Mazda Unveils Freshened MPV in Japan
Improvements include restyled exterior, more advanced driving dynamics and enhanced interior comfort and quality
HIROSHIMA - January 15, 2008: Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch in Japan of the upgraded Mazda MPV minivan. Known for its excellent drivability and sporty dynamic design, the freshened Mazda MPV is available from today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide.
The concept for Mazda’s latest MPV is “+Aggressive, +Luxury.” The refined styling and superb drivability that have become hallmarks of the third generation MPV since its launch in February 2006 have been further evolved. Other enhancements include interior and exterior changes and improved ride quality and comfort.
Extensive new chrome body parts, together with the remodeled upper and lower grilles and bumper, form a bolder and more distinguished front face. The vehicle’s rear combination lights and 18-inch alloy wheels*1 have been redesigned and five fashionable, high quality body colors, including Metropolitan Grey Mica, Diamond Grey Metallic and Lilac Silver Metallic, are newly available.
The interior design maintains the previous version’s sporty image and features newly designed decorative trim and chrome parts that boost quality levels. The slide range of the optional second row ‘Super Relax Seats’ has been extended and a ‘nanoe ion’ air purification system*2 has been adopted as an industry first to increase comfort levels. The interiors of the 23T L Package and 23S L Package model grades have also been fitted with custom sand-beige leather seat covers, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped wood grain-patterned steering wheel.
Vehicle dynamics have been enhanced by installing Mazda’s five-speed automatic transmission*3 as standard equipment on all front-wheel drive (FWD) models with the MZR 2.3L naturally-aspirated engine. This change also improves fuel economy during acceleration and high-speed cruising. The chassis has also been retuned to enhance stability and ride comfort.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Mazda MPV vary from 2,500,000 to 3,600,000 yen (including consumption tax). The target sales volume is 1,200 units a month. Special needs models based on the freshened MPV are also available from today.
*1 Standard on grades equipped with the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine
*2 ‘Nanoe’ is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Works Ltd.
Available as a factory-installed option. Please refer to the factory
installed options list below.
*3 The Mazda MPV was previously equipped with
a four-speed automatic transmission. All four-wheel drive (4WD) and FWD
grades with the direct injection turbocharged engine offer a six-speed
automatic transmission.
Main features of the freshened Mazda MPV
Design
By enhancing the MPV’s existing sporty and eye-catching appearance
with design motifs taken from Mazda’s new Nagare design language, in
addition to the extensive use of chrome parts, the upgraded MPV reflects a
commitment to craftsmanship and class. Mazda’s designers also focused
on expanding the spaciousness of the passenger cabin, which culminates in
an improved sense of comfort and quality.
Exterior
• The front end’s design was made sportier and more aggressive
through the new upper and lower grilles, and bumper. The new chrome garnish
on the upper grille also reflects quality and refinement. All grades except
23C were given a bolder look through the addition of chrome garnish on the
lower grille, fog light bezels and black headlight bezels.
• With new integrated red lenses, the rear combination lights are another expression
of the vehicle’s high quality. The vehicle’s 18-inch alloy
wheels have been redesigned with gentle curves that are central to the
Nagare design theme.
• Nine high quality and striking body colors are
available. The five new colors are Metropolitan Grey Mica, Diamond Grey
Metallic, Lilac Silver Metallic, Maroon Red Mica and Sparkling Black
Mica.
Interior
• Sand-beige suede-like seat covers hint at the freshened MPV’s
prestige, while the upright stance of the seatbacks and evident thickness
of the seats are all crafted with precision. The light sandy-colored tones
extend all the way down to the carpet on all grades (except 23C) and
enhance the sense of spaciousness and simple beauty.
• The Mazda MPV’s sporty looks are emphasized through the use of lustrous black
embossed material in the seat covers (all grades except 23C).
• The shifter and power window switch panels are newly designed. The sand-beige parts
have a chic and sporty wood-grain pattern while the black parts have a
solid, carbon-like design (all grades except 23C). The MPV 23C employs
quality black metallic parts.
• The center stack features a new wide silver
panel with an integrated GPS navigation system that reflects high quality
workmanship.
• Chrome is used to express elegance in the driver controls,
including the shifter knob, inner door handles and air conditioning
dials.
Equipment
• The optional second row Super Relax Seats provide better comfort. By
extending the front/back seat slide range rearward by 80 mm, available
legroom is increased. The sideways seat slide function -- which was
previously available only for the left hand seat -- is now fitted on both
second row seats.
• As an automotive industry first, the MPV comes equipped
with ‘nanoe ion’ technology, which was developed in
collaboration with Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd., as part of the
freshened Mazda MPV’s air purifying and odor removing system
(available as a factory-installed option). Bacteria-removing ions are blown
from the driver’s seat air vents and permeate every corner of the
cabin.
• Special equipment has been newly added on the 23T L Package and
23S L Package model grades which are based on the 23T and 23S grades. Both
models have been outfitted with sand-beige leather seats, heated front
seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped
wood grain-patterned steering wheel, a power rear liftgate for easy
closure, a third row electric seat return system and the Utility Package
(please see the factory-installed options list for details). The 23S L
Package also exclusively features 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with
215/65R16 98S tires.
Dynamics
• Mazda’s Activematic electronically controlled five-speed
automatic transmission is now standard on all front-wheel drive (FWD)
models with the 2.3-liter naturally aspirated engine. The wider gear range
provides a more powerful takeoff and lively acceleration. The setup also
supplies plenty of torque for daily driving and offers improved fuel
economy during high speed cruising.
• After a review of chassis parts on
all model grades, the suspension stiffness was retuned and bushes were
replaced. This produces a more stable and comfortable ride.
Factory-installed options
• A new ‘nanoe ion’ air purification system has been added
to the Utility Package, which is available for all grades. The package also
includes Super Relax Seats, advanced keyless entry and engine starter
system, Autolight system (which switches headlights on automatically
according to ambient light conditions), rain-sensing front wipers and water
repellent coating (windshield, front door windows and door mirrors).
• Mazda’s Precrash Safety System -- which alerts the driver via a
buzzer and automatically applies the brakes whenever its milliwave radar
detects an imminent collision -- has been updated. The new system improves
braking response and applies the Brake Assist function when a collision is
likely, and activates maximum braking force in urgent cases (available on
the 23T and 23T L Package grades).
Special needs vehicles
The Lift-up Passenger Seat and Lift-up Second Seat model grades include
a new remote control function to operate the lift-up seats.