2002 Mazda MPV...continued

Kristen wants to take the defining statement back to the roots with no exceptions to take the oxymoron out of the minivan for MPV. The kid focus killed interest. Cool people were disconnected. Raw horsepower went against safety and sanity. But Mazda's message is founded on suspension, steering, braking. Elements that convey fun, but have safety as a key element. Body of a minivan; soul of a sports car will be the underlying message.

That is exactly what Mazda has created with its new 2002 MPV. By combining a roomy interior, flexible seating arrangements and power sliding doors with a 200-horsepower engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and revised suspension settings, the MPV certainly has the spirit they are looking for.

When the MPV was completely redesigned two years ago, it was filled with many features that all other companies ignored or told us couldn't be done. MPV comes with a total of four bucket seats so passengers can enjoy the experience too. The second Side-by-SlideT row slides not only fore and aft, but together as well, to create a bench seat when needed; a Mazda exclusive. The third-row seat sports some tricks of its own. The Tumble-UnderT third-row seat folds completely into the floor, creating enough room for a refrigerator to be hauled when the second row is removed. Or the seat can also flip rearward when the liftgate is open to create a bench seat that's perfect for "tailgating". And before most other minis they showed us that great grab handles on door exteriors made the vehicle useful to all people in all conditions in all weather.

Added this year is a multi-adjustable seat with optional eight-way power controls, and the first CD single slot juke box player. There's also a new side table between the front seats that provides a convenient area for cell phones, cups or other keep-'em-handy items. For the rest of the occupants, from larger cupholders at every seating position, an optional rear air conditioning and heating system, to an optional rear entertainment system; it's ready for the "are we there yet?" crowd.

For 2002, the doors can be power operated, allowing them to be opened or closed with the remote entry system or by pressing convenient buttons. Unlike every other minivan on the market, the MPV's sliding rear door windows can be lowered with a press of a button.

Assist grips on the backs of the front seat not only aid entry into the second row area, they also include hooks for purses, backpacks or grocery bags. Larger hooks in the cargo area are provided to allow bikes and bulky items to be tied down. There's even a convenient rear 12-volt power outlet.

It is several hundred pounds lighter than the competition and smaller outside, yet has similar interior space due to using Mazda's proprietary space finding development program, Optispace. And it addresses passenger protection with side front bags available and insert and click ISOFIX latches incorporated in the second row seats.

A cultural difference between the Japanese management and the American marketers was responsible for the smaller previous engine and the lack of power components. They have learned their lesson, and this is not likely to happen again.

Similar to the Tribute sport utility engine introduced to wide acclaim last year, the larger V6 allows confident entry onto freeways, effortless passing ability, and a surprising ability to keep up with
sports coupes. Mazda engineers carefully selected each gear ratio in the new 5-speed automatic transmission to fit the MPV's more sporting character, with the reduced bulk and smaller size allowing more responsive handling and one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any minivan. Still it meets the tough Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) standards while improving fuel economy compared with the previous less powerful vehicle.

In addition to its more streamlined size, Mazda's engineers set out to achieve an even more performance-oriented feel with reduced body lean without negatively affecting ride comfort. The body and suspension
mounting rigidity has been increased, there's a larger rear stabilizer bar and the 2002 MPV is one of just a few minivans available with 17-inch alloy wheels. As a result, the cornering ability is improved while providing the driver with a more direct steering feel.

It isn't perfect yet, as the larger spoked alloy wheels expose the ugly rear disc brakes, and there are larger engines in the bin if needed. And the dealers can provide an Aero Kit as a stand alone package, and aftermarket tuners are poised to meet any demand for exotic seats, trim and graphics. It could be a great vehicle for the small race car and off road vehicle set.

The new MPV will arrive in Mazda dealerships beginning in February 2002. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.