2002 Mazda MPV
Mazda Transfers Itsā Sports Car Reputation
To Their Minivan And Pulls It Off!
PRICE RANGE: $22,250 - $29,000
CONFIGURATION: Engine, 3.0 liter,
200 hp
V6;
Front Engine/Front
Wheel Drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and passenger airbags,
standard; ABS,
standard
IMPRESSION: Having missed the main rush to minivans,
Mazda wants to see if 'Zoom, Zoom' fits here as well - And yes,
they show a minivan can be sporty!
Even though Mazda has put their name on the Laguna Seca racetrack
and is dedicated to demonstrate that the spirit of 'Zoom-Zoom' is
alive throughout the product line, it is a bit of a stretch to apply
these attributes to a minivan. Well, Mazda is not giving up on that.
It's not unusual for a manufacturer known for its sports cars and
advanced engineering to introduce a new vehicle that is fun to drive.
However, it comes as a surprise when that vehicle also has room
for seven while still allowing a larger cargo area than large sedans.
President of Mazda North American Operations Charlie Hughes came
from a long line of car companies, including launching Range Rover
in the US, but now fits into the Mazda family as comfortably as
in the better known division. His daily driver is an MPV with 18"
wheels, a dual exhaust and some details he is kind of coy about.
He is a dedicated car nut and has enlisted a whole bunch of folks
whose efforts are usually addressed to race cars, desert trucks
and street fun compacts. Their efforts show you can have your fun
and haul the cake and cookies, too!
In the auto show circuit they are showing us that the fun and excitement
niche belongs to Mazda. They have new sporty Mazda 6 and RX8 coming
to keep flame alive. No longer are they intent on challenging Honda
and Toyota for every sale, but they are going to concentrate on
what they do best. Style, sporty, fun to drive, and value are key
attributes of Mazda. That was the position statement set forth in
early 70s and it still carries its value today. "Stylish,
insightful and spirited" has become the redefinition of Mazda.
According to Charlie, " We want people to wind up with a smile
on their face after a drive without knowing why."
"Sports cars should be fast, fun and cool - all in one breath,"
according to Kristen Simmons, VP Marketing. "We're going to
eliminate the idea that minivans are BORING. This needs to be great
minivan! MPV needs to have equipment and functionality that carries
fun to drive aspects."
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