REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

An in-between model

Although minivan sales have begun to drop in recent months, it is still profitable - even mandatory - for every builder to make a foray into this particular market niche. This is all the more true since the supremacy of Chrysler’s "Magic Wagon" concept (Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager) seems to be much less threatening than it once was.

If for no other reason, Mazda sees this as a golden opportunity, especially since the card up the corporation’s sleeve is an MPV that was completely revamped recently and like the first-generation MPV, is likely to go to the top of the charts of bestselling "imported" minivans.Forget the shoebox styling of the first-generation MPV. The new model is remarkable for its flowing, aerodynamic lines (Cx: 0.34) and, at long last, side doors that slide just like the competition’s do. And if power doors are out of the question, though most similar models have them, (our doors are lighter, is Mazda ’ s justification), the MPV sets itself apart from the pack by being the first minivan in North America to offer fully operational windows in the rear, the better to accommodate the little ones travelling in those particular seats. A good idea? Yes, provided you don’t opt for the DX package (the least expensive), equipped with a pair of handles that are not very practical if you happen to be travelling with small children. Adults will also have good reason to dislike the DX: its standard equipment doesn’t even include a height- adjustable steering wheel, much less cruise control.

Before we get out the tape measure, remember that the MPV was developed to meet the needs of several different markets, including the North American market where consumers often think that bigger is better. This said, you’ll understand that this new Mazda comes in a slightly smaller size than the rivals it’s being pitted against. No need to dig out your calculators: the MPV does indeed provide less space for second- and third-row seats that the Caravan does. To give you a clearer picture, let’s just say that the MPV’s inside is modelled after the Nissan Quest and, like the latter, it can accommodate six passengers comfortably.

Middle seat passengers can socialize to their hearts’ content since one of the bucket seats (the right-hand one) can be moved along the vehicle’s length, a feature also found on the Honda Odyssey (note: unlike the mechanism found on the Odyssey, the MPV’s seat can be moved even when occupied). And like the Odyssey, the MPV proposes a rear seat that disappears completely under the floor to create a perfectly flat storage space, not to mention the fact that it folds down to offer prime space for two on your next trip to the drive-in movies, for example.

The passenger compartment is as carefully put together as it is versatile: detailed instrumentation, a four-spoke steering wheel with plenty of padding, an emergency brake positioned close to the driver’s right hand - in short, unlike certain models concocted by the competiton, when you climb aboard an MPV you won’t feel as if you’re driving a schoolbus.As far as nuts and boltsare concerned, remember that Mazda traded the greedy 3-litre V6 formerly found under the MPV’s hood for a U.S.-designed 2.5-litre V6. In fact, this V6 is an old acquaintance: it’s none other than Ford’s Duratec V6. Another good thing to know is that the MPV is now an up-front kind of model. In other words, it’s a front-wheel drive while the previous generation came in two configurations: rear-wheel or four-wheel. And speaking of the latter, Mazda indicates that all-wheel drive is out of the question for its new minivan, even if it proved to be the most popular choice for those who bought the previous generation MPV. The MPV is available solely with an automatic 4-speed transmission which, rumour has it, is similar to the unit used to power the 626, except that the slightly balky gearshift lever is mounted on the steering wheel column.

In practise, the 2.5-litre V6 proved to be smooth and energetic… with two people aboard. When the entire family comes too, it’s a whole different story, especially if you happen to be in country that ’ s the least bit hilly. If it is, the V6 is very loud and runs out of steam as soon as you step down hard on the gas pedal. Too bad! The well-balanced MPV chassis deserves a good 30 extra horses.

The light, responsive steering system corners extremely well (especially when the MPV is equipped with 16-inch tires) and can handle traffic problem-free, mostly because of its excellent turning radius (the best in this category) and its resulting agility. As well, the new MPV shows minimal roll and is reassuringly stable. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation which tended to sway at the least breath of wind. Lighter than the model it is destined to replace, the new MPV has more braking power, a plus abetted by a pedal that is easier to work. However, there are three less-positive aspects: stopping the vehicle involves the classic disc-drum combination that fails to capitalize on the MPV’s vaunted braking power allocation, the anti-lock system is available solely on more expensive packages (LX and ES), and lastly, there is no traction control, a feature that is invaluable on slippery surfaces. The front-end suspension is composed of the conventional MacPherson struts, while the rear boasts a torsion bar that provides better stability when the vehicle is fully loaded, and increases the model’s interior room. However there are two sides to every story and said suspension tends to hop when the minivan is driven on poorly paved roads. What’s the final word after this road test of the MPV? First of all, this is a nicely sized minivan, fun to drive and available in a very competitive price range. On the down side, some people will criticize the engine’s marginal performance levels and the lack of certain accessories (power side doors and video equipment) desgned to make using this type of vehicle a much more pleasant and positive experience for families.

PROS
Youthful, exciting styling
Versatile passenger compartment
Driveability

CONS
Marginal V6 performance levels
Lack of some safety features (see article)
 Stubborn shifting

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
 Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * * *

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