Don't get too excited here, the New 2005/6 Mazda MPV launched late in Japan, is to be exported to Hong Kong under the name of Mazda 8.

As far as I am aware the Hiroshima made MPV is not coming to Australia or the US in the foreseeable future.

I would think that naming the MPV a MAZDA 8 will add some confusion to new buyers with the Mazda RX-8 in Hong Kong.

http://www.mazda.com.hk/showroom/m8/mazda8_01.html

Attached is a pic of the New MPV also now a Mazda 8.

 

I checked one out at a dealer I was passing the other day. Didn't drive it, but the exterior styling is nice... sporty. The interior was beautiful...

 

That is the best looking (the Honda is up there too) minivan I've seen. I know I can't get one here in the US (why o why Mazda????) and my wife is not a Minivan type of woman, but dang that's a nice looking minivan.

I love how the middle seats recline and have foot rests....cool!

While I really like the idea and look of the Mazda 5, I think it's a mistake not to have a bigger minivan in Mazda's lineup. While the current MPV is a bit small compared to it's competitors, it's still pretty roomy inside...more than I expected.

A slightly bigger MPV based on this minivan from Japan, would be a great addition to their lineup.