MPV ES proves highly versatile
A week in Mazda’s 2006 MPV ES mini-van proved its versatility for busy lifestyles, and did so with impressive fuel mileage numbers. We took MPV on a 2,000-mile trip, enjoying “as-advertised” 25-mpg highway and never once lacked for power.
With a sedan-like feel on the road, MPV ES offers ample space for people and cargo making for a pleasurable driving experience. Among MPV’s many highlights are automatic sliding rear doors on both sides, which make entry and exit convenient, safe and easy. By week’s end, all passengers on the trip appreciated the feature more than expected.
Mazda’s 3.0-liter V-6 engine cranks out a solid 200-horsepower and mates to a five-speed automatic transmission. There’s an overdrive gear that helps boost the highway fuel mileage numbers, something much appreciated in our continuing higher gas price environment. MVP comes standard with front-wheel drive and a well-designed traction-control system, while nice 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires attach MPV to the roadway.
Also standard are four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with an electronic brake force distribution system. MPV then “double secures” its passengers with Triple H body reinforcement, a technique used by Mazda that adds up to 2 millimeters of steel reinforcement at key points in the body structure. This creates a “safety cage” that adds resistance to impact. The MPV also has front and rear crumple zones, dual front airbags and front side airbags.
MPV’s interior is a pleasant experience. We doubted the effectiveness of the fold-down tray between the front seats, but learned to value its “here-when-you-need-it, gone-when-you-don’t” nature on our extended drive. Also noteworthy inside are an AM/FM nine-speaker stereo with six-disc CD changer; leather-trimmed upholstery; second-row “Side-by-Slide” seat (the outer seat on the passenger side shifts in to make more room for entry and exit at the door); third-row tumble-under seat; front and rear air conditioning; keyless remote illuminated entry; intermittent rear wiper/washer; and privacy glass.
Like its competitors, MPV doesn’t expect much cargo space when seven people are aboard — but if the passengers are out, you can expand to a generous 127 cubic feet. Of most concern inside is MPV’s lack of second-row legroom, just 37 inches — barely more than the 35.6 in the third row. The Toyota Sienna, by comparison, has 39.6 and 39.5 in the second and third rows, respectively. Granted, a few inches aren’t much, unless you’re trying to stretch a stiff knee.
One final positive and negative on the interior features: We loved the fact that the second-row windows functioned like those in a sedan, sliding down virtually all the way. Yet, we were disappointed that this get-up-and-go vehicle was lacking such a simple feature as a thermometer to read outdoor temperature.
Although we won’t try to sell you on a mini-van turning heads like a sports car, we have to admit MPV is sharp and very “not mini-like” in design. Our Sunlight Silver Metallic paint made our tester all the more attractive.
Overall, the road experience is good. This Mazda handles well, rides smooth, and offers many amenities. Even though MPV is less powerful than competing minis, never once did we feel it was underpowered to a fault. The engine can get noisy at times because you’ll be pushing the pedal further down for response, but it’s something you can live with. Notable is MPV’s smaller than usual mini-van size, which greatly helps in close-quarter maneuvers and parallel parking.
Important numbers include a 19.8-gallon fuel tank, 111.8-inch wheelbase, 3,772-pound curb weight, 18/25 EPA numbers, and 3,000-pound towing capacity.
Mazda’s MPV is a strong player in the mini-van market thanks to a well-orchestrated combination of performance and features. We’d gladly spend another 2,000 miles in this model, in the driver’s seat or elsewhere (although we’d only allow six travelers max). We rate MPV a solid 8.5 on a scale of one to 10.
Likes: Sliding doors are a treat, sharp “unminivan” looks, good fuel mileage.
Dislikes: Limited second-row legroom, no thermometer, noisy engine.