Mazda Millenia

Mazda Millenia Models

There are two Mazda Millenia models: the Millenia Premium and the Millenia S.

The S is powered by Mazda's innovative Miller-cycle engine, a 2.3-liter dohc V6 that uses an innovative scroll-type supercharger to produce 210 horsepower without compromising fuel economy or smoothness. The Premium, which is really the base Millenia, comes with a naturally aspirated (i.e. at operating at atmospheric pressure, not supercharged) 2.5-liter dohc V6 rated at 170 horsepower.

Standard equipment for both Mazda Millenia includes a four-speed automatic transmission, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, remote keyless entry with two fobs, fog lamps, eight-way power driver's seat and dual front and side-impact airbags.

In addition to the trick engine, Millenia S adds leather seating surfaces and door inserts, plus power for the passenger's seat, electronic traction control, 17-inch (rather than 16) alloy wheels, power moonroof and a Bose audio system with nine speakers.

Driving the Mazda Millenia

The base Millenia's 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter dohc V6 is a tepid performer. It takes more than 9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, which is not quick for a proper luxury sedan.

By contrast, the smaller-displacement Miller-cycle engine in the S sprints to 60 mph about 7.5 seconds. Yet it achieves a slightly better EPA mileage rating of 20/28 mpg city/highway.

Mazda's unique Miller-cycle engine has been named one the world's "10 Best Engines" for the last four years by Ward's, an automotive trade journal. It uses a Lysholm compressor (a scroll-type supercharger) to boost intake pressure, along with late intake-valve closing to produce an impressive amount of power without sacrificing fuel efficiency. This system allows this 2.3-liter engine to perform like a 3.3-liter engine, while still retaining the 2.3-liter engine's economy of operation. The result is a vigorous 210-horsepower with the brawny, quick response of 210 pound-feet of torque. Beyond the $3,000 it adds to the Millenia's initial purchase price, the Miller-cycle package has no downside.

Put into action, the Miller-cycle engine makes an authoritative growl. Its torque delivers immediate go-power, yet the front-wheel-drive equipment has been engineered to eliminate torque steer even at maximum thrust. And that's not the case with some of the Millenia's competitors. (Torque steer is a tugging of the steering wheel that occurs in powerful front-wheel-drive cars.) The crisp acceleration of the Millenia S is thoroughly appropriate to a well-balanced luxury sedan. At the same time, this engine is supremely smooth. Power is transmitted through an excellent four-speed automatic transmission.

The Mazda Millenia ride is stellar, a splendid combination of genteel smoothness and real athleticism. Helped by the generously wide tires, the Mazda tops most of its entry-luxury competitors with high cornering limits. Body roll is mild and well controlled. The rack-and-pinion steering transmits excellent road feel, combined with rock-solid on-center feel. All in all, the suspension doesn't disturb you overmuch with news of the road's roughness, but tells you what you need to know.

Four wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard. (ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control in a panic braking situation.) Braking is adequate, although some other cars in this class stop in shorter distances.