Say goodbye to the MPV minivan, as Inside Line reports Mazda will officially be replacing the people mover with a new crossover positioned above the upcoming CX-7 (shown). Known internally as the CX-9, this new crossover will have three rows of seating with space for up to seven and be priced from $38,000. Unfortunately we won't be getting the redesigned MPV that debuted in Tokyo last week, which actually looked pretty good. We'll also be losing the Escape-based Tribute when the CX-9 joins the CX-7 in dealers next fall. Expect to see what the new crossover looks like at the New York Auto Show this spring.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Source1 @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Nice!
Hank @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
I'm a little disappointed they're scrapping the MPV. It's currently a great driving van, and new one at Tokyo is sharp.
But, hey, the CX-9 should be a hit.
Alan Bedenko @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
$38,000 as a starting price to replace the MPV, which starts at around $18,000?
Is that a typo, or has Mazda completely lost its mind? No way I would consider paying BMW or Audi money for a Mazda.
Even the B9 Tribeca can be had for the low 30s, as ugly as it is.
DT @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Ford would be smart to just rebadge the new MPV for a new ford minivan since the Mazda is so superior to what Ford has tried and failed with.
As for a $38K CX9 I can't imagine that's the starting point. But it would probably be competitive with the Jeep Commander which is "around" that price when decently featured.
The good news is the end of the Tribute and I'm hoping that means the edge will end the Escape as well. Those are too outdated.
BD @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Whoa that new MPV is nice. Bring that here ASAP! Or rebadge it as Ford's minivan, either way I don't care.
Adam @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
So what'm I supposed to do for a reasonably prices (eg, not $38K) medium sized vehicle with room for lots of stuff and people?
Corey @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Bring that new MPV! We'll replace our 2000 Odyssey with one. I currenty have a 2004 MPV and love it. Crossovers are nicer that truck-based SUVs but simply not as practical for 3 kids AND a lot of stuff.
Devin Lussier @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
It's a very sexy little car, but not #38K sexy. I can get a loaded X3 with money to spare for that. Mazda is not BMW, no matter what they may think. That has to be a typo.
Joel A @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Damn. Mazda's coming out with some nice vehicles. I'll definitely be searching for pics and info of the prototype CX-9 in earnest as well.
Bryce J @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Bring on the new MPV. That CX-9 isn't even priced for the same market.
DT @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
devin the X3 does not fit 7. Like I said it would compete with the Jeep commander. Which is priced near $38K. I don't think the $38K number is accurate either. But the word "around" in the original story absolves the writer or source from accuracy.
Sid Ghosh @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
It's not gonna be in BMW-range. Mazda's new-found success is built on the fact that they offer vehicles which feel/look German while costing Japanese.
That price is a typo.
What I want from Mazda, apart from the MX-5 Coupe and the Mazdaspeed3, is the MX-Micro Sport.
Robert Aitchison @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
So the replacement for the MPV, which starts in the low $20k range and tops out in the mid $30ks is a crossover that STARTS at $38k? Pretty unrealistic if you ask me.
Mazda has had an untapped gold mine in the MPV for quite some time and haven't done anything about it. It has had features like a fold flat 3rd row seat since 2000 (the MPV and the Odyssey were first to market with this feature), it's smaller size make it easier to drive & park than most other minivans.
With some better drivetrains (dump the crappy Ford V6 and get a Turbo I4 or a hybrid and an optional manual transmission) and a little bit of marketing the MPV could have been one of the top 3 players in the minivan game, as it is it's the minivan that nobody ever thinks about and itsn't even tested in most minian comparisons.
CrunchyCookie @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Why does everyone think the Tribute is Escape-based? Didn't anyone hear that both ride on the ghetto 626 platform? The Escape is a Mazda with a Ford engine and interior. Think Probe on stilts. Or Fusion.
Robert Aitchison @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
The Tribute isn't just Escape based, it's a rebadged Escape.
Chris @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Why do people think the CX-9 replaces the MPV? According to the article, "the company will not sell its redesigned MPV in the United States, hinting that the minivan will be replaced by another type of people mover."
Doug R @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Like Corey, I'm very disappointed that Mazda won't bring the new MPV over here. We have a 04 MPV that is just great. I was looking forward to seeing how Mazda would build its next gen and hoping it would be a touch larger but not on the scale of the Oddesey et al. I like what I saw on the new MPV website and am discouraged that all we will get is another SUV albeit a "crossover." I have been in Mazdas for 4 cars now. I guess when we eventually replace our 04 MPV we'll have to look elsewhere.
Chad @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
As a 35-year YOUNG dezign enthusiast, the Mazda design has made a 3 pointer AND 1.
It should B named either the SX-7 or SX-E1 (sexy 1) to boost female sales!
P.S. Wanna talk about this?
Tele. 337.232.1772: 5:15P-7:30 CMT.
Chad @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Hey Mazda sales, should I bend over before U put that $38K sticker in my Savings account?
This is a Mazda, not an Infiniti!
P.S. That thing better have the capability to drive itself.
*Should B priced around 27K, nicely equipped!
Andy @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
What a fantastic improvement to the 2007 MPV. Two years to late. Install a 3.3 liter V6 engine or a 2.7 liter diesel for us folks in the Canadian North. Beats the hybrids any day. Hope Ford will let the Mazda guys doing their own thing. I would hate to change brands. Five Mazdas in our family speaks for itself.