Mazda joins the luxury minibus market
Mazda joins the luxury minibus market
By Russell Williamson
MAZDA, under the auspices of its local importer Indomobil, is to join the growing number of manufacturers introducing upmarket people movers.
On display at the Jakarta Auto Expo is the company's up and coming A2000 eight-seater family car.
The A2000 is being shown to whet the appetites of the buying public and is expected to go on sale about October.
The A2000 is based on the E2000 commercial van but features full monocoque construction rather than the chassis/body type build of the commercial vehicle.
This means that the mini bus, despite looking similar to the van, offers more passenger car-like drivability and safety.
The A2000 is powered by a four-cylinder 2000cc engine and driven through a manual five-speed gearbox.
Befitting its up market status, the A2000 will be well equipped with standard equipment likely to include power windows and mirrors, power steering, a double blower air-conditioning system with rear vents and a flexible eight person seating system with rotating seats.
Mazda's other show vehicle is the 323 Lantis.
Competing with the likes of Toyota's Corolla, the Lantis is a good proposition for someone in the market for a reliable quality up spec small car.
Powered by an 1800cc 16 valve DOHC four cylinder engine, the 323 is one of the leaders in its class in terms of power and torque.
Maximum power of 105kW is reached at 6500rpm while the torque -- which is very well spread across the rev band -- reaches a peak of about 160Nm at 4700rpm.
The fully-independent suspension with MacPherson struts and coil springs on both the front and rear are part of a combination which gives the 323 superb ride and handling characteristics.
Wide tracks front and rear are combined with reinforced cross members that give greater rigidity and therefore, greater suspension control, and the use of liquid-filled bushings on the front reduces transmitted road noise.
The shock absorber valving is designed to provide better damping action at very low shock absorber speeds which helps eliminate high-speed "float".
Inside, the accommodation is good, especially for front seat passengers, while the seats themselves are well shaped for plenty of side support and have tilt and height-adjustable cushions.
The rear seat back can be split to give access to the trunk, and also has a fold-down center armrest. The trunk area is generally uncluttered but does have a relatively high sill.
Equipment levels are high and include air conditioning, radio cassettes player, central locking, power windows and mirrors and even cup holders.