Introduced two years ago, Mazda's luxurious 1997, four-door, front-wheel-drive Millenia finds itself in competition with several worthy opponents. Unlike Japanese rivals Toyota, Nissan and Honda, which incorporate separate luxury divisions (Lexus, Infiniti and Acura respectively), Mazda's key entry into the high-end, highly profitable, luxury segment is its Millenia. Not only does Millenia battle the likes of a Lexus ES 300 and Infiniti I-30, it competes with Toyota's flagship Avalon, Nissan's top-level Maxima and numerous domestic Big Three challengers. Mazda's near-luxury sedan is available in three trim levels: Millenia, leather-trimmed Millenia L and top-of-the-line Millenia S. We test-drove the Millenia S, the only one of the trio featuring Mazda's impressive, 210-horsepower, V-6 "Miller-Cycle" engine. Its extremely quiet engine idle matches that of its Lexus rivals, generally considered the bellwether of the industry. Handling, cornering, responsiveness and refinement all were excellent. Even traveling at highway speeds approaching 75 miles per hour, very little wind or engine noise seeped into the interior. Styling and mechanical cues remain virtually unchanged from the first two years. Halogen headlights replace projector beam lights, improving nighttime illumination, and a new interior center console design with standard compact disc player top the list of 1997 tweaks. Our Millenia S had a base price starting at $36,595. Since the vehicle comes well equipped, the bottom line, including a $450 destination charge, totaled $37,345. Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes and traction control are all standard equipment in Millenia S. Inside, power window buttons, vertically molded into the front doors, allow for armrests to conveniently double as flip-to- storage area. In addition to a center bin/armrest, Mazda provides plenty of nooks and crannies for toll way change and other knickknacks. A single, 12-ounce can holder retracts from the front center storage bin. Circular trunk and fuel-tank release buttons are found near the bottom of the driver's door. The steering wheel descends into place once the driver is seated and the key inserted in the dashboard-located ignition switch. Climate control functions are located above the stereo system, integrated into a simulated wood grain center console. Millenia comes pre-wired for a trunk-mounted compact disc player. A circular dial controls temperature, while large push buttons activate fan speed and direction. Headlights operate from the turn signal stalk while windshield wipers engage from a right-hand-side stem. Headroom is limited for drivers and passengers exceeding heights of six feet. The back is best left for two, rather than three passengers for maximum comfort. Mazda needs to add back seat air conditioning/heating vents and more cup holders in future models. The half-shell instrument panel is generally well thought out, although the steering wheel blocks access to cruise control on/off buttons and rear-window defoggers. Both temperature and time are digitally displayed. Most rivals incorporate duplicate radio/temperature controls on the steering wheel, a feature notably absent in our Millenia. Drivers must also be wary of larger-than-anticipated blind spots when switching lanes. Its rounded, raised-back, aerodynamic exterior doesn't break any new styling ground. However, Mazda conveniently embeds the radio antenna into the rear window. Both L and S editions include 16-inch, all-season radial tires, improving overall handling and a step above 15-inch versions. With just 600 odometer miles, our red, 1997 Millenia cranked out 24 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Mazda estimates city mpg at 20 and highway mpg at 28. The fuel tank holds 18 gallons of unleaded fuel. The Japan-built Millenia S receives high marks for handling, suspension and its advanced Miller-Cycle engine. But creature comforts including tight headroom and sparse back seat room could turn off some buyers. Millenia and Millenia L trim levels, with a standard six-cylinder, 170-horsepower engine offered in Mazda's mid-level 626 sedan cost a few thousand dollars less, but are minus the added muscle of the noteworthy Millenia S powerplant. Mazda, Japan's fifth-largest automaker, lacks the marketing muscle and deep pockets of larger rivals. After sub par 1995 earnings, the company refocused efforts here in the United States, concentrating resources on its compact Protégé, mid-size 626, Millenia, MPV minivan and B-series pickup truck. However, Ford Motor Co. recently increased its stake in Mazda. Ford now owns a 33 percent stake in Mazda and is busy implementing cost-cutting programs and managerial changes. |