Skip to main content

October 7, 2003

'Mazda MPV' Receives Stylish Upgrade

- Exterior and interior enhancements, improved handling, comfort, and emissions performance -

Mazda Motor Corporation has extensively upgraded its popular MPV minivan. Boasting a range of easy-to-use features, the enhanced models go on sale today at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The latest exterior enhancements are based on two distinctive designs-a sporty aero model and a standard model with a European feel. Restyled seat fabric, along with a new decorative center panel and door trim panels create a sporty and refined interior space. The sliding mechanism on the second row seats has also been revised to ensure increased passenger comfort. Furthermore, a new four-speed automatic transmission is employed in 2.3L front wheel drive models to deliver significantly improved fuel efficiency and emissions performance.

The MPV, known for its stylish appearance, flexible seat arrangements and electric dual sliding doors, is a genuine minivan that clearly expresses Mazda's brand image. The latest enhancements build on the strengths of previous models while emphasizing the vehicle's sporty image to differentiate it from competitors and offer greater choices for customers.

The monthly sales target for the MPV is set at 2,500 units.


Mazda MPV 'Aeroremix' V6 3.0L

Major Modifications and Equipment
1. Two distinctive exterior designs
The VS, Aeroremix and Sports grades (aero models) are designed to create a sporty appearance while G and B grades (standard models) have an exquisite European feel. All grades have restyled aluminum wheels that appear one size larger due to a rimless design. In addition, aero models receive a stylish large diameter exhaust pipe for a high quality look.

2. Sporty, fresh and refined interior
Interior trim has been upgraded with an extended fabric area and soft padded front door arm rests. A sporty three-spoke steering wheel has also been added. The VS and Aeroremix grades receive chrome-plated interior handles on the sliding doors and chrome-plated instrument rings for a more stylish appearance. Aeroremix and B grades feature a sophisticated black interior, while the VS, Sports, and G grades have a beige interior. Enhanced seat fabric comes in three types: punched leather in the VS, glossy moquette in the Aeroremix and flat woven material for the other grades. The decorative center panel and door trim panels have been enlarged and come in either a wood-grain (VS and Sports grades) or a silver-carbon finish (Aeroremix). B and G grades feature a black center panel with door trim panels to match the interior.

3. Advanced KARAKURI seat
Second row seats (excluding B grade) are designed to slide sideways in both directions and the rear sliding range has been extended by 60mm to provide increased passenger comfort. The third row seat features an improved design to facilitate folding and unfolding. Front door pockets with bottle holders are another useful addition. The rear heater vent has been repositioned to improve heating efficiency and comfort level for passengers in the second and third rows.

4. Enhanced four-speed automatic transmission, brakes, and suspension deliver improved driving performance
The new four-speed automatic transmission employed in 2.3L front wheel drive versions deliver top level fuel efficiency through 1) a three-speed lock-up system, 2) clutch slip control system and 3) reduced size and weight achieving 11.6km per liter in 10/15 mode. Furthermore, the five-speed automatic transmission employed in the 3.0L V6 versions results in reduced cabin noise.
The VS, Aeroremix and Sports grades are equipped with 15-inch ventilated disc brakes on both front and rear wheels to deliver top class braking performance. The suspension has also been improved to complement the enhanced braking ability.

5. Improved environmental performance
Equipped with a new four-speed automatic transmission, the 2.3L front wheel drive models are U-LEV (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) certified and eligible for a special tax reduction under the Green Tax plan. In addition, 2.3L four wheel drive models meet E-LEV (Excellent-Low Emission Vehicle) standards.

6. Available in nine body colors
Blue Pacific Mica, Laser Blue Metallic, Titanium Grey Metallic II, and Arctic White have been added to the existing color range of Classic Red, Sunlight Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Platinum Silver Metallic and Snow Flake White Pearl Mica.*
* Only available for VS, Aeroremix and Sports grades

Other modifications
1. Electric remote fuel door opener
To allow easy opening of the fuel door a remote switch has been located on the instrument panel in VS grade vehicles. The main switch for the sliding doors and other switches in the rear of the vehicle have also been redesigned to ensure easy operation.

2. Parallel Parking Support System
The rear monitor (factory-installed option) is equipped with a parallel parking support system which displays a projected parking orbit in response to steering wheel input and provides voice guidance.

3. Enhanced AV System
All grades come with a radio unit that is compatible with the popular MP3CD player (dealer option). The ever-popular rear entertainment system with 5.1ch sound function provides realistic sound throughout the cabin with a center speaker and a decoder amplifier.

4. Lowered suspension
The popular Aeroremix features a lowered suspension that accentuates its athletic and sporty appearance.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (without tax) (Unit:1,000 yen)
Grade Engine Drive Transmission Retail Price
VS V6 3.0L DOHC FWD 5EC-AT 3,000
Inline 4 cylinder 2.3L DOHC 4WD 4EC-AT 3,100
Aeroremix V6 3.0L DOHC FWD 5EC-AT 2,620
Inline 4 cylinder 2.3L DOHC FWD 4EC-AT 2,350
4WD 2,550
Sports Inline 4 cylinder 2.3L DOHC FWD 4EC-AT 2,290
4WD 2,490
G Inline 4 cylinder 2.3L DOHC FWD 4EC-AT 2,190
4WD 2,390
B Inline 4 cylinder 2.3L DOHC FWD 4EC-AT 2,100
- VS, Aeroremix and Sports grades are available in Snow Flake White Pearl Mica for an additional 30,000 yen.
close