Mazda MPV

Mazda MPV
Overview
Manufacturer Mazda
Production 1989–present
1989–2006 (USA and Europe)
Assembly Hiroshima, Japan (Hiroshima Plant)
Taiwan
Thailand
Russia[1]
Body and chassis
Class Minivan
Chronology
Successor Mazda5 (For North America and Europe)
Mazda CX-9 (For North America and Australia)

The Mazda MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is a minivan manufactured by Mazda. Introduced in 1989 as a rear-wheel-drive model with optional selectable four-wheel drive, it was replaced in 2000 with a front-wheel-drive-only version. Over one million MPV models had been produced since its introduction.[2]


First generation (LV; 1989–1999)

First generation (LV)
Overview
Also called ɛ̃fini MPV (during 1991–1997 in Japan)
Production 1989–1999
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door van (1989–1995)
4-door van (1996–1998)
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform Mazda LV platform
Related Mazda 929
Powertrain
Engine 2.6 L G6 I4 (1989–1996)
2.5 L G5 I4 (1996-1999)
3.0 L JE V6
Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,804 mm (110.4 in)
Length 1989–1994: 4,465 mm (175.8 in)
1995–98: 4,661 mm (183.5 in)
Width 1,826 mm (71.9 in)
1991–95 4WD: 1,836 mm (72.3 in)
Height 1989–1992 & 1995–98 2WD: 1,730 mm (68.1 in)
1991–92 4WD: 1,798 mm (70.8 in)
1993–94: 1,694 mm (66.7 in)
1993–94 4WD: 1,763 mm (69.4 in)
1995–97 4WD: 1,798 mm (70.8 in)
1998 2WD: 1,750 mm (68.9 in)
1998 4WD: 1,816 mm (71.5 in)
Curb weight 1,801 kg (3,970 lb)

The minivan boom of the 1980s caught the Japanese car makers by surprise. Each maker had its own response: Toyota was first with an adaptation of their mid-engined Van, based on the Japanese TownAce in 1984. Nissan and Mitsubishi quickly followed suit with conversions of cargo vans in 1987, but all of them were small and only offered four-cylinder engines, which limited their popularity in North America. Mazda, as a stopgap measure, sold imported Kia Besta mid-engined 4-cylinder vans through Canadian Mazda dealers. Approximately 150 were sold in Canada over the 1987 & 1988 model years. These were essentially a Korean-built version of Mazda's Bongo van.

Mazda 18 Valve V6 3.0 L Engine

The 1989 MPV was designed from the ground-up as a minivan specifically for the American market. It was based on the large rear-wheel-drive Luce's HC. It would be called the LV platform, and this larger platform allowed such options as a V6 engine, and optional four-wheel drive. However this large platform created some liabilities in other markets. When it was introduced in Japan January 1990, it was regarded as a luxury vehicle, as its engine displacement and exterior dimensions exceeded Japanese government regulations for vehicles classified as "compact", and as a result, Japanese buyers were liable for additional annual taxes. It was available at Mazda's Japanese luxury dealership network ɛ̃fini starting in 1991.

Its selectable 4WD system is not to be confused with all road conditions "all-wheel-drive" systems; the MPV can be switched into locked 4WD with a switch mounted on the column gear selector. A dash mounted switch controlled the center differential, creating a locked power distributions on the front and rear axles. The 4WD is not for use on dry roads, but can be engaged and disengaged while moving.

Unlike other minivans, the MPV's parking brake was directly on the floor beside the driver's seat and operated by the hand, when most other minivans had the parking brake in the driver footwell area and operated by the left foot. Like the later Honda Odyssey introduced in North America starting in 1995, it featured traditional hinged doors instead of sliding rear doors, though the original MPV only had a single rear door. This was also the only Mazda MPV generation with a manual transmission, offered in the '89 through '91 model years. The middle row was available as a 3-person bench, allowing seating for eight, when most minivans only seated seven. Because of the MPV's optional 4WD, the Mazda Navajo version of the Ford Explorer (sold from 1991 to 1994) was only offered as a two-door, so as to minimize internal competition.

The van was named to Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1990 and 1991 and featured as one of their "vehicles for the coming (fuel) crisis". Initial sales were strong as well, but rapidly fell off once other makers introduced all-wheel drive and V6 engines. In the years to come, Toyota's 1991 Previa, Nissan's 1993 Quest, and Honda's 1995 Odyssey had entered the market and began diluting Mazda's market share. Sales weren't helped when the MPV received one star out of four in the Australian Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash tests and a "Marginal" rating in the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests for damage to the occupant compartment and tire intrusion into the driver footwell area.

The van was refreshed in 1996, adding drivers' side rear door, airbag, and extending the nose for improved crash protection. While the four-cylinder engine was retired for the American and Canadian markets, it was replaced with a similar but somewhat smaller 2.5 L unit for the rest of the world. The '97 and '98 models received a mild refreshing with "all-sport" body cladding and wheel arches, and polished alloy wheels. Mazda discontinued the original MPV after the 1998 model year for North America, and after the 1999 model year for the rest of the world.

Second generation (LW; 1999–2006)

Second generation (LW)
Overview
Production 1999–2006
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door van
Layout FF layout
Platform Mazda LW platform
Related Mazda Capella
Mazda Tribute
Kia Carnival
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L FS-DE I4 (99–02)
2.3 L L3-VE I4 (02–05)
2.5 L GY-DE V6 (99-01)
2.5 L AJ V6 (99–02)
3.0 L AJ V6 (02–06)
2.0 L RF MZR common rail turbodiesel
Transmission 5-speed 5F31J automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,840 mm (111.8 in)
Length 1999–01: 4,750 mm (187.0 in)
2002–03: 4,770 mm (187.8 in)
2004–06: 4,813 mm (189.5 in)
2004–06 LX-SV: 4,808 mm (189.3 in)
Width 1,831 mm (72.1 in)
Height 1,745 mm (68.7 in)
1,755 mm (69.1 in)2004-2006 ES:
Curb weight 1,659 kg (3,657 lb)

The MPV was replaced in June 1999, using the short-wheelbase, front-wheel-drive LW platform. It now featured dual sliding rear doors equipped with roll-down power windows and a third row seat that could fold and tumble into a floor recess. In the North American markets, the MPV was set apart from other minivans by its comparatively sporty chassis.[3]

At introduction, the MPV used the same 170 hp DOHC 2.5 L Ford Duratec V6 unit that powered the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique and Cougar.[3] DX models featured a two-place middle bench seat. The LX model featured two middle buckets with a feature whereby the passenger side seat could slide sideways (marketed as "side by slide"), power windows and locks, heated power mirrors, privacy glass, and antilock brakes. The ES model added leather seating surfaces, wood tone interior trim, side impact air bags on the front seats, bigger wheels, and dual zone front and rear air conditioners.

In model year 2001, all models added child-safety seat tether anchors. An optional GFX sport appearance package was made available for LX and ES models, which included fog lights and aero body add-ons. The 2001 model year ran long, extending into early 2002 in anticipation of the 2002 refresh.

In model year 2002, the MPV received Mazda's AJ 3.0 L V6, a 5-speed automatic transmission producing 200 hp (149 kW) and 200 lb·ft (270 N·m) of torque, a new grille featuring a single chrome bar at the top, power sliding side doors, revised suspension settings, and 17-inch alloy wheels. In the Japanese and other markets, the 2.0 and 2.5-liter four-cylinders were replaced by the new 2.3 L L3-VE direct injection (DISI) inline four, as first seen in the all-new Mazda6. In Europe a 136 PS (100 kW), 2.0-liter "MZR" common-rail turbodiesel engine was also available.

In model year 2003, power operation of the side doors was made optional on the LX and ES. A base LX-SV model was added midway into the model year.

In model year 2004, the MPV received a mild exterior and interior makeover. The exterior featured new headlights and Altezza style clear taillights. Interior changes included a new steering wheel, gauge surrounds, and a spring assist to ease folding the third row seat into the floor. The LX Sport package added a customized look with alloy wheels, body side skirts, enhanced tail lights, anti-lock brakes, an air dam under the bumper, and an optional rear-mounted spoiler. The ES model added leather seats, rear air conditioner, power sliding doors, and a choice of moonroof or roof-mounted DVD player. No LX-SV model was offered.

In model year 2005, dual zone air conditioning became an optional feature on the LX (it had been standard on the LX in 2004).

In model year 2006, a base LX-SV model was again offered alongside the LX and ES models.

The MPV was discontinued in both Europe and North America after model year 2006. The MPV was also replaced in North America and Australia by the full-size Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV. Australian models were available with 3 seats in the 2nd row, and two seats in the 3rd row instead of a folding third row.

Engines:

For 2006 the base MSRP for MPV models was LX-SV ($22,115), LX:(22,950), and ES ($28,515).

The Mazda MPV earned an "Acceptable" rating in the IIHS offset frontal crash test in 2000 for fair structural performance and very high forces on the dummy's right foot. In 2005, it earned a "Poor" rating in the side-impact crash test without the optional side airbags, indicating that high injuries to the driver and rear occupant are possible.

Third generation (LY; 2006–present)

Third generation (LY)
Overview
Also called Mazda8
Production 2006–present
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door van
Layout FF layout
Platform Mazda LY platform
Related Mazda6
Powertrain
Engine 2.3 L L3-VE I4
2.3 L L3-VDT turbo I4
Transmission 4/5/6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,950 mm (116.1 in)
Length 4,868 mm (191.7 in) 2007:
4,860 mm (191.3 in)2008–present:
Width 1,850 mm (72.8 in)
Height 1,685 mm (66.3 in)

In February 2006, the third generation Mazda MPV went on sale in Japan,[4] having debuted earlier in October 2005 at the Tokyo Motor Show.[5] It is powered by either a four-cylinder MZR Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) 2.3-litre naturally aspirated engine or the turbo version of the same. The second row reclining seats feature an unusual retracting footrest feature. The gear shift was moved from the steering column to the center console, much like most other minivans by Japanese automakers today. The launch of the third generation MPV was famously known for its television commercials narrated by a middle-aged woman saying the tagline, "Supōtsukā no hassō de, miniban wo kaeru." (スポーツカーの発想で、ミニバンを変える。The idea of a sports car - inherited by a minivan.)

The third generation MPV is currently available only in Japan, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.[6] It is known as Mazda8 in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, and Malaysia. The 4WD and Turbo models are available only in the domestic (Japanese) market, while all export models (usually known as Mazda8) are naturally aspirated FWD models only.

It is not exported to North America or Europe. The Mazda CX9 (North America only) and Mazda5 fill the segment gap in these markets.

In 2008, a facelifted version was introduced. External modifications include a new front bumper with new foglights. A five-speed automatic transaxle replaced the four-speed unit used in NA FWD models. Six-speed Automatics remained in the turbo and 4WD models.

Turbo models were discontinued in 2010. A Malaysian version was introduced in 2010, the fourth market in which the third generation Mazda MPV is sold. In 2012,A 2.5L engine version mated with five-speed automatic replaced the 2.3L with four-speed in China.

2009 Mazda MPV rear view (Japan spec)


References

  1. ↑ "Facilities | Ford Motor Company Newsroom". Media.ford.com. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
  2. ↑ "Mazda MPV Production Reaches One Million Units". Webwire.com. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Chase, Chris (January 2010). "Used Vehicle Review: Mazda MPV, 2000–2006". Canadian Driver.
  4. ↑ http://www.mazda.co.jp/corporate/publicity/release/2006/200602/060202.html
  5. ↑ http://www.mazda.co.jp/corporate/publicity/release/2005/200510/051005b.htmlM
  6. ↑ "to Sell New MPV in Hong Kong | News Releases". MAZDA. 2006-03-22. Retrieved 2009-04-11.

External links

Mazda automobile timeline, North American market, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
Model year 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 012345
Subcompact GLC GLC Mazda2
323 323/Protegé
Compact Protegé Protegé Mazda3 Mazda3 Mazda3
626 626 626
Mid-size 626 626 Mazda6 Mazda6 Mazda6
Millenia
Full-size 929 929
Sport compact MX-3
MX-6 MX-6
Sports MX-5 Miata MX-5 Miata MX-5 Miata
RX-7 RX-7 RX-7 RX-8
Minivan Mazda5 Mazda5
MPV MPV
Compact crossover Tribute Tribute CX-5
Mid-size crossover CX-7
Full-size crossover CX-9
SUV Navajo
Pickup B-Series B-Series B-Series B-Series