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A bolder, more dynamic design and significantly improved levels of active and passive safety are just two highlights of the new Mazda MPV.

Mazda's seven-seater now comes standard with side airbags mounted on each front seat, improving side impact protection, while the addition of ventilated rear disc brakes - incorporating an Australian-made single shoe park brake - enhance the standard ABS anti-lock system to dramatically reduce stopping distances.

The updated model also boasts a heavily revised and more luxurious interior with more creature comforts. The new MPV gains a six-stack, in-dash CD player and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated audio and cruise control switches.

Security has been upgraded with a deadlock function improving the car's standard remote central locking system.

The suspension has also been revised to further improve the MPV's already impressive ride and handling characteristics.

Now fully embracing Mazda's athletic design cues, which have earned praise on the Mazda6, Mazda2, RX-8 and upcoming Mazda3, the V6-powered MPV features a completely redesigned front end that incorporates a new bonnet, grille, guards and bumper.

Striking new tail lamps, new paint colors including three mica or metallic hues - which are available at no additional cost - and new-look 16-inch alloy wheels, help complete the exterior upgrades.

Inside, the driver and as many as six passengers will appreciate a comprehensive revamp that conveys a more refined and sporty ambience.

Darker grey velour trim and darker and more luxurious carpet are more upmarket and better withstand the daily rigors of family use. Revised headlining and carbon-look trim panels on the dash and doors help deliver the new look.

The instrument panel has also been redesigned with the main dials now finished with chrome-look meter rings while a new and more sporty-looking, leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel - similar to the one fitted to the Mazda6 - has been added.

Priced from $50,655 the value-packed MPV is just $805 more than the model it replaces yet includes equipment worth at least $1500.

The managing director of Mazda Australia, Malcolm Gough said: "With improved safety features and more equipment, the 3.0-litre V6 MPV offers family buyers great value and an exciting, fun, yet practical driving experience.

"The addition of class-leading braking and the introduction of side airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger enhance the MPV's safety package, an important consideration for families".

These latest improvements further compliment the revised, larger-capacity 3.0-litre V6 MPV introduced last year.

The V6 engine, which develops an impressive 152 kilowatts and 271 Newton meters of torque, mates to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda Australia plans to sell between 60 and 80 MPVs a month.

An MPV "customer" is typically a professional family with more than two children aged between five and 15. They are high-income earners with 60 per cent of household incomes above $60,000.

Owners recognise that the MPV has distinctive competitive strengths.

Surveys show that the top rating strength of MPV is its level of comfort, while its number one feature is seen as its flexible seating. Families with three or even four children can remove surplus seats to attain a larger luggage area than other competitors with a rear bench seat.

Ride, handling and build quality also rate highly as MPV strengths.

More than 96 per cent of our customers rate their MPV as at least satisfactory, with 90 per cent rating it better than very satisfied.

2. What's New

• 15 inch rear disc brakes replace the previous model's rear drums
• Controlled by ABS, the ventilated front and ventilated rear disc brakes deliver class leading stopping distances in wet and dry conditions
• The rear disc bakes incorporate a Banksia single-shoe park brake developed by Australian company PBR International Ltd
• The new brake system has reduced pedal stroke and pedal effort by 8-10 per cent
• The addition of side airbags to each front seat increases to four the number of airbags fitted as standard
• With a capacity of 15-litres, each side airbag helps protect the driver and front-seat passenger's chest, head and neck during a side impact
• Suspension revisions further improve its already impressive ride and handling characteristics
• The MPV has a more athletic look incorporating a new front bumper, new five point grille, redesigned front guards and reshaped side rubbing strips
• The head and tail lamps have been redesigned and look more sporty. The headlamps sit slightly higher than before
• A new-look 16-inch alloy wheel is standard
• The MPV is available in 10 body colors with only Classic Red, Sunlight Silver metallic and Black Mica carried over from the previous model
• The revised interior has a more sporty and refined ambience with a new cloth trim, carpet and headlining helping to deliver the new look
• The dash now features a black top panel and more modern and sporty-looking silver-carbon finish trim
• A refined chrome-finish has been added to the instruments and inner rear door handles of each sliding rear door
• A three spoke steering wheel, complete with leather-wrapped rim and illuminated audio and cruise controls replaces the previous non-leather, four-spoke wheel
• Trim panels on each door are larger than before, while trim has been added to the rear quarter panels
• Silver-carbon trim garnish has been added to the top of each door
• Each door pocket can now accommodate a 500ml bottle

3. Design and Packaging

Now fully embracing Mazda's athletic design cues, which have earned praise on the Mazda6, Mazda2, RX-8 and upcoming Mazda3, the V6-powered MPV features a completely redesigned and more dynamic front end.

New from the windscreen forward the MPV's Mazda family face is dominated by a restyled five-point grille complete with a mesh surface, topped by a striking chrome-look upper moulding and surround.

The new "proud" grille is flanked by restyled headlamps that sit slightly higher than before, giving the MPV a sportier, more contemporary look.

A more substantial bumper, which extends the MPV's overall length by 40mm, redesigned front guards and side rubbing strips complete the design overhaul.

At the back the MPV features new lights that have a sharper, cleaner-looking design.

Matching the MPV's new look are fresh five-spoke alloy wheels. The "rimless" alloys give a more substantial appearance while each of the five split spokes convey a sense of sportiness.

The MPV is now available in 10 colors and like all Mazda vehicles metallic paint is a no cost option.

New colors added to the range include Blue Pacific Mica, Gloaming Silver, Razor Blue, Nordic Green Mica and Snowflake White Pearl. There are also a number of two-tone paint combinations to choose from.

Inside, the cabin has been reworked to better reflect the athleticism that forms the essence of Mazda design DNA.

The driver and as many as six passengers will appreciate a comprehensive revamp that conveys a more refined and sporty ambience. Darker grey velour trim, darker and more luxurious carpet, revised headlining and carbon-look trim panels combine to deliver the new look. The darker trim has been introduced to better cope with the daily rigors of family life.

The instrument panel has also been redesigned and a new and more sporty-looking three-spoke steering wheel - similar to the one fitted to the Mazda6 - has been added.

The new MPV retains its walk-through capability and features a fold-flat table that nestles between the front seats. The table features a lidded box and a cup holder that can accommodate a 500ml bottle or 360ml can.

Creature comforts include dual air conditioning, a trip computer, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and an engine immobiliser.

Children and the elderly will welcome the addition of grab handles on the backs of each front seat. The handles are ideally placed to provide assistance when entering and exiting the MPV.

4. Driving Dynamics

The new MPV now boasts class-leading braking distances in the wet or dry with the addition of ventilated rear disc brakes. An ABS anti-lock system is standard.

The rear discs incorporate a Banksia single-shoe park brake developed by Australian company PBR International Ltd. This park brake system is similar to the units fitted to all Australian-made family cars.

Powering the MPV is a refined and efficient 3.0-litre V6 MZI engine mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission.

Developing 152kW at 6200rpm and 271Nm at 3000rpm the new engine delivers impressive performance.

The MZI's torque also peaks early in the rev range with its 271Nm available at just 3000rpm for better in-gear acceleration.

Low engine speed torque delivery is helped by the use of an Intake Manifold Communication Control (IMCC) system. IMCC maximises the inertia ramcharging effect in the intake manifold by controlling the intake passage length in accordance with engine speed using a valve located in a tube that links two surge tanks - one for each bank of cylinders.

Torque at all engine speeds is further enhanced by sequential fuel injection and by trace-knock control, whereby the ignition timing is adjusted just prior to the occurrence of trace knock (the lowest level of knock that can be detected by the human ear).

The MZI V6 engine's fuel efficiency is maximised by the use of a pentroof-type combustion chamber with a compact high-squish design to maximise combustion efficiency, while low noise and vibration characteristics have been achieved by using an aluminium cylinder block with cast iron liners for durability and rigidity. A structural cast-aluminium oil pan strengthens the bottom of the block to suppress engine vibration.

The engine mates to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission that delivers:

• improved off-the-line acceleration
• closer-spaced ratios permit a lower average engine speed, which also generates less engine noise
• fifth gear is optimised for high-speed driving, so highway cruising is quieter and more efficient
• a better spread of ratios that reduces the amount of gear shifting required in hilly terrain.

The new MPV benefits from further suspension tuning to improve higher speed stability, an update that builds on a host of dynamic upgrades introduced last year.

Those improvements delivered better straight-line stability, improved steering feel, better braking and lower levels of noise, vibration and harshness.

5. Safety & Security

Passive and active safety have been significantly upgraded in the latest MPV with side airbag protection added for the two front seat occupants, bringing to four the number of standard airbags.

With a capacity of 15-litres, each side airbag helps protect the driver and front-seat passenger's chest, head and neck during a side impact

The latest MPV's levels of active safety have also been boosted. To help avoid an accident in the first place Mazda has supplemented the MPV's standard front ventilated brakes with 15-inch ventilated discs at the rear. Controlled by an ABS anti-lock system the new brakes deliver class leading stopping distances in wet and dry conditions.

Another benefit of the braking system is a reduced pedal stroke for a quicker, more confident braking action. Both pedal stroke and effort have been reduced by 8-10 per cent.

The latest safety upgrades compliment safety improvements introduced last year that included three floor-mounted tether points behind the third-row seat.

The rear sliding doors feature a hold-open latch and reduced slide effort so that children can use the door safely and easily.

Security is also improved with a deadlock function being added to the standard remote locking system. An engine immobiliser is also part of the package.

The rear doors feature a positive hold-open latch mechanism that automatically engages when the door reaches the fully open position and disengages when either the inner or outer door handle is used.

Access to the third row seat is provided by a double fold second row seat, while a headrest mechanism allows each headrest to tilt forward and down for better seat manoeuvrability and visibility when they are not in use.

The new headrest mechanism also improves rear visibility as the centre headrest can be quickly folded whenever the seat is vacant.

The MPV is covered by Mazda's comprehensive three year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

6. Features

Exterior

Alloy Wheels
Dual sliding rear doors
Tinted windscreen, side and rear windows
Roof Rails
Body coloured bumpers, side mouldings and door handles
Body coloured power mirrors
AM/FM radio aerial printed into rear glass
2 speed wipers with variable intermittent function
Rear hatch wiper with intermittent function

Lights

Multi reflector Halogen headlights
Front fog lamps
Interior map reading spot lamps
Cargo room lamp
Large lamp for 2nd & 3rd row passengers
Front door trim courtesy lamps
Illuminated entry system with delayed fade
Driver's power window switch and ignition key surround illumination
Lights left on sound warning

Instrumentation

Automatic transmission indicator
Tachometer
Temperature gauge
Touring computer with 5 functions
Low fuel warning light
Critical function warning lights and chimes

Air conditioning - front and rear units
AM/FM radio with in-dash 6 disc CD player and 4 speakers with steering wheel controls
Remote operated central locking with 2 transmitters
Cruise control with steering wheel controls
Tilt adjustable steering column
Remote fuel release
Power windows - front and rear
Driver's power window - one touch up and down function
Velour cloth seat trim
Cloth door trim, floor covering and roof headlining
Front seats - 2 bucket seats: with rake and slide adjustment, driver's tilt and height adjustment, armrests both sides, height adjustable head rests, passenger's seat under tray and rear pocket Second (3 seats) and third (2 seats) rows: with individual rake and slide adjustment, height adjustable and second row foldable head rests, horizontal folding function with seat back table, double folding function, individually removable
Illuminated glove box with lock
7 cupholders and bottle holders in the front and rear doors
Digital clock in audio system
12 volt power socket on cargo room trim
Instrument panel pocket, centre console box, front door pockets and overhead console boxes
Heating ducts to second row passengers
Driver's left footrest
Driver and passenger's sunvisor with vanity mirror

Safety and Theft Prevention

Driver's and passenger's SRS airbags
Front seat mounted side SRS airbags
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake force Distribution system (EBD)
High mounted stop lamp
Childproof rear door locks
Child seat anchorages x 5
Front seatbelt with pre-tensioners and load-limiter function
Engine immobiliser
Luggage compartment rope hooks x 6
6 place 3 point ELR seatbelts
1 place 2 point sash seatbelt (2nd row centre)
Height adjustable front seatbelt anchorages
Side impact door beams
Rear window demister
"Triple H" safety construction with front and rear crushable zones

7. Specifications

Engine		3.0 litre V6, 24 valve DOHC
		Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) System
		Electronic Multipoint Fuel Injection with knock sensor
Capacity	cc	2967
Bore & Stroke	mm	89.0 x 79.5
Compression Ratio		10.0:1
Maximum Output (DIN)	kW	152 @ 6200 rpm
Maximum Torque (DIN)	Nm	271 @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	litres	75
Fuel used		Regular Unleaded
Fuel consumption	litres/100km	City	13
		Highway	9
Transmission	5 speed electronically controlled automatic - column mounted
Ratios	1st	3.801
	2nd	2.131
	3rd	1.364
	4th	0.935
	5th	0.685
	Reverse	2.97
	Final drive	3.491
Chassis and Suspension
Suspension	Front	Independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs
	Rear	Torsion beam axle
Steering		Power assisted (engine revolution sensing) rack and pinion
Turning Circle (kerb to kerb)		11.4m
Brakes (incorporating 4 wheel ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution)
	Front	Ventilated disc
	Rear	Disc
Wheel size	inches	16 x 6.5 JJ Alloy
Tyres (mm/ratio/rating)		215/60 R16 95H
Spare wheel		Full size
Dimensions
Overall length	mm		4807
Overall width	mm		1830
Overall height	mm		1785
Wheelbase	mm		2840
Track	mm	Front	1540
		Rear	1545
Ground clearance	mm		139
Kerb weight	kg		1753
Cargo volume	litres	with 3rd row seats	294
		3rd row seats removed	866
Towing capacity	kg	braked	930
		unbraked	750