MAZDA MPV: Which Version Do You Like for Used Car?

First Generation LV Series (1988-1999)

The first generation MAZDA MPV was released in January 1990, boasting a bonnet style at a time when the minivan marketplace consisted mainly of cab over 1BOX types. Its chassis was based on the Luce, with the rear suspension greatly improved. The outer design was simple, and MAZDA especially promoted the MPV’s superior functionality as it went on sale. The car body measured in length, width, and height at 4,465mm, 1,825mm, and 1,745mm respectively; the width was significant in relation to the length, and as such, it was possible for users inside the vehicle to walk through freely and comfortably, thereby achieving a feeling of great openness.

The engine installed was the V-type six-cylinder 2,954cc gasoline engine only, which had a power output of 155 horsepower. This was combined with the 4-speed automatic transmission. The designated fuel was the regular.

In October 1991, due to MAZDA’s steps to diversify its sales channels in the Japanese market, the MPV was made available at MAZDA’s Japanese luxury dealership network ɛ̃fini. The model name was subsequently changed to ɛ̃fini MPV, and changes were made on the equipment as well, such as the installation of electric sunroofs.

By August 1993, to improve safety, a side impact bar was built into the doors, and high-mount stop lamps and seat belt warning alarm were newly installed.

In August 1994, the 2,494cc gasoline engine with 120 horsepower was newly added to the lineup.

In October 1995, minor changes were made to the interior and exterior. For the interior, the design of the front area, such as the headlights and bonnet grille, was changed. As for the interior, in addition to design changes to the instrument panel area, airbags were installed on the driver and passenger seats as standard equipment.

In terms of the engine, the 2,499cc diesel turbocharged engine with 125 horsepower was made available.

As for the drive system, in addition to the FR that had been available up until this point, the 4WD was newly added to the lineup.

In November 1997, all grades were installed with the ABS as standard equipment, demonstrating efforts to improve safety. Moreover, in terms of the interior, changes were made to the seat covers, further improving quality. Moreover, the model name went back from the ɛ̃fini MPV to the original MAZDA MPV.

Second Generation LW Series (1999-2006)

In June 1999, a full model change led to the introduction of the second generation MVP. The basic drive system was changed from the FR to FF, and this generation model realized great improvements in riding comfort, as well as more variations in seat arrangement. The total body length increased by 150mm, thereby securing more space between the seats. Moreover, it now featured horizontally sliding (to the left only) seats in the second row, and a third row seat that could be folded into a floor recess; thus, a wide variety of seat arrangements could be achieved according to various needs and preferences. In terms of the interior, the height of the instrument panel was held in check, and compact centralized configuration was implemented on the center console, thereby realizing a more open interior space.

The engine lineup consisted of the 1,991cc gasoline engine with 135 horsepower and the 2,494cc gasoline engine with 170 horsepower, which were combined with the 4-speed automatic transmission.

As for the drive system, only the FF was available when this model first went on sale, but in November, the 4WD was added.

In 2000 and 2001, grades with enriched equipment were added to the lineup, leading to an increase in variety.

Minor changes implemented in April 2002 led to a complete change in the engines carried; the 2,260cc with 163 horsepower and the V-type six-cylinder 2,967cc with 197 horsepower were newly introduced. In terms of the transmission that could be combined with these, the 5-speed automatic was newly combined with the V-type six-cylinder engine. Furthermore, in terms of the exterior, a blacked out interior and front headlights that emphasized dauntlessness and power were utilized. Another distinctive feature of this model was that electronic sliding doors were introduced as an optional installment.

Further minor changes were made in October 2003; the outer appearance of the model was differentiated from those of others. This was achieved through grades like the Aero Remix, which was equipped with aero parts, and the fact that both a sporty type and a normal type that boasted European taste were made available. In terms of the interior as well, improvements were made on the seat arrangements, enhancing usability.

In September 2004, the integrated retractable key, enhanced with an immobilizer and portable keyless entry, was installed as standard equipment, further enriching equipment features.

Third Generation LY Series (2006-)

The current third generation model went on sale in February 2006. A distinctive characteristic was a sportier design that revolved around vertical headlights. For the interior as well, though up to this point, the seats could only slide sideways to the left, with this generation model, sliding to both the right and left was made possible, as well as forward and back by 330mm. Furthermore, the super relax seat was introduced as option, providing greater choices and variability.

The car body was enlarged, measuring in length, width, and height at 4,860mm, 1,850mm, and 1,685mm respectively. Due to the low-floor chassis, a spacious interior was realized.

As for the interior, changes were made to improve quality, such as the placement of the gear shift to the instrument panel and the use of decorative silver parts.

The engine lineup consisted of the 2,260cc naturally aspirated engine with 163 horsepower and the 2,260cc turbocharged engine with 245 horsepower. Moreover, both were certified as “2010 Fuel Consumption Standards +5% Achieving Vehicle,” with fuel consumption improving from the 9.4km/L of the 4WD to the 12.2km/L of the FF.

In terms of the transmission, the 4-speed automatic was made available for the FF, while the 6-speed automatic for the 4WD.

In January 2008, minor changes were implemented. For the exterior, the lower grille was changed to the patented MAZDA upside-down pentagon grille-what could be called the symbol of MAZDA’s identity. To match this, other areas were revamped, such as the fog lamp design being changed to a vertical one.

In November 2012, with the aim to improve safety, the three-point seatbelt was installed on all seats as standard equipment. Moreover, by changing the second row seating to a 2-person seat, riding capacity decreased from 8 to 7 people.