and an image of creater body solidity.
| 5. Equipment |
| - |
To improve ingress and egress, the MPV's the popular sliding doors are now powered by electric motors and equipped on both sides. They can be opened and closed easily using switches located near the driver's seat and in the rear passenger compartment, using the keyless ignition system's remote controller switch, or by operating the door handles (option on G, Sports, and VS FF drive models). |
| - |
One of the useful convenience functions is an easy-to-operate collapsible center table that is 480 mm long from front to back (and can be extended in the back by a further 120mm) and when stowed away leaves the rear compartment free for passengers to walk through (option on all models except the B). Other convenient features include improved seatback tables on the second row of passenger seats, seatback assist grips on both sides, and hooks for holding shopping bags. |
| [Enhanced Rear Entertainment System] |
| - |
The rear entertainment system is linked to the front navigation system. The rear video display can be used to view screens from the navigation system or TV programs, received on the front navigation system. |
| - |
Audio control switches are mounted on the steering wheel to allow the driver to make adjustments to the audio system settings while driving. |
| 6. Safety |
| - |
The electric sliding doors on both sides of the MPV are equipped with a safety mechanism that prevents the doors from opening unless the vehicle is stopped and one of the following three conditions are met: 1. the brake pedal is applied, 2. the parking brake is engaged, or 3. the automatic transmission shifter is in the PARK position. In addition, if something (such as a hand or an arm) blocks the door when it is closing, it immediately reverses to prevent any possibility of injury. |
| - |
The second row of seats (left and right) are equipped with ISO-FIX child seat anchors. There are also top-tether anchors to enable secure mounting of compatible child seats. |
| - |
On models equipped with FF drive, engine output is controlled by a computer to prevent wheel spin. A traction control system maintains the drive power of the front wheels to ensure stable handling even on slippery road surfaces. |
| Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (Excluding
Tax) |
(Unit: 1,000 yen) |
| Engine |
Drive |
Grade |
Nationwide retail price |
| MZR in-line 4-cylinder 2.3L DOHC |
FF |
B |
2,098 |
| G |
2,198 |
| Sports |
2,358 |
| 4WD |
G |
2,398 |
| Sports |
2,648 |
| VS |
2,948 |
| MZI V-6 3.0L DOHC |
FF |
Sports |
2,568 |
| VS |
2,898 |
* All models are cold region specification
vehicles.
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