Mazda MPV Facelift Revealed (JA)

Mazda MPV Facelift

Restyled in and out

By Frank de Leeuw van Weenen
January 15, 2008 1:23 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Mazda

Restyled in and out

The Mazda MPV was only launched in 2006 and already the facelift has been released and gone on sale in Japan. The exterior and interior has been restyled while the ride quality and comfort levels have been improved.

On the outside we now find new chrome body parts, remodeled upper and lower grille and bumper, restyled rearlights and new 18 inch alloy wheels. Inside Mazda has fitted newly designed decorative trim and chrome parts and an industry first 'nanoe ion' air purification system has been installed.

The front-wheel-drive models now use a five-speed automatic transmission (previously a four-speed automatic) with the 2.3 liter engine which improves fuel economy. The chassis itself has also been retuned to enhance stability and comfort.

Prices range from 2,500,000 yen (15,500 Euro) to 3,600,000 yen (22,400 Euro). Special needs models are also available as of today.

Source: Mazda

Press Release (Click to expand)

Mazda Unveils Freshened MPV in Japan

Improvements include restyled exterior, more advanced driving dynamics and enhanced interior comfort and quality

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch in Japan of the upgraded Mazda MPV minivan. Known for its excellent drivability and sporty dynamic design, the freshened Mazda MPV is available from today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide.

The concept for Mazda’s latest MPV is “+Aggressive, +Luxury.” The refined styling and superb drivability that have become hallmarks of the third generation MPV since its launch in February 2006 have been further evolved. Other enhancements include interior and exterior changes and improved ride quality and comfort.

Extensive new chrome body parts, together with the remodeled upper and lower grilles and bumper, form a bolder and more distinguished front face. The vehicle’s rear combination lights and 18-inch alloy wheels*1 have been redesigned and five fashionable, high quality body colors, including Metropolitan Grey Mica, Diamond Grey Metallic and Lilac Silver Metallic, are newly available.

The interior design maintains the previous version’s sporty image and features newly designed decorative trim and chrome parts that boost quality levels. The slide range of the optional second row ‘Super Relax Seats’ has been extended and a ‘nanoe ion’ air purification system*2 has been adopted as an industry first to increase comfort levels. The interiors of the 23T L Package and 23S L Package model grades have also been fitted with custom sand-beige leather seat covers, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped wood grain-patterned steering wheel.

Vehicle dynamics have been enhanced by installing Mazda’s five-speed automatic transmission*3 as standard equipment on all front-wheel drive (FWD) models with the MZR 2.3L naturally-aspirated engine. This change also improves fuel economy during acceleration and high-speed cruising. The chassis has also been retuned to enhance stability and ride comfort.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Mazda MPV vary from 2,500,000 to 3,600,000 yen (including consumption tax). The target sales volume is 1,200 units a month. Special needs models based on the freshened MPV are also available from today.

*1: Standard on grades equipped with the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine
*2: ‘Nanoe’ is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Works Ltd. Available as a factory-installed option. Please refer to the factory installed options list below.
*3: The Mazda MPV was previously equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. All four-wheel drive (4WD) and FWD grades with the direct injection turbocharged engine offer a six-speed automatic transmission.