You have to give Mazda credit for taking a risk with its all-new 2000 MPV minivan. After all, not only is it going against the flow of today's perceived wisdom about size, it has also abandoned the door configuration that made it unique.
On that latter point, the MPV will no longer feature the hinged rear doors that it had during its first decade on the market. It will go with the sliders that are now the standard of the industry, though it will eschew the next side door trend by not making them power-operated.
As for its dimensions, most of the world sees the need to provide its customers with more room. But, says Richard Beattie, president and CEO of Mazda North America, "With the all-new MPV, the 'mini' is back in style. And since we're not in the business of building big buses, we think customers will find it smart-sized as well." The key idea behind Mazda's restraint in sizing the new MPV has to do with making it feel compact enough to handle easily in urban situations. Other minivans are being enlarged and are now approaching the dimensions of full-size vans, Beattie says. The MPV, on the other hand, has a "short front overhang and expansive glass area that provide optimum road visibility and maneuverability, making the MPV easy to drive and park." The trick is to do that and still have enough interior volume to handle the regular demands put on these vehicles.
Beattie says the new MPV is a short-wheelbase minivan with interior space nearly comparable to a long-wheelbase minivan. "Clever interior design and packaging have resulted in a spacious, highly functional interior," he says, "offering a generous amount of convenient, built-in storage compartments and a multitude of beverage holders." Front seat occupants get 10 built-in storage compartments, including an overhead console, a large glove box with 7-liter capacity, a storage tray under the front passenger's seat, front door pockets, a coin box and a large storage box that holds up to 12 CDs in the center console. The center console also houses dual slide-out cupholders with an integrated ashtray, Beattie says, and they hold everything from juice boxes to super-sized containers. The second-row seat has pull-out dual cupholders, while a holder for plastic drink bottles is located in the trim panel of each sliding door. On LX and ES grade models, the front passenger's seat includes a large seatback pocket. Third row denizens can use the dual cupholders in each side of the rear quarter panel trim, and there's a covered storage compartment integrated into the armrest on the left side quarter panel trim as well as a 12-volt accessory socket that's good for electronic accessories both inside and outside during tailgate parties. Behind the third-row seat, the well in the floor provides 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space, but that jumps to 54.6 cubic feet when the third-row seat is folded into the floor. Fold the third-row seat and remove the second-row seats and the maximum cargo capacity of 127 cubic feet is reached.
That's Beattie's idea of sizing that's smart, but he also uses the word to describe the 2000 MPV's "class-leading" seating versatility and dual sliding doors with power windows. Beattie makes a big deal of the dual sliding doors with the power windows, and he's probably right that having windows that open in the back is a good thing. Not having power sliders (even optionally) is another matter altogether, one that he tries to counteract by claiming that MPV's doors are light and easy to operate. "The slide rails are mounted with a two-degree slant toward the front," Beattie says, "greatly reducing the force required to close the doors." The fact that this would seem to make it harder to open the doors he does not mention.
What will be easy to use are the "side-by-slide" removable second row seats in the 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," Beattie maintains. 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, which allows people to sit with their legs out the back when the rear door is open.
The MPV's climate control system includes a micron air filter and optional rear air-conditioning and heating with individual climate controls for front and rear passengers. An AM/FM/CD audio system with 100 watts of power and a 4-speaker sound system is standard and an advanced in-dash 6-disc CD changer with a premium 9-speaker sound system is optional. Depowered front air bags are standard equipment on all models and side air bags, located in the outer seatback bolsters, are optional.
Beattie also says the MPV is smart as in stylish. In his opinion, "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 5-point chrome grille, Beattie says, the multi-reflector headlamps and aluminum-vaporized rear combination lamps all add to the MPV's "sophisticated" style. Furthermore, the shape of the rear window reflects the front grille design and improves rearward visibility.
Power for all this comes from a new high-tech, low maintenance 2.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with 170-horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. Beattie says a variable air intake system allows this lightweight and compact engine to deliver exceptional low- and mid-range torque through a 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transaxle.
MPV was always known for its car-like ride and Mazda hopes to hang on to that feeling, Beattie says, with "An ideal diagonal roll axis that 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," he says. "The compliant, independent front suspension offers exceptional handling stability and ride comfort," Beattie claims. "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 2000 MPV gets 11-inch ventilated disc brakes in the front but only 10-inch drums in the rear. Beattie explains that the optional 4-wheel anti-lock brakes include 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, Beattie says, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels are optional on DX and LX models. Sixteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels are available as an option on LX models and are standard on ES models. MPV for 2000 will come in DX, LX and ES trims, Beattie says, and although the DX is the least expensive it comes with dual stabilizer bars, power steering, front air conditioning, a 4-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 2000 MPV will arrive in dealership showrooms beginning in July.