Mazda Launches All-New MPV in Japan

- The innovative Mazda MPV minivan is a “next-generation people mover” with the soul of a sports car -

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the fully redesigned Mazda MPV goes on sale today at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

The MPV was originally introduced to the Japanese market in January 1990 as its first genuine minivan and since then it has taken a leading role in the minivan segment thanks to its advanced packaging and high level of functionality. Among other popular features, prior generation MPVs were known for their spacious cabins and this third-generation MPV’s innovative packaging has been further evolved. With its innovative design and improved driving performance, it has achieved superb environmental compatibility at the forefront of its time. More than a user-friendly and stylish minivan, the MPV’s dynamic performance and maneuverability refinements have made it Mazda’s next-generation people mover, a “minivan with the soul of a sports car.”

The monthly sales target of the MPV is 3,000 units.

Main features of the all-new MPV
1. Design innovation

- Placing a premium on attaining the ideal amount of interior space for a minivan, with its long wheelbase and lowered overall height (by 60mm), the new MPV has low, wide and stylish proportions not seen in conventional minivans.
- A high-quality interior design feel is rendered through the combination of indirect lighting used for the cabin space, refined panel surface finishes and panel switches with uniform touch sensitivity.

2. Driving performance innovation

- Powered by the newly developed MZR 2.3 Direct Injecition Spark Ignition (DISI) Turbo engine, the new MPV delivers dynamic performance, with ample torque in the lower range and acceleration that not only exceeds the general perceptions of minivan performance, but also boasts class-leading environmental compatibility.
- It features a newly designed high rigidity body and multi-link rear suspension, without sacrificing one of the advantages of minivans--spacious interior space. With its Mazda DNA, the new MPV takes the balance of driving pleasure and ride comfort to a higher level.

3. Packaging innovation

- A low floor and a class-leading long wheelbase contribute to the MPV’s first-class cabin comfort, where all occupants can relax, with easy cabin ingress and egress.
- Functional features that were popular in older MPV models, such as flexible seat arrangements and a number of compartments for storing personal items, have been further upgraded.

4. Improved safety features and environmental compatibility

- Advanced safety technologies such as Mazda’s Precrash Safety System and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) are newly employed in the new MPV’s unibody design, in addition to the advanced, high-rigidity, passive safety protection system--the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System.
- The new MPV has been certified as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SU-LEV), with standard emissions 75% lower than the 2005 emissions standard. This level of fuel economy also means the new MPV achieves Japan’s “2010 fuel efficiency standards +5%” and is eligible for the “Green Tax” reduction.


Schedule for sales of the new MPV

Announcement : February 2, 2006 for all model grades
Sales start date : February 2, 2006 FWD with MZR 2.3L
March 20, 2006 FWD with MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo engine
April 15, 2006 for all 4WD models
Dealerships : Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan
Monthly target sales volume : 3,000 units

Product outline of the new MPV
1. Design innovation

A next-generation people mover with innovative proportions and a high-quality, comfortable cabin atmosphere.
- The new MPV’s low floor is used as a base for three rows of seats, situated within the long wheelbase, in a layout that permits every occupant to sit in a comfortable position. The vehicle’s four wheels are positioned toward the far corners of the body to realize low and wide proportions.
- The exterior design has a strong visual presence due to the front shape, which conveys a sense of solidity, incorporating dynamically styled vertical front headlights, and prominent wheel arches that tighten up and define the exterior’s side view.
- There are two exterior designs available: the “Modern Appearance Package” that’s chic and contemporary aesthetic and the “Sports Appearance Package” that emphasizes an aggressive and sportier image.
- With the interior design, indirect lighting is utilized to match the panel switches that have been designed with uniform touch sensitivity, enhancing the high quality cabin atmosphere. Two exterior design packages are offered: “High Style” and “Sports Style.”
- There are nine body colors available in total with two new colors, “Cosmic Black Mica” and “Sparkling Gold Mica.”

2. Driving-dynamics innovation

The MPV combines a minivan’s cabin space with a sports car’s posture and upgraded driving performance.
- The new MPV is powered by the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, which is the only turbo engine that meets the 2005 emissions standard 75% reduction level (SU-LEV) in Japan. This engine is tuned for use in a minivan, generating higher torque that matches that of a larger displacement V-6 engine. In addition, it is more eco-friendly than larger V-6 engines, achieving 10.2 km/liter in 10-15 fuel consumption mode (FWD models), complying with the 2005 emission standard 75% reduction level and achieving class-leading environmental compatibility. Because the inline four-cylinder engine is lighter, front weight is reduced, contributing to better handling performance.
- The turbo engine and four-wheel drive models feature the newly developed, electrically controlled six-speed ’Activematic’ transmission.
- The newly engineered, high rigidity bodyshell consists of MacPherson struts in the front and a multilink rear suspension, exceeding the performance of conventional minivans in handling performance, and delivering a flat, steady-feeling ride.
- Turbo engine models employ 17-inch ventilated disk brakes that are commonly used in sports cars.
- For a premium quality interior space where all occupants can comfortably enjoy music or conversation, top class sound insulation is used to reduce road noise.

3. Packaging innovation

The new MPV is a further evolution of the innovative packaging seen in earlier-generation MPV’s.
- With a class-leading long wheelbase of 2,950mm, interior comfort is dramatically improved for each occupant, realizing a cabin space where all occupants relax when the vehicle is in motion.
- A low floor, and large, class-leading 785mm-wide sliding doors promote ease of ingress and egress.
- The second-row seats have been newly designed for optimal ergonomics, with ’Super Relax Seats’ available as a factory-installed option. Each seat has a seat cushion tilt mechanism; a longitudinally adjustable ottoman; a large head restraint with a swing function, which combines to reduce the ergonomic burden on passengers’ muscles and enhance blood circulation, providing a feeling of first-class comfort.
- The third-row seats can be folded forward due to a 60:40 split design in one simple operation, and there is a large under trunk where everyday items can be stowed regardless of the seat arrangements. Consequently, practical utility and operability have been significantly improved.
- A premium audio system, jointly developed by Bose® and Mazda, and an HDD navigation system that is compatible with Mazda G-BOOK ALPHA telematics technology, provides the new Mazda MPV with an array of entertainment systems.

4. Improved safety features and environmental compatibility

This next-generation people mover has leading edge safety technologies and boasts innovative environmental compatibility that befits the demands of its time
- Mazda’s own Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System offers passive safety protection and overall body rigidity, and disperses and absorbs energy in the event of collision to reduce the level of cabin deformation. This system has been optimized to suit minivan characteristics.
- The newest advanced safety technologies (AST), which consists of the Mazda “Precrash Safety System” (for the 23T grade)--a state-of-the-art collision prediction technology; the “Adaptive Front Lighting System” that promotes a driver’s visibility at night when a vehicle is cornering by turning the headlights’ beam, depending on the steering direction; a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that installs curtain & front side airbags to provide added protection to passengers sitting in all three rows of seats, are available as options.
- Better protection of pedestrians is furnished through an enlarged clearance gap between the hood and the engine, with a crushable structure employed in the cowl grille, designed to increase force dispersal in the event of a vehicle-pedestrian collision.
- Polypropylene is extensively used for parts due to its excellent recyclability, with materials compliant with ISO standards and compound materials now easier to separate, allowing Mazda to achieve at least 90 percent recyclability of the new MPV. Meanwhile, use of potentially hazardous chemical substances, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium has been drastically reduced. Also, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions have been significantly reduced during the coating process.
- All grades are certified for SU-LEV (the 2005 emission standard 75% reduction level). In addition, they exceed the 2010 fuel economy standard by 5% and thus meet the “Green Tax” standard, Japan’s tax-reduction regulations for eco-friendly vehicles.

Contact Information

Corporate Communications and Liaison Division

Mazda Motor Corporation

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