In California and other states that require lower tailpipe emissions, it makes 10 horsepower less. The engine uses dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, and is borrowed from Ford's Contour sedan. Fortunately, the MPV is no heavier than it is because the engine would be overwhelmed. According to reports, a larger, more powerful engine will be offered in a few years but for now, Mazda is a short step behind other minivan makers in the power category. Mated to the 2.5 liter V6 is a four-speed automatic transmission, also provided by Ford.
Traction control is unavailable.
The MPV is built on its own chassis, a unibody platform so far not shared with any other Ford or Mazda product. It uses MacPherson strut front suspension and a simple torsion-beam rear axle. The rear suspension is designed to minimize alignment changes when the van is loaded. The MPV definitely handles like a minivan, with some body lean and tire scrub in heavy corners and its light steering, which works well in parking lots at low speeds, could use some extra highway feel. The ride is smooth and comfortable, however, with little wind noise and just a hint of engine hum on the highway.