NORTH SHORE REWS AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE ALL-NEW for the 2000 model year, the Mazda MPV has switched from rear-wheel- drive to front-wheel-drive, and now has two sliding rear doors instead of ewing- out doors, and a “turnole-under” third row bench seat. Test drive the 2000 Mazda MPV at Wolfe Mazda, 1695 Boundary, Burnaby. redesigned for the first time since its introduc- tion in 1988, the 2000 Mazda MPV has joined other mini-vans in adopting 2 design first pioneered by the 1984 Chrysler Magic Wagons, improved upon by the current Dodge Caravan, and copied by just about every other mini-van on the market today. This successful mini-van formula includes front-wheel-drive, mid-sized dimensions, a V6 engine, automatic transmission, seven passenger scating with removable rear seats, two sliding rear side doors, a lift-up rear hatch, a low step-in height, car-like handling and ride, and affordability. The 2000 Mazda MPV now has front-wheel-drive instead of rear-wheel-drive, two sliding rear doors instead of we swing-out doors, standard seven-passenger seating with more versatile seat- ee 30 day powertrain guaraniee ¥4 day owcer exchange program ALA Gia NEWS photo Cindy Goodman” ing and cargo-carrving, arrangements, a flower step-in height, and more car-like ride and handling. . The new MPV is about 90 mm (3.5 in.) longer than the pre- vious MPV, and is about the same size as the current Dodge Caravan, but shorter than extended whccivase minivans like the Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, and Ford Windstar. Clever design packaging, which includes a lower floor and longer cabin, has resulred in a very rcomy interior and cargo or I found adequate legroom and headzoom for every seating posi- tion. All MPV’s have front and centre captain’s chairs with fold- ing armrests, and the cencre reclining bucket seats slide fore and aft. All positions, except the centre rear scat, have height- adjustable head restraints and three-point safery belts. Key features of the new MPV include a third row seat that tumbles into the floor, much like the rear seat of the redesigned Honda Odyssey. Doing this requires pulling on two straps, fold- ing the seatback, and pulling downwards. I found this scat is not as heavy as the tumble seat in the Odyssey. Most iniportantly, the ch seat doesn’t have to be lifted out of the van and stored in the garage. Rear bench seats often weigh over fifty pounds, and require two people to lift them out because they're so awkward. Can rehensivs mechanical and safety inepecticn jailed cosmetic reconditioning (CBC damzgo check Lian trea guarantee “Around town, the MPV is easier to drive than long wheel- base minsvans because of tts shorter length and narrower turning civele. It’s also easier to park.” The MPV’s third row seat also flips over to face rearwards. With the rear hatchback raised to create a rain shield, the rear-fac- ing scat is great for watching outdoor sports and recreational events, ‘Two centre bucket seats with armrests slide together to form a tench seat. This gives Mom or Dad the option of sitiiag next to dheir small child, and allows easier access to the third row seat on the rassenger side. The centre bucket seats can also be removed - completely from the van, and are light enough to be lifted our by one person. he MPV’s rear sliding side doors are lightweight, requiring very little effort to open and close, and the door handles are large and easy to grip. Unlike other manufacturers though, Mazda does not offer power-operated rear sliding doors, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them added later. Both rear doors have roll- down windows, the first time this feature has been offered in a mini-van. The windows roll-down about 75% of the way. Tthe MPY’s windows are unusually large, adding to the feeling of spa- ciousness and assisting the driver's outward visibility, The rear hatch opens casily and is tall cnough to stand under. See Cargo page 38