October 27^th. 1999               

Mazda’s `new-generation’ 4WD - the ACTIVEHICLE

The 33^rd Tokyo Motor Show, which opened in Japan last week, was used by Mazda Motor Corporation to reveal its ACTIVEHICLE Concept, the basis of a new four wheel drive wagon which will go into production next year.

Its powerful, refined design provides a stylish and practical response to the conflicting demands of city driving and off-road capability, blending outstanding performance and comfort with ample go-anywhere four-wheel drive ruggedness.

With a spacious and functional interior plus excellent handling and performance, the ACTIVEHICLE Concept has been developed at a time when demand for sophisticated 4WD’s continues to grow around the world.

The Australian "outdoor lifestyle" has created a particularly high demand for this versatile vehicle type, which today is a far cry from the crude commercial vehicle based models which pioneered the market segment more than a decade ago.

• Exterior design blends the powerful image of traditional 4WD wagon design with clean, refined urban styling, based on Mazda’s design theme of ‘Contrast in Harmony’, creating a design which is rich in originality.
• Interior design provides exceptional space and comfort, with an emphasis on providing both functionality and the highest level of quality.
• Highly efficient packaging ensures plenty of space for four 180cm-tall adults and all the luggage they would typically need for a trip away from home for a couple of days.
• Rear seats are equipped with reclining mechanisms, and front seats can be tilted back, when slid fully forward, to connect with the second row seats to create a near-flat reclining area.
• Floor panels and the suspension, exclusively designed for a 4WD model, allow the cabin floor to be set low while retaining the overall height and ground clearance of a conventional 4WD. This not only contributes to easy entry and exit but also to the large interior space. The optimum height of the front seats, together with high eye points and an upright seating posture, creates a command-of-the-road position with superior front and rear visibility. This also allows easy exit and entry.
• An impressive luggage space which is 920mm long, even when the seats are positioned to carry five occupants. The rear seats employ a ‘flip-folding’ mechanism after moving the rear seats forward, creating a load space that extends 1.5 metres in length – enough room to carry a 26-inch class mountain bike.
• An in-car personal computer system that provides Internet service, combines with a multimedia station that includes a DVD player, navigation system and television – enabling passengers to communicate on the Internet with people throughout the world.

The ACTIVEHICLE Concept is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine which delivers top level performance in a compact SUV category, with maximum output of 147 kW. It also provides high torque at low speeds for excellent performance characteristics across the entire operating range.

Its specially designed monocoque body helps reduce weight to 1,570kg, giving the ACTIVEHICLE Concept excellent handling performance and fuel economy.

Four-wheel independent suspension utilises struts in the front and multi-link suspension in the rear to not only deliver responsive handling and balance when travelling off-road but also a solid driving feel and high degree of stability for spirited on-road driving.

The vehicle is environmentally friendly, with emission levels meeting Japanese LEV standards. The use of a lightweight monocoque body also contributes towards the achievement of excellent fuel economy.

Major Specifications