While its great to have 200 ponies under the hood of a minivan -- and at times essential given the seven-passenger capacity of the MPV -- I couldn't help but notice a buzzy engine sound at highway speed. This is not unique to Mazda products, though much more acceptable in a two-seat Miata than a passenger-friendly minivan. One last thing about the engine -- highway gas consumption has gotten worse compared to last year's model, from 9.6 to 9.8 L/100km (31 mpg to 29 mpg).
Fuel economy in the city though, where most of us drive, has improved from 13.6 to 13.1 L/100 km (17.3 to 18.0 mpg).
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| The MPV's power rear doors can be controlled by switches on the keyless remote, dashboard or doorframe. (Photo: Mazda) |
The aforementioned power-operated rear doors are available on LX models and are included among the standard features in top-line ES trim. Both doors may be opened or closed by switches on the keyless-entry remote control, by a dashboard-mounted switch, or by switches located on the inside of the doorframes. Obstacle sensing detectors are designed to stop the door from closing on little fingers, and from what I could tell work pretty well. A master switch on the dashboard will disconnect the power function allowing for the doors to be opened and closed manually.
In this age of obesity and sloth, power-side doors may seem an unnecessary feature, but when you consider many minivan owners are hauling around at least a couple of kids, anything that makes getting them in and out a little easier must be a good thing.
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| The ES model recieves a premium dash-mounted six-disc CD audio system with nine speakers, while the other models have a single disc CD player and four speakers. (Photo: Mazda) |
Mazda's modular audio system, with AM/FM/CD, four-speakers and steering wheel mounted controls is standard on all 2003 MPVs. LX trim levels receive an upgraded unit with a cassette player, while the ES version receives the premium six-disc in-dash CD changer and 9-speakers.
