Test Drive Mazda MPV 1999 - 2006

Mazda called. Karokuri

The second-generation debut Mazda MPV took place in August 1999, and early in the spring of 2000, the first copies of this model went on sale in the Belarusian market. It was then that we tested the gasoline version of the new model. Now, four years later, we have an updated version of Mazda MPV on the test. And in a very unusual configuration - Karakuri ... Honestly, I thought that Karakuri is some kind of very specific Japanese dish, which is famous for oriental cuisine. But it turned out that so the Japanese call special boxes intended for storing special dolls. And all the salt of these boxes is that with the form of dolls seem too long and difficult to fit in them, but nevertheless, the Karakuri can easily hold the doll. Where are cars? Yes, in general, nothing, because in this case, called the Karakuri is hiding a unique system for folding the third row of seats. The principle of operation of this mechanism really resembles Japanese boxes: the third row of seats is folded into a niche on the trunk floor, and when the seat is folded, the floor of the trunk remains absolutely smooth! And if the rest of the minivans have a third row of seats, it is necessary either in general to dismantle from the car, leaving it in the garage, or even in the folded condition takes too much space in the trunk, then Mazda MPV Karakuri offers a combination of two in one: and a spacious trunk, and comfortable Sofa for two passengers. However, we will return to the distinctive features of the Karakuri, but for now let's see what has changed in Mazda MPV after a recent restyling. First of all, some changes have undergone the appearance of the car - as designers are expressed, a face pulled it up. New front lighting with transparent glasses and a modified falseradiator grille with chrome edging allowed the car slightly to rejuvenate, without changing the design of his body. All other body panels remained the same, and therefore in the profile to distinguish the upgraded version from the model of the previous year is not easy. Although it is possible - on 16-inch wheeled discs, which are now included in the standard equipment of the turbo code. Behind the changes are also a bit: the updated version is given only by the rear lights in the style of Lexus, already tested earlier by Mazda on some versions of models 3 and 6 episodes. The effect of treshki and six is \u200b\u200balso noticeably inside the minivan. The three-spoke sports steering wheel with the audio control keys, chrome rims of instruments on the panel - all this is already familiar to us by the above models. Well-known, but already on dorestayling MPV, and the high lever of the gearbox, sticking out of the floor - it is strange that the Japanese did not move it to the tide of the central console, as it is now fashionable. However, it is even for the better, because the floor lever shows how the practice shows, it is distinguished by the best clarity of work. What has demonstrated Mazda MPV. But back to the peculiarities of Karakuri. In addition to the unique folding rear sofa, this modification has another distinctive feature - she has six passenger seats in the cabin, against seven at the standard version. The minus one turned out due to the absence of the middle chair in the second row - the landing formula of the modification of the Karakuri looks like 2 + 2 + 2, that is, in each row are placed two passengers. Why did you need to reduce the number of passenger seats? First of all, to improve the living conditions of the rest of the passengers. After all, how spacious there would be no car, three passengers in one row - it is an inevitable lack of space in the shoulders area. Yes, if it is possible to move one of the chairs forward or backward, it slightly reduces discomfort, but this is, as they say, semi-dimensions. All the same, the problems remain - a shifted passenger either there is not enough place for the feet, or uncomfortable to accelerate with fellow travelers. Mazda decided to fight this problem with radical methods: the designers simply removed the middle armchair of the second row, and the remaining two sidelines provided with all possible adjustments. Both chairs equipped with armrests from two sides can be moved back and forth, change the angle of inclination of their backs. In addition, the right chair can be moved closer to the center of the car - in order not to prevent the third row when reaching passengers. And, of course, both seats in the second row can be used as a hiking table. By the way, if necessary, they can also be removed from the car - the dismantling process takes less than a minute.

The third row of seats of such possibilities does not have any part of the transformation. The double sofa with the mechanism of folding Karakuri, intended for the fifth and sixth passengers, is not dismantled, not equipped with armrests, and cannot be used as a hiking table. But nevertheless, it has enough advantages without it.

Let's start with the fact that in the folded state, the sofa of the third row does not give out of themselves - it consists of a special niche in the cellar floor, and the floor of the trunk remains absolutely even. Guess that this MPV has three rows of seats almost impossible - a big trunk does not give a hint for the possibility of transporting six passengers. But an experienced look probably clings to two small boxes and cup holders located on the sidewalls of the wheel arches - why are they in the trunk? And this is a small air conditioning control unit on the right side - is Mazda now proposed to install a separate temperature regime for the luggage compartment?

In response to this question, the representative of the dealer pulled the strap sticking out of the floor of the trunk, and after a second, an additional sofa was in the cabin. Another movement, and the back of the seating is decomposed - the car is ready to take two more passengers! And in the place where the folded sofa lay, the impressive sizes of a funnel formed in the floor of the trunk, in which several tourist bags will be placed. By the way, the presence of a special compartment's trunk makes the Mazda MPV very convenient for the expensive, because usually seminal minivans have very small trunk - all spaces intended for baggage, they have additional chairs. It is strange that no one thought to the Mazda to such an elementary thing - to make a recess in the back of the luggage compartment ...

However, Karakuri is not the only one that can like the updated Mazda MPV. A couple of years ago, we were already tested to test this model, and then we noted several flaws that were not found on the updated version. This suggests that the work on improving the consumer quality of the car is constantly carried out, and not only until the car is set on the conveyor. It is doubly pleasant that the elimination of the shortcomings turned Mazda MPV into an almost perfect car.

Let's say, during the first acquaintance, the Japanese minivan remembered hard suspensions (especially rear), as a result of which every irregularity on the asphalt responded with a tough strike on the body. Now this is not and in risen: the suspension clearly became softer, and the rear axle no longer suggests the person to partial unification of passenger and cargo models. On the updated car, it was also thoroughly worked on the noise insulation of the cabin - all the sounds seemed to be muffled, and even turbodiesel (very good, by the way) can not break through the gap in this defense.

In general, the restyling version of MPV we liked much more than the 1999 model. All major problems, somehow mediocre smoothness, engine noise and poor noise insulation, eliminated, and therefore updated Mazda MPV is a much more attractive option for purchase.

As for the versions of the Karakuri directly, then for the unique layout of the rear seat folding scheme, the car designers would like to say a particular thank you. After all, in most models where there is a third row of seats, the process of their folding and dismantling requires too much time and effort, as well as the knowledge of the transformation process itself. In Mazda, all this can be done literally with one hand - pulled in one handle, for another, and the rear sofa is already complicated. The reverse process is just as needed: the operation of the mechanism is designed in such a way that it is not necessary to make tremendous efforts - everything is developing and declined as if by itself.

So Karakuri is really the thing about which it stands to shout in every commercial, which is now and makes the Mazda representative office in Belarus. For those who constantly drive a large company for huge distances, and in the interruptions between the warriors uses a car for trips around the city, Mazda MPV will be very interesting. It rulses better than Citroen C8, accommodates more cargo than VW Sharan, and accelerates only slightly slower than gasoline Chrysler Voyager 3.8. Very good combination ...

Pavel Kozlovsky
 

A source: Autogase / N 19 (458) dated 05/25/04