Mazda Biante MPV launched in Japan

Mazda has released full details and photos of the earlier previewed new Mazda Biante MPV. The Biante was developed exclusively for the Japanese market so I doubt it will go anywhere officially, but Naza World may bring it in as a grey import since it launched a slew of Mazda models recently.

More details after the jump.

Two engines are available with the Mazda Biante. The bigger of the two is a normally aspirated 2.3 litre DOHC engine, and the other is an improved version of Mazda’s normally aspirated 2.0 litre 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 litre’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 litre minivan class.

The second row of seats can be adjusted fore and aft by 863mm, varying the amount of space between the second and third rows. Pushing it furthest to the back will create a sort of “living room” for the second row. Access to the second and third row is via a sliding door on each side of the minivan. Power sliding doors are also available standard with the 20S model, and optional on the other models. These powered sliding doors offer a safety feature where if something touches the door and obstructs its closing it will stop, much like power windows with safety features.

The air conditioning system comes with what Mazda calls a nanoe ion generator, which can neutralize bacteria, odors and allergens. This is standard on 4WD models and a factory installable option on the other models. There is also an allergen filter. A ceiling-mounted deodorizer absorbs tobacco, adhesive and other odors. The seats and floor mats also come with anti-bacterial coating.

The Mazda Biante is priced from 2,199,000 yen for the cheapest 20CS 2WD model up to 2,689,000 for the most expensive 20S 4WD model. The 23S 2WD model with the 2.3 litre engine costs 2,650,000 yen.

PHOTO GALLERY: Mazda Biante Exterior
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PHOTO GALLERY: Mazda Biante Interior
Click thumbnails to enlarge

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Learn more: Mazda Biante Malaysia