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Mazda Millenia sedan gets a stiffer structure and a new face
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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DUVALL, Wash. -- Taking sequential curves at a quick clip on a road that follows all wiggles of the Snoqualmie River in the state of Washington, a refined new edition of the Millenia luxury touring sedan by Mazda waltzes around the twisty course.
Carrying speed through a slaloming set of highway curves might not work with just any sedan, as the action could upset the suspension's balance. The body may careen laterally away from the radius of the first corner, then settle on the straight but roll in the opposite direction on the next curve.
Such to-and-fro pitching of the car body, while unsettling and uncomfortable for passengers, could also be dangerous if it causes the driver to lose control.
But the Millenia plays it differently.
There's hardly any roll to its body and all four tires maintain a firm grip on the blacktop, a feat that reveals a stiff structural design and sporty tuning of the sophisticated suspension system.
Mazda's plan for Millenia, as appeared on the original issues of 1994, specified a rigid monocoque platform with perimeter subframe bracing. Yet new Millenia editions for 2001 carry additional structural reinforcements to enhance the strength of the framework.
A stabilizer bar fits in the rear suspension now, with a larger bar up front and new rear bulkhead supports in place working together to increase torsional rigidity by 35 percent and bending rigidity by 17 percent.
This additional bracing makes the new Millenia feel even more solid when it tackles a turn set.
Then to this rigid platform add the factor of a fully independent suspension system that develops a firm but smooth ride quality while still imparting to the driver a strong feel of the road.
Millenia's engine speed-sensing rack and pinion steering device has been tuned to produce sharper responses when the driver turns the steering wheel.
Further, the four-wheel disc brakes are stronger, thanks to new high-friction brake pads and front rotors increased almost an inch in diameter. An intricate four-sensor electronic anti-lock device for brakes operates on three channels to prevent wheels from skidding during hard braking exercises, and a new electronic controller distributes brake force proportionally between wheels.
Any vehicle equipped with such good handling hardware invariably provides plenty of juice. For Millenia, though, there are two powertrain choices.
The Millenia Premium edition packs a 2.5-liter V6 with aluminum alloy block, twin cams overhead and four valves for each of six cylinders. Output reaches to 170 hp at 5800 rpm.
It's efficient, surprisingly quiet and exceptional in the way all vibrations have been shunted away from the passenger cabin.
The Miller-cycle engine of Millenia S goes even further to maximize power efficiently.
Named for its American inventor, Ralph Miller, the plant compresses its intake charge, then alters valve timing to produce higher output from a relatively small block. In effect, it musters more power from less displacement.
Total horsepower reaches to 210 at 5300 rpm, with 210 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm -- all from a 2.3-liter V6 that achieves fuel economy figures as high as 28 mpg.
Both Millenia P and S editions depend on a Mazda automatic four-speed transmission outfitted with electronic controls. The two vary only in gear ratios, as Millenia S uses quicker settings for sportier shift sequences.
More safety equipment loads onto the 2001 Millenia editions, including dual de-powered frontal air bags and a side-impact air bag mounted in the outside bolster of each front seatback.
The ABS and EBD systems apply to brakes on both editions, although Millenia S also has a traction control system to stem wheel slippage.
Sharp new exterior styling elements mark the sleek Millenia models for 2001.
The aggressive face shows a clean sweep around a smooth new bumper that divides the nose into upper and lower segments. Below the bumper, a wide air vent separates corner foglamps, while above a pentagonal grille stands out in chrome with flanking corner headlamps in gleaming multi-lens clusters.
Over the grille, chiseled lines of the new bowed hood rise to reach the thin windshield pillars that initiate a smooth arch over side windows to the flat rear deck.
New alloy wheels mount on the new Millenia models, sized to 16-inch diameter for Millenia P and 17-inch in chrome for Millenia S.
Inspect Millenia's sheetmetal seams between body panels and doors and you will find nearly perfect fittings, certainly among the best in the world.
Mazda invested heavily in designs by supercomputers to create tight manufacturing tolerances for Millenia, then built a plant in Hofu, Japan, stocked with massive metal presses that can transform a single piece of sheet steel into a complex car frame. The vast frames not only create a rigid body free from squeaks and rattles, but allow body panels to mesh together so closely.
Millenia's passenger compartment also gains features with a two-tone treatment in premium leather.
Standard configuration for both models shows two bucket seats up front and a three-person rear bench. The two front seats have eight-way power controls, and the driver's bucket includes lumbar back support.
A redesigned instruments panel provides Optitron gauges in bold light displaying white markings and red pointers.
New controls for the audio system mount on the leather-wrapped steering wheel now and the shift lever on the center console has a new leather cap.
Both models support a long list of standard equipment, including an automatic climate system, remote keyless entry controls and a power moonroof.
The audio system in Millenia P contains six speakers with cassette and CD decks, but Millenia S upgrades to a nine-speaker Bose package.
Despite so much standard equipment, Millenia for the revamped 2001 models reaches the American market with competitive prices pitched between $28,000 and $33,000.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2001 MAZDA MILLENIA Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size luxury sedan
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| Model Options: |
Mid-size luxury sedan
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| Wheelbase: |
108.3 inches
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| Overall Length: |
191.6 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.5-L V6
DOHC 2.3-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4
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| Drive: |
Front
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS
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| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side)
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| Gas Mileage: |
2.4-L: 20/27 mpg
2.3-L: 20/28 mpg
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| Price: |
$ 28,025 to $ 32,705 |
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