2000 Mazda MPV

2000 Mazda MPV
NEW YORK - Following on the heels of a thinly disguised concept vehicle that debuted at the Detroit Show in January, the production version of Mazda's 2000 MPV minivan bowed in New York with the hope of putting the "mini" back in the minivan market. Blessed with a fresh, clean design and clever seating arrangements, the 2000 MPV will arrive in Mazda dealerships this July.

The new MPV is far different than the model Mazda sold from 1989-98. The old MPV looked more like a tall wagon that had swing-out, sedan-style doors and was sold in both rear- and four-wheel drive. The new MPV is a true short-wheelbase minivan that has dual sliding rear doors (whose windows actually power all the way down!) with sliders neatly hidden in the window channels. Although it is front-drive, Mazda officials hinted that all-wheel drive could be offered if demand for it could be established.

The 2000 MPV is built on a Mazda-designed platform that uses some components from the 626 sedan but is otherwise unique. It features MacPherson-strut front and torsion-beam rear suspension with dual stabilizer bars standard. Power comes from Ford's 2.5-liter, Duratec V6 that puts 170 horsepower through a four-speed automatic transmission, good for 18 mpg in city driving, and 23 mpg highway.

Roughly the same size as the Dodge Caravan, the MPV accommodates seven with front buckets, "side-by-slide" seats in the second row that can be slid together to form a bench, and a three-place rear seat that can be folded flat into a rear well or flipped outward for tailgate parties. Guess Honda didn't get the Odyssey's "magic" seats to the patent office in time.

Three trim levels will be offered: a base DX, uplevel LX and top-of the line ES. There's even an optional GFX appearance package that includes fog lights, front and rear spoilers and aero side sills. Options include antilock brakes, side-impact front airbags and an in-dash six-disc CD changer with nine speakers.