2000 Mazda MPV...Continued

The MPV's relative nimbleness was probably due in large part to its size -- it's not a long-wheelbase van like the Honda Odyssey or Dodge Grand Caravan. The Mazda planners targeted buyers who didn't require the 99th percentile volume and power of some of its competitors, and focused their efforts on a feature-laden, moderately-sized design. Other points worth noting:

• The radio is placed high, with large buttons and a brilliantly-designed big round knob for on/off and volume control. Even the base DX model has a 100 watt CD player.

• Two tugs on the handy straps and Bam! The rear seat disappears completely into the floor. Or, with some different tugs, flips to face backwards for tailgate parties. A great design.

• ABS is not available on the base DX model.

• The driver's seat has tilt adjustments at both the front and rear of the seatbase. Bravo.

• Although this is not a long-wheelbase van, the typically-truncated space behind the third-row seat is significantly improved by the 486 liter well that would otherwise be holding that seat.

• I'm 6-foot-one and can sit behind myself (without tweaking the seat adjustments) in all three rows. Longer vans seem about the same.

• The flared wheel wells and creased hood complement the forward slant of the D-pillars. It's a sharp look.

• Air Conditioner adjustments are proper circular knobs, just below the radio.

• The front seats are raised up enough to offer lots of toe room to second row passengers.

• Side doors close with little more than a glance and a nudge.

• The right-side middle-row seat can very easily be slid to the left (to ease rear seat access and create a two-person bench) or to the right (to create a centre aisle and two captain-style chairs.)

Best feature not mentioned in the press kit? Slip into the second-row passenger seat right behind the empty, fully-reclined front passenger seat. Remove shoes from previously-deodorized feet. Place legs straight out on front seat. Recline second-row seatback to taste. Fasten now-ineffective seatbelt and place all trust in driver and good karma. An absolutely better-than-First Class snooze.

MPV summary? Those unique-to-Mazda minivan side windows are typical of the thinking that went into the new MPV. The company seems to have borrowed the best features of its competitors, added a few of its own special touches, and wrapped it all in a (cost-effective) moderately-sized and moderately-powered package that's styled to appeal to younger buyers.