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Summary
It's hard to beat a minivan for convenience and interior space; whether moving people or cargo, a minivan will carry more for your money. The trouble is, minivans haven't been much fun to drive. But the Mazda MPV is more agile and easier to park than other vans, with good handing, strong power, and a brilliantly designed interior. MPV is second-rate to no minivan in interior finishing. The power roll-down windows in the side doors are what an adult rear-seat passenger expects. The tumbledown rear seat is really convenient, both for increasing cargo space and as a rear-facing bench for a tailgate party. Compared with other minivans, Mazda's MPV handles better on the road, and maneuvers better in tight confines. It offers a unique alternative for buyers who like the versatility of a minivan but who do not need the ultimate passenger or cargo capacity of the larger minivans. If it's big enough for you, then the MPV is a great choice.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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LX ($22,690); ES ($26,090) |
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Engines:
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3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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ABS, EBD, dual front airbags |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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side-impact airbags, traction control |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Japan |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Mazda MPV ES ($26,090) |
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Standard Equipment:
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leather-trimmed upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, second-row Side By Slide seat, third-row Tumble Under seat, air conditioning with dust and pollen filter, rear air conditioning, power door locks with remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat, armrests for driver and passenger, rear privacy glass, nine-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Four-Seasons Package ($425) includes rear heater, heated power mirrors, large windshield washer tank, large radiator, automatic transmission oil cooler, heavy-duty battery; power rear sliding doors ($800); roof rack ($200); rear bumper step plate ($50); fog lights ($250); floor mats ($50) |
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Destination Charge:
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520 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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28385 |
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Layout:
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front-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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200 @ 6200 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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200 @ 3000 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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18/24 |
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Wheelbase:
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111.8 |
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Length/width/height:
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187.8/72.1/69.1 |
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Track, f/r:
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60.6/60.8 |
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Turning circle:
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37.4 |
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Seating capacity:
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7 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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41.0/NA/40.8 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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39.3/NA/37.0 |
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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38.0/NA/35.6 |
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Cargo volume:
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127.0 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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Suspension, f:
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independent |
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Suspension, r:
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twist beam |
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Ground clearance:
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5.4 |
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Curb weight:
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3,812 |
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Tires:
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P215/60R17 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/drum with ABS, EBD |
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Fuel capacity:
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19.8 |
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