Sure, we've got the Mazda5 here in the States and that's nice and all, but everyone's talking about the Minivan being back in vogue and here Mazda's left with nothing but a crossover to offer in the U.S.

Enter the MPV, which just went on sale in Mazda's homeland of Japan. It's a minivan done Mazda's way with plenty of zoom, zoom from the same direct-inject 2.3L turbo set to be sold in the CX-7. The little four-banger will pump out 244 hp in the CX-7 and Mazda says in the MPV it will be classified SU-LEV. Mazda hopes to sell about 3,000 MPVs a month with a pretax asking price starting at 2,266,667 yen, or below $20,000 US.

What we like about the MPV is that the range-topping AWD model tips the scales at less than 4,000 lbs. Compare that to a top-of-the-line Honda Odyssey EX-L with a V6 producing the same 244 hp yet weighing 4,537 lbs.

To bad Mazda has no plans to bring the MPV stateside, as we think many moms would enjoy driving around a turbocharged minivan.

Mazda will be unveiling an all-new MPV at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, along with the SENKU and MX-Crossport concept vehicles, the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept, the next-generation MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine and Advanced Driver-Support Technologies.

The all-new MPV was launched in Japan in February 2006, as part of its global rollout. Next up was Hong Kong, where it is named Mazda8 (a likely moniker for other markets, including North America, although Mazda has not yet committed to selling the vehicle here). The new minivan features evolutionary styling inside and out and dynamic performance typical of Mazda's "zoom-zoom" DNA. The rigid new body structure ensures sporty handling without compromising a comfortable ride.

Power for the show vehicle was provided by the new direct-injection MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The combination is reputed to deliver high fuel-efficiency and low emissions, along with unminivan-like performance.

Thanks to direct injection and a turbocharger, the new engine achieves a high, flat torque curve and throttle response belying its relatively small 2.3-litre displacement. Mazda says it is comparable to a 3.5 to 4-litre V6 power plant, yet is the only turbo engine produced in Japan to meet SULEV (Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles) standards.

In addition to application in the new MPV, the new MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo will also be available in the Mazdaspeed6.

The new Mazda MPV is sold in Hong Kong as the Mazda8.

Frontal Crash Test

Frontal Offset Crash Test

The above movies are courtesy National Organization for Automobile Safety & Victims' Aid of Japan.

You need DivX codec to be installed on your system to view the movies.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2752834

In order to replace the cabin air filter on 2000+ MPV you need to perform the following. Please note that the cabin air filter was not available on DX trim level. Some later trim levels might not have it either.

1. Remove the glovebox
2. Locate the filter box on the right side of the opening:

   

3. Open the filter box lid by pulling on the clip on the left

   

4. Remove the old filter element

   

5. Reinsert the new clean filter and assemble in the reverse order of removal