Pre-loved Mazda MPV 2000 Review

The MPV provides individual eating for up to seven people in a two-three-two arrangement. However if you have less people and more luggage, any of the five rear seats can be folded to make use of a table-like surface on the back, double folded to provide extra space, or removed completely.

The MPV is smaller on the outside than competitors of the same time, such as the Chrysler Voyager. Therefore it did not match that vehicle on maximum load length or width.

Nevertheless the MPV has proven more than adequate for an average mix of adults and children.

Child restraint anchorage points are provided for all five rear seats and there are 10 cupholders throughout the cabin. Both the front windows and the windows in the dual side sliding doors are electrically operated.

Also included in the MPV's generous array of standard equipment is dual climate-control air conditioning. Rear occupants have their own fan speed controls and overhead outlet events.

Other convenience equipment includes power assisted steering, electrically operated exterior mirrors, remote central locking tilt steering wheel, cruise control, a trip computer and a four speaker sound system with a single compact disc player.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners.

The MPV is powered by a 2.5-litre DOHC V6 engine that drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.

This model is marginally quicker than previous ones, but there are still times when a bigger capacity engine would be welcome.

The 2.5-litre struggles on steeper hills, with the transmission sometimes dropping back to second gear, with an accompanying unpleasant roar from the engine. A full complement of passengers (or other similar loads), slows the vehicle noticeably.

Up front, there is good leg room and plenty of head room and the seats are generally comfortable, although lacking a little in lateral support and thigh support.

Leg and head room are not as generous in the middle row seats, but there is still enough for average size adults. The rear seating compartment is best suited to two children as although leg and head room are reasonable, the shape and height of the rear seats can result in an uncomfortable knees-up seating position for adults.

Also, access to the rear seats is not easy – the left front seat has to be slid forward first and then the second row outer seat double-folded to get past.