Mazda Biante MPV launched in Japan
Mazda has released full details and photos of the earlier previewed new Mazda Biante MPV. Two engines are available with the Mazda Biante. The bigger of the two is a normally aspirated 2.3 liter DOHC engine, and the other is an improved version of Mazda's normally aspirated 2.0 liter engine featuring DISI direct injection. 2WD models come with a 5-speed auto, while the 4WD models come with a 4-speed auto. The 2.3 liter's 5-speed auto also adds sequential manual shifting.
Mazda hopes to sell 3,000 units of the new Mazda Biante every month. The Biante falls under the tall roof minivan segment much like the Nissan Elgrand and the Toyota Alphard. Tall roofs are desired by some families so that ingress and egress for those who have trouble bending down too much, especially the elderly. Mazda claims the Biante has the longest and widest interior (2,900mm long x 1,545mm wide x 1,350mm tall cabin dimensions) in the 2.0 liter minivan class.
