Orlando Sentinel's view

A minivan is a minivan and a sport-utility vehicle is a sport-utility vehicle, right?

Not necessarily.

If all goes according to plan, Mazda will pull off a unique feat by making a sport-utility version of the MPV minivan.

Phase one of this transformation started with the arrival of the 1996 models. Mazda added a swing-open fourth door on the driver’s side; the MPV’s front end was given a new, more aggressive look. And the interior was redesigned to include a passenger-side airbag.

Late this summer when Mazda rolls out the MPV All Sport – which adds fender flares, bigger bumpers, built-in fog lights – the MPV’s transformation from minivan to sport-utility will be complete.

For now, Mazda calls the MPV a sport-utility van.

PERFORMANCE, HANDLING

Mazda outfits the MPV with a 155-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6. That horsepower rating doesn’t seem impressive compared with other minivans with bigger engines and more horsepower. But the MPV is one van that can’t be judged by its numbers.

The MPV’s performance surprised me. I can’t recall driving a minivan that was more responsive at low speeds. Lightly touching the accelerator is enough to move the MPV quickly from a stop. In fact, it knocks you back in the seat.

Once in motion, the MPV is a quiet and smooth vehicle, even under heavy acceleration. The 24-valve V-6 delivers enough power to pass traffic easily on the highway. Each MPV is built with a computer-controlled four-speed automatic transmission. A button on the column-mounted shift lever allows the driver to disengage overdrive and keep the transmission in third gear.

The shifter in our test van was sloppy. Sometimes it was difficult to move from park to drive, and other times the lever didn’t settle into its slot without a slight nudge.

Handling is an area where the MPV’s solid engineering and refinement are clearly evident.

Mazda engineers changed the MPV’s suspension system for 1996 by upgrading the shocks and improving the stabilizer bars. The MPV rides and handles almost as well as a sports sedan.

No need to worry about slowing down for a corner. The MPV’s firm and stable suspension system prevents the van from leaning. It’s comforting to know that you can make a quick emergency maneuver to avoid an accident.

I especially like the MPV’s power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering system. Because the MPV can turn a complete circle in just 39 feet, it is very easy to make U-turns. All MPVs come standard with a strong set of four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

FIT AND FINISH

As with other Mazda products, the MPV is a high-quality vehicle that is designed with an eye toward user-friendliness. You’ll feel comfortable and at ease with the MPV’s size and interior layout almost from the moment you settle into the firm but comfortable seat.

Because you can see clearly in any direction, you always feel in control when backing up or driving the MPV in tight areas, such as mall parking lots.

Mazda’s interior redecorating included installing new instruments that are bigger and easier to read than last year’s. Most of the major controls are in the center of the dash and easy to reach and use.

The interior’s weak point is that too many functions are carried out by the two stalks mounted on the steering column. Cruise control, windshield wipers, brights and blinker functions are divided between the left and right stalks. It takes a bit of fumbling at first to learn how to operate everything.

The MPV’s rear bench seat can be folded up and removed. It’s a heavy seat, and taking it out is a two-person affair. The two middle seats can be folded backward. The tailgate opens easily and swings up out of the way. Loading cargo is easy on the back.

Moving around inside the MPV is easy because there is so much room.

Our test vehicle was loaded with a long list of power accessories, including a separate air c nditioner for rear passengers.

The MPV is a well-built machine. Because it is built in Japan, and subject to the current unfavorable currency exchange rates, you are going to find that it is much more expensive than a domestic minivan.

The MPV, however, is an excellent people mover.

Truett’s tip: Mazda’s MPV is a sporty but conservatively styled minivan. It offers good all-around performance, sporty handling and plenty of interior room. But the imported MPV is quite a bit more expensive than Big Three minivans.