Introduction
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Not long ago, station wagons were the preferred
choice for hauling people, pets and parcels. Then came minivans that could
do everything wagons could do and more.
Now we've got sport-utility vehicles. Outfitted with four-wheel drive
and a tough, go-anywhere image, it seems everyone wants one. Recognizing
an opportunity, manufacturers are putting the sport-utility label on everything
from trucks to mid-size station wagons to compact cars.
Mazda has been missing the sport-utility bandwagon ever since it stopped
selling the Navajo. Not content to stand on the sidelines any longer, Mazda
dressed up its competent MPV minivan with a sporty package that combines
rugged looks, proven mechanicals, a huge people-carrying capacity and four-wheel
drive.
Though this latest incarnation looks fresh, the MPV is not new. More
than 230,000 of them have been sold since its introduction as a 1989 model.
This popularity can be traced to the performance, handling and reliability
that the MPV offers. Nearly 99 percent of them are still on the road.
Mazda figures the MPV All-Sport will attract buyers who need a minivan
to haul people, but want a sport-utility with four-wheel drive and a rugged,
outdoorsy appearance.
Subaru successfully used a similar approach with its LegacyOutback,
a four-wheel drive mid-size station wagon with off-road performance and
styling cues. Pontiac is also trying this approach, calling its '97 TransSport
Montana a sport-utility van. The Montana has a somewhat rugged appearance,
but it lacks four-wheel drive.
MPV sales are up, so Mazda's strategy must be working.
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