The new appearance is the result of a bigger front end and a new rear bumper, all

designed to improve crashworthiness. The longer nose also makes it easier to see the

front corners when parking.

The MPV remains a handsome vehicle with its bulging fenders, horizontal taillights and

chunky new front end. Mazda strived to make people think -car+ when they looked at an

MPV. The tail lights are horizontal and the B-pillars are moved back for bigger, more

carlike side windows.

Four hinged doors makes the 1996 MPV more convenient and more carlike than ever. The

Honda Odyssey and the Chrysler minivans are among the few that offer rear doors on

both sides. Most minivans use sliding doors, but those on the Mazda and Honda are

hinged and swing open like the doors on a sedan. All four doors on the MPV feature

power windows that go all the way down.

The DX and LX come with a choice of four solid colors. The LX also offers three

optional two-tone schemes, while the leather ES can be identified by its bordeaux and

sand mica two-tone paint.

While most new minivans are front-wheel drive, the MPV uses rear-wheel drive, making

it a good choice for towing. The load leveling package, optional on the LX and

standard on the ES, raises the tow rating to 4300 lbs. on the 2-wheel-drive MPV and

4000 lbs. on the 4WD model. The Chevy Astro/GMC Safari are the only minivans that can

tow a significantly heavier load and they are considerably more trucklike than the

Mazda.

The MPV's towing package includes an automatic load leveling system that works well

for balancing heavy loads, a transmission oil cooler, a larger cooling fan and a

full-size spare tire. The bigger fan and full-size spare are standard on the 4WD

model. Without the towing package, an MPV can pull up to 2600 lbs.

The All-Sport package, designed to give the MPV a sport-utility image, is mostly

cosmetic and is available for both 2- and 4-wheel-drive models. It includes a unique

grille, a stone guard beneath the front bumper, fender flares, a rear bumper cover, a

roof rack and special graphics. Larger tires on bright alloy wheels are also

available. The bottom line is that any MPV 4WD model can go anywhere an All-Sport can go.