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2001 Mazda Millenia Makes World Debut at New York Auto Show; - Features New Styling and Greater Road Feel -

19 April 2000

2001 Mazda Millenia Makes World Debut at New York Auto Show; - Features New Styling and Greater Road Feel -

    NEW YORK, April 19 With its optional Miller-cycle engine
and sophisticated styling, the Mazda Millenia is well established as a sporty
and distinctive member of the near-luxury segment.  For 2001, Mazda has
updated the Millenia with freshened styling, improved handling and ride
quality, and a quieter, more luxurious feel.  The new model makes its world
debut at the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center,
April 22-30.
    Known for its sleek, timeless design and European flair, Mazda paid
particular attention to the hood, front fenders, grille, front bumper,
headlights, taillights and rear fascia in re-styling the 2001 Millenia, which
is slightly longer (1.8 inches) than its predecessor.  The styling upgrades
continue on the inside with the new Millenia receiving a power lumbar support
driver's seat, a two-tone interior treatment, improved cockpit lighting,
leather wrapped shift knob and better sound insulation for a more luxurious
feel.  For greater convenience, Mazda has also added a new center console with
an additional power outlet, storage for 10 CDs and four cup holders-two front
and two rear.
    Less visible on the show floor, but very apparent on the road, are the
improvements Mazda has made to the Millenia under the skin.  Additional
reinforcing in the sidesills and other structural members gives the 2001 model
a 30-percent increase in torsional rigidity.  The rigidity of this body
combined with the already smooth and athletic four-wheel multi-link
independent suspension, responsive variable-assist power rack-and-pinion
steering, four-wheel ABS-equipped disc brakes with larger rotors and Mazda's
sophisticated Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system results in a
more solid and secure ride.
    Power for the 2001 Millenia comes from a smooth and efficient
170-horsepower, 2.5-liter, DOHC V6, and the award-winning 210-horsepower,
2.3-liter, Miller-cycle, DOHC V6 continues to drive the Millenia S model.
    Mazda's innovative and unique Miller-cycle engine, which has been named
repeatedly to Ward's "10 Best Engines" list, uses a Lysholm compressor and
delayed intake valve timing to deliver the power of a larger engine with the
fuel economy of a smaller engine.
    Both the Millenia and Millenia S models come standard with dual de-powered
airbags, side airbags, leather seating surfaces, a leather wrapped steering
wheel, cruise control, automatic climate control system, remote keyless entry
system with two fobs, fog lamps, eight-way power driver's and passenger's
seats and a power moon roof.  The Millenia model features 16-inch alloy wheels
and AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system with six speakers, while the Millenia S
model boasts electronic traction control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a
nine-speaker BOSE(R) audio system.
    Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United
States.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has over 750 dealerships
nationwide.