Mazda MPV minivan restructured with 'smart-sized' packaging
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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RIVERVILLE, Va. -- We bumped the front tires of a new minivan from Mazda over thick planks which led up a short ramp to the wooden deck of a narrow barge known around backwater regions of Virginia as the Hatton Ferry.
This historic flat boat, tethered to a steel cable stretched across the waterway, relied on the muscle of two men armed with long poles pushed against a rocky riverbed to move us slowly but surely over swift and rippling currents on the James River.
Crossing the James by manpower afforded a few moments to step on deck and examine the exterior lines of our minivan parked on the ferry.
Rising tall and stretching beyond two sliding side doors, this latest design for the MPV appeared graceful and smooth with a windswept prow etched in twin creases which flowed up from the chrome-ringed grille over a crimped nose to corners of the severely raked windshield. On each side, vertical lines canted slightly inward as sharp corners faded into rounded edges to disguise an otherwise boxy form.
The particular MPV test vehicle -- a deluxe ES edition equipped with a GFX decorative package applying aerodynamic low sills on sides as well as front and rear spoilers and a pair of foglamps on the face -- looked rather aggressive in a sporty style which counterposed the usual bland image of a carpooling minivan.
Road tests conducted along winding Virginia back roads had already revealed that the MPV did not drive or handle with bland manners like the typical minivan. Instead, it responded with precise movements and wiggled around curves in an agile fashion to define a sporty character.
Can a minivan have a sporty personality?
Apparently, designers at Mazda believe that's possible, since the new MPV feels exuberant and expressive to operate. It's charged with a crisp edge for all movements, much like other vehicles in Mazda's fleet exhibit fun-to-drive traits.
Acting with a sporty personality isn't the only way the MPV differs from other minivans. It shows off a different approach to minivan design in the size of the package and the way all components mesh together to provide a comfortable and easy-to-like interior environment.
To develop the MPV for model-year 2000, Mazda's designers virtually started over, discarding all aspects of the former MPV, save for the name with its initials still denoting a Multi-Purpose Vehicle.
When the original MPV rolled out in 1988, it also was a radical form in the face of conventional minivan design -- with power sent to rear wheels rather than the front ones and no left-side sliding door but instead a hinged one like those found in a sedan.
The new MPV substitutes sliding rear doors for the former hinged back doors, then directs all engine power to the front wheels.
It measures more than three inches longer than the predecessor MPV, with wheelbase stretched by 1.4 inches and front and rear overhangs abbreviated so wheels mount near the corners of the rectangular platform to set up a stable stance and enhance the handling characteristics.
Overall, it's also slightly wider but shorter than the previous MPV, weighing less and with more room for cargo.
Still, all spatial dimensions for the MPV fall inches short of several large competing minivans, although Mazda's designers underscore this fact in a challenge to the bigger-is-better trend for minivan design by calling their concept "smart-sized" and pointing out that the MPV's size enables it to turn in a concise circle and maneuver deftly in traffic or on crowded parking lots.
The interior seems at first conventional in layout but functions with surprising efficiency due to a variety of clever innovations for seat design as well as storage space and practical livability.
Up front, two tall bucket seats stand between consoles fixed to floor and ceiling. Storage areas show up on both side doors, in a tray concealed beneath the passenger's chair, a generous glove box and slots for coins and CDs.
On the second row, seats above the base DX trim split and slide laterally to form either a continuous bench for two or two stand-alone chairs. Each weighs only 37 pounds and folds compactly with quick releases for easy removal.
The third-row bench, sized for three passengers but more comfortable for two, folds down and disappears into a flat floor with little effort to increase rear cargo space.
&&& It also flips over backward to become a rear-facing bench on the floor for service at tailgate picnics.
&&& Behind this third seat, the floor dips into a below-deck well to increase rear storage capacity. With all seats in place, the cargo room totals to 17 cubic feet, but with the third row concealed in the floor that space expands to 54.6 cubic feet and with second-tier seats removed the volume rises to 127 cubic feet.
&&& To maximize storage space, designers relocated the spare tire beneath the vehicle on the right side.
&&& Safety features extend throughout the MPV, beginning with a strong structural framework with built-in crumple zones in front and back, and frontal air bags for the driver and front passenger, plus optional side air bags.
&&& The MPV's agile attitude and responsive handling attributes constitute another safety asset which enables an alert driver to move the minivan away from danger.
&&& Quick steering action stems from a rack and pinion device with power assistance tied to engine speed.
&&& Front disc brakes with rear drums are also aboard, and MPV issues above the base DX trim also have a computerized anti-lock system.
To motivate the MPV, Mazda built a new aluminum 2.5-liter V6 engine equipped with dual overhead cams and variable air intake.
It produces 170 hp with strong torque in low and mid-level speeds and earns fuel economy figures up to 23 mpg.
Variations include a base MPV unit labeled DX priced at $20,475 (which includes a $480 deliver fee) with the V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, plus air conditioning and a four-speaker sound system tied to an in-dash CD deck. The MPV LX at $22,530 adds power windows, power door locks and heated power mirrors, but the deluxe ES at $26,030 applies leather upholstery, keyless remote entry and alarm system, side air bags, 16-inch alloy wheels and premium sound equipment with nine speakers.
&&& Packaged options range from power controls for DX or touring gear for LX to the GFX appearance items on an ES.
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| 2000 MAZDA MPV VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact minivan
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| Model Options: |
Compact minivan
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| Wheelbase: |
111.8 inches
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| Overall Length: |
187.0 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.5-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4
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| Drive: |
Front
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| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/ABS opt.
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| Airbags: |
2 (front) + opt. 2 (side)
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| Gas Mileage: |
18/23 mpg
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| MSRP Price: |
$ 20,475 to $ 27,000 |
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