Are you interested in learning about the Mazda MPV? If so, then we would like to take you by the hand and tell you about an outstanding vehicle. 1989 was quite the year! In Egypt a 4400 year old mummy was found, the movie Batman released and at 01:23:45 AM the time and date by US reckoning was 01:23:45 6-7-1989! It was also the year that the Mazda MPV arrived in America. While it was not the first player in the modern mini van medley, Mazda rocked when Chrysler only rolled! The first real, for every road, in all kinds of weather all-wheel drive had arrived. We must say that this vehicle got a big applause when it first came out on the market. Critiques and customers both stared at it…
Design was at the heart of its innovation; its compact size coupled with customary flap doors as opposed to the sliding doors featured in competitor drives set this machine apart. It was powered by an optional V6 engineer four-cylinder with rear wheel drive being standard. Competition responded aggressively with improved maneuverability, versatility and engine power and the Mazda MPV faltered, loosing all its initial fire and promise.
Unfortunately the innovative spirit that propelled it to fame lacked stamina after a couple of years, it was outclassed in terms of versatility, maneuverability and technology by aggressive competition.
The second-generation machines that entered the new millennium set out to prove that size did matter; the new front wheel drive, seven-seat minivan was still more compact than the competition while boasting new features.
Flexible multi configurable seating designs and a first in class roll down window mechanism in sliding doors were bold innovations reminiscent of its early spirit. Maneuverability, flexibility and design were the driving forces of this machine.
The second row passenger seats came with an innovative slide feature offering bench configuration. Another convenience feature was presented in the form of a fold down mechanism in the third row seats, which could also be rotated round to face the rear of the minivan when the tailgate was open. The seating system did however have one drawback, cargo space. The lack of it was a disadvantage in its positioning as the perfect family carrier.
Hi-lights in the evolution of the machine include the power upgrade in 2002, by way of a 3. 0 liter 200HP V6 and automatic transmission in five speed, 17inch alloys, upgraded suspension tuning, new break systems and power doors in the sliding format. Again In 2003 a passenger entertainment option was introduced in the form of a DVD theater system. The Mazda MPV was never going to score well with adrenalin junkies but what it lacked in power it made up for in style. It’s a snazzy drive for the style conscious family.
Andy Zain is the admin of Mazda MPV Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Mazda MPV. Get the information you need when you visit Mazda Forum