When your family size grow, naturally an MPV will be on your priority when it is time for a new car. Consumers here are spoil for choices here, with a lot of luxurious re-conditioned unit from Japan, namely the Toyota Estima, Alphard and Vellfire. A few unique owner will go for the Nissan Elgrand. For those that had had bad experience with re-conditioned unit, finally gave up and will bet on units with local distributor support. Still a lot of choices though! First came to one mind will be the Proton Exora, which is cheapest starting from RM60k, good enough for the average family man to ferry the kids, in-law and maid around town. But most having better budget, would still want a Japanese model, and the Mazda Biante or Nissan Serena would be common on the list. The Biante which originated from a JDM, made its appearance a surprise as Mazda has a better Mazda 5 and Mazda 8. The Biante cost RM150k, which is slightly below the Mazda 5, and about RM50k lower than the Mazda 8. Of course, the Mazda 5 is not a 7-seater MPV.
Powering the Biante is the Skyactiv 2.0-litre engine, capable of 149hp/190Nm of power, paired to the 6-speed transmission. Soon, all Mazda's models will inherit the Skyactiv, normalizing the high compression feature. Comparing to an almost similarly price Nissan Serena (RM147k), with better torque, one would prefer the Serena for its network of support throughout the country. Both look equivalent boxy, though the horizontal tail-lamp layout of the Biante is much neutral.
The interior of the MPV is as simple as it can get, with a Pioneer audio unit and simple aircon control. Nothing fancy here, except for the paddle shifter...what the heck is Mazda thinking! Driver of MPV would not need to have this and it is not a sport car. Could it be the Biante is sharing the same part bin from other models? Safety is basic, with dual front airbags, ABS and traction control, again, similar to what a Serena has.
For a MPV, the seats must be comfortable and there is no compromise here. The fabric seat is thich and comfy, but the beige colour is not a welcome sign for a family with kids and babies...It could attract stains in no time. However, it reduces heat from having darker colour. The headrests of both the front driver and passenger seat have integrated video monitor, thus remember to put your maid way back since she will not need to watch that movie on the journey. It's their precious time to catch a nap anyway.
Without the revival of a Kia Carnival/Naza Ria, the Biante and Serena could be the only competitive people movers in the market. However, in Malaysia, we still have a lot of folks that want a Toyota, and the Previa/Estima from UMW Toyota is asking for a whooping RM258k! Heads on to the Mazda's or Nissan's showroom and put your RM150k instead.
