Test drive Mazda MPV 1999 - 2006
Mazda MPV car review
General The Mazda MPV car underwent partial modernization almost three years after the full replacement of the model in June 1999. Changes and updates affected many sides of the car, so that the company itself calls this partial modernization only as large. The MPV model is significantly improved and updated - this was stated. But what's in reality? If you look at the appearance, then, in addition to some change in the shape of the decorative grille of the radiator with the 5th point, so characteristic of the Mazda family, nothing more noticeable. So by external signs, those who consider the statement regarding the update of the model are clear by obvious exaggeration.
Nevertheless, the MPV model nevertheless appeared to the world transformed. This is no doubt. The thing is that at least 70-80 percent of all details were replaced in it. About 13 billion yen was spent on these purposes. For comparison, the development of the first model of the Mazda Roadster series took 15 billion yen. So the expression partial modernization does not quite correspond to reality. Complete modernization - this will be more accurate, if their amounts spent on this project by Mazda, the amounts spent on this project, proceed.
The most important were modernization of the engine, as well as the transfer of sliding doors on both sides of the car to an electric drive. They worked hard on the design of the body and suspension. Given all this, it is wrong to say that modernization did not externally led to any serious changes. No, it will be more correct to say that the changes affected almost all aspects of the car, with the exception of those that are always in sight. In the company itself, the current changes are not considered partial or small, but the very modernization itself.
For a small surcharge, you can install sliding doors with an electric drive
As noted earlier, the external design remained almost unchanged. The same can be said about the interior design of the cabin. Both the front panel and the location of the seats remained the same as they were up to modernization. If, however, to be very attentive, then you can notice that the texture of the upholstery fabric of the seats is changed, and the fact that additional handles appeared on the back of the back of the front seats. There was also a collapsible table installed in the center between the driver’s seat and the chair of the front passenger. But these innovations can hardly surprise anyone.
A completely different matter is the electric drive sliding doors of the cabin, which give a significant plus in terms of practicality. This type of door has already become familiar. But in the new MPV salon to an electric drive, not only the left, but also the right door can be translated. The optional price of such an innovation is 100,000 yen, it is about $ 900 (in other machines, I recall, 80,000 yen costs equipping an electric drive of only one door). Such a reasonable approach of developers cannot but rejoice.
The 4-cylinder engine has become much better
The chassis of the car underwent the greatest changes. The previous 2-liter-in-line engine with 4 cylinders and a 2.5-liter V-shaped engine with 6 cylinders was replaced by a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder in a row and 3-liter 6-liter cylinder V-shaped motors, respectively, came, respectively . The latest development of the 2.3 liter engine is especially noteworthy. A motor of the same type, however, with
in somewhat changed technical characteristics, the Mazda Atenza model will also be equipped, the onset of which is scheduled for the near future. I felt the difference as soon as I started off. The engine with a working volume of 2 liters, which was previously not distinguished by either a traction effort or noiselessness, suddenly began to pull, while its noise decreased by several points. In my report on the testing of the MPV model in the previous prejudied version, I remember, I strongly recommended that, if possible, a car with a V-shaped six-liter of 2.5 liters. So, the current motor with a volume of 2.3 liters, although it is 4 cylinder, did not cause any complaints to me. I can say for sure that the pleasure of driving on such a car is no less than the one that I received before by car with a 6th cylinder 2.5-liter engine.
But this does not mean, however, that the three -liter engine looks superfluous. The engine with a large volume has its own advantages, the main thing of which is a large torque. In terms of noise, it is also surprisingly successful. The engine design is no different from the previous motor with 2.5 liters made by Ford. But, it seems, the manufacturer this time took into account the requirements of Mazda and fulfilled a number of measures aimed at reducing the noise level.
The impressions of the suspension work are also favorable. The new car calmly overcomes such areas of slippery roads, on which the previous model is not, no, and showed its hole. The steering wheel has become more obedient. I believe that those who drove the previous model of this car will have to experience something like shock, and not only from the operation of the steering mechanism, but also from powerful engine thrust, and from comfort. In short, the form is the same, yes the filling is different. This seems to me a new version of the MPV car.
Source: CarView.co.jp
