2000 Mazda MPV...Continued

Driver and front passenger airbags are standard equipment. Additionally, optional SRS side airbags, located in the outer seatback bolsters, protect front seat passengers from side impacts.

MPV features a new Ford-based high-tech, low maintenance 2.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 engine. A variable air intake system allows this lightweight and compact engine to deliver good low- and mid-range torque. A durable, smooth-shifting four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transaxle is standard. The engine is the smallest and weakest of the V6 minivan bunch but still provided good power. At the same time, the engine family is available in up to 3.5 liter configuration, and that is bound to occur for MPV.

Mazda offers customers a choice of three trim levels on the new MPV: DX, LX and ES. The least expensive DX model includes standard features like power steering, front air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system and tilt steering column. The LX model adds power front and rear windows and door locks, heated power mirrors, and privacy glass. ES models gild the lily with an ignition immobilizer system, alarm, keyless remote entry system, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood grain interior trim, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, premium nine-speaker sound system and front side airbags.

The sporty GFX package includes fog lights, front and rear spoilers and aerodynamic side sills and keeps the tie to the company's performance heritage alive.

Mazda's weakest link has been its dealers. Coming late into the market in the 70s, the favorable dealer principals were often grabbed up by Nissan and Toyota. Mazda has fine engineering and products but has suffered from dealer and product planning problems. For instance, they introduced a whole bunch of products at once in the early 90s instead of spreading them out and overloaded consumer and press interest. Richard Beattie heads up Mazda U.S. and was responsible for weeding out the weak dealers for Jaguar and has been doing the same for Mazda. He has terminated 130 of the weakest dealers, but this gives them a basis for rebuilding strongly. Look for some of the better Ford dealers to pick up the slack in neglected markets.

The new MPV will arrive in dealership showrooms beginning in July. Pricing has not been finalized, but will be very competitive with other minivans in the segment.