The
Mazda MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is a
minivan manufactured by
Mazda. Introduced in 1989 as a
rear wheel drive model with optional
selectable four-wheel drive where extra traction was needed, it was
replaced in 2000 with a
front wheel
drive only version. Over 1 million MPV models had been produced
since its introduction.
First generation 1989-1999 (Rear wheel drive)
The
minivan boom of the 1980s caught the Japanese
car makers
by surprise. Each maker had its own response:
Toyota was first with an adaptation of their
mid-engined Van, based
on the Japanese
Town-Ace in 1984.
Nissan and
Mitsubishi quickly followed suit with
conversions of cargo vans in 1987. All were small and only offered
4-cylinder
engines. This
was also the only Mazda MPV generation with a
manual transmission.
The 1989 MPV was designed from the ground-up as a minivan for the
American market. It was based on the large rear wheel drive
929's HC. It would be called the
LV platform, and
equipped the MPV with a
V6 engine and
optional
four wheel drive. Its 4WD
system is not to be confused with "all wheel drive"; the MPV can be
switched into 4WD with a switch mounted on the column gear
selector. A dash mounted switch also allowed the driver to lock the
center differential, splitting power equally between the front and
rear axles. The 4WD can be engaged and disengaged while moving.
There is also a snowplow available for this vehicle, which makes
good use of the 4x4 system.
Like the later
Honda Odyssey, it
featured traditional hinged doors instead of sliding rear doors,
though the original MPV only had a single rear door. Because of the
4WD option, the
Mazda Navajo (sold from
1991-1994) version of the
Ford
Explorer was only offered as a 2 door. The middle row was
available as a bench, allowing seating for 8 when most
minivans seated 7.
The van was named to
Car and
Driver magazine's
Ten
Best list for 1990 and 1991 and featured as one of their
"vehicles for the coming (fuel) crisis". Initial sales were strong
as well, but rapidly fell off once other makers introduced
all wheel drive and
V6
engines. However, Toyota's 1991
Previa, Nissan's 1993
Quest, and
Honda's 1995
Odyssey all featured purpose-built platforms and eroded Mazda's
lead.
The MPV received one star out of four in the Australian
ANCAP crash tests
and a "Marginal" rating in the American
IIHS
crash tests.
The van was refreshed in 1996, adding drivers' side rear door.
While the
I4 engine retired for the United States
market, it was replaced with a similar 2.5 L
unit for the rest of the world. The '97 and '98 models
received a mild refreshing with "all-sport" body cladding and wheel
arches, and polished alloy wheels. Mazda discontinued the original
MPV after the '99 model year.
-
-
- This generation was featured in the Wu-Tang Clan's C.R.E.A.M.
video.
Image:93-94_Mazda_MPV.jpg|1993-1994 Mazda MPVImage:95-96 Mazda
MPV.jpg|1995-1997 Mazda MPVImage:1997MPV.jpg|1998-1999 Mazda
MPV
Second generation 1999-2006 (Front wheel drive)
The MPV was replaced for 1999 with a
front wheel drive LW platform based on the
626. This second generation MPV featured dual
sliding rear doors,
front-wheel
drive, and a smallish third row seat that folded flat into the
floor. The side slide doors had power windows that rolled down,
unlike most minivan doors.
The MPV initially used the Mazda AJ (which was actually Ford's
Duratec) 2.5 L
V6, an engine initially designed by
Porsche before it was sold to
Ford and used in the
Contour. A 4-speed automatic was
standard.
The base DX model had a two-place middle bench seat. The LX model
replaced the bench seat with two middle buckets (the passenger side
seat could slide sideways, dubbed "side by slide"), power windows
and locks, heated power mirrors, privacy glass, and antilock
brakes. The ES model added leather seating surfaces, wood tone
interior trim, side impact air bags on the front seats, bigger
wheels, and separate front and rear air conditioners.
In model year 2001, all models added child-safety seat tether
anchors. An optional GFX sport appearance package was made
available for LX and ES models, which included fog lights and aero
body add-ons. The 2001 model year ran long, extending into early
2002 in anticipation of the 2002 refresh.
In model year 2002, the MPV was refreshed with Mazda's AJ
3.0 L
V6, a 5-speed
automatic transmission producing and
of torque, a new grille featuring a single chrome bar at the top,
power sliding side doors, revised suspension settings, and 17-inch
alloy wheels.
In model year 2003, power operation of the side doors was made
optional on the LX and ES. A base LX-SV model was added midway into
the model year.
In model year 2004, it received a mild exterior and interior
makeover. The exterior featured new headlights and
Altezza style clear taillights. The interior changes
included a new steering wheel, gauge surrounds, and a spring assist
to ease folding the third row seat into the floor. The LX Sport
package added a customized look with alloy wheels, body side
skirts, enhanced tail lights, anti-lock brakes, an air dam under
the bumper, and an optional rear-mounted spoiler. The ES model
added leather seats, rear air conditioner, power sliding doors, and
a choice of moonroof or roof-mounted
DVD
player. No LX-SV model was offered.
In model year 2005, rear air conditioning became an optional
feature on the LX (it had been standard on the LX in 2004).
In model year 2006, a base LX-SV model was again offered alongside
the LX and ES models.
By 2007, the MPV was virtually the only minivan which had not
adopted the size form factor of the long wheelbase
Chrysler minivans, including
Kia and Nissan.
The MPV was discontinued in both
Europe and
North America after 2006 as the
smaller
Mazda5 replaces it as Mazda's
minivan. The MPV was also replaced in
North America and
Australia by the
full-size Mazda CX-9
crossover SUV. Australian models were
available with 3 seats in the 2nd row, and two seats in the 3rd row
instead of a folding third row.
Image:02-03 Mazda MPV.jpg|2002-2003 Mazda MPVImage:04-06 Mazda MPV
LX.jpg|2004-2007 Mazda MPV LX
Engines:
- 1999-2001 2.0 L FS-DE
I4 (non-US)
- 1999-2001 2.5 L GY-DE
I4 (non-US)
- 1999-2001 2.5 L AJ V6
- 2002-2006 3.0 L AJ V6
- 2005-present 2.3 L MZR 2.3 Direct Injecition Spark
Ignition (DISI) Turbocharged I4
(non-US)
Price
Pricing for 2006 as follows:
- LX-SV:$22,115
- LX:$22,950
- ES:$28,515
Third generation 2006- (Front wheel drive)
On February 2, 2006, the third generation Mazda MPV went on sale in
Japan as a model year 2007 car. It is powered by either a 4
cylinder MZR 2.3 naturally aspirated engine or
4 cylinder MZR 2.3 Direct Injection Spark
Ignition (DISI) turbo engine. The 2nd row reclining seats feature
an unusual retracting footrest feature.
The third
generation MPV is currently available only in Japan, Hong Kong and
some small number in Thailand
. It
is known as Mazda8 in Hong Kong.
In 2008, a facelifted version was introduced. External
modifications include new front bumper with new fog-lights. 5-Speed
Automatic is equipped in NA models. 6-Speed Automatics unchanged in
Turbo models.
Image:Mazda MPV 001.JPG|2008 Mazda MPV
(Japan spec)
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