Mazda Biante 2.0 (A) Review
24 Feb 2014|74,064 views
The Mazda Biante (coined from the word Ambient) is an eight-seater large Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) originally introduced for the Japanese market in 2008.
Although the Biante may look like a competitor to the Nissan Elgrand or Toyota Alphard, it is actually a class lower in the MPV scale. Sitting somewhere in between the more compact Mazda5 and the larger Mazda8 in Mazda's lineup, the Biante is targeted for young couples with a small family.
The Biante receives an update for 2014 and it will be the first Mazda MPV to be instilled with the famous SkyActiv technology. With Indonesia being the first market outside Japan to sell the facelifted Biante, the MPV has finally made its way here.
Exterior
Based on the concept 'space motivator', the design of the Biante was intended to be attractive at first glance and to emphasise the car's spaciousness and functionality, though it comes across as a little too boxy for our liking.
Measuring 4,715mm by 1,770mm x 1,835mm (L x W x H), the Biante is 130mm taller, 240mm wider and 220mm taller than the Mazda5 and these extra dimensions contribute to the generous interior space, which we will talk about later.
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Taking some design cues from Mazda's very own 'KODO: Soul Of Motion' design language, the Biante is dressed with a new front bumper and grille, bringing it in line with the rest of the Mazda family look.
Sharp lines connect seamlessly all the way along the sides while the rising beltline expresses dynamism, and the Biante's composure is enhanced by the the stretched blister fenders above the wheels.
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Interior
The spacious and open impression of the Biante is emphasised by expansive side windows with low sills and large triangular A-pillar windows, though we reckon the A-pillars do hinder the driver's view a tad.
Thankfully, the broad instrument cluster positioned in the centre of the dashboard enhances the sense of depth and doesn't do more injustice. The instrument panel also features 'JDM' look-alike lighting that adds some spice to the otherwise plain-looking interior.
There are plenty of configurations in terms of seating arrangement in the people mover, including a 'Living Mode' layout, where sliding the second and third row seats to their rearmost position offers second-row passengers 'limousine-like' room that creates a greater sense of openness.
Access to the third row is easy thanks to the low floor and wide aperture and just like a cinema, the Biante features Mazda's 'Theatre Layout', which positions the rear seats higher than the front seats, giving every passenger a clear view in front.
Another 'cinema' feature of the Biante's third row is that it can be folded upwards unlike other MPVs, where seats collapse flat to expand cargo space. But most importantly, all passengers will receive a generous amount of head and legroom.
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The Drive
Just like most of the newer Mazda models, SkyActiv technology has been fitted into the Biante. This people mover is no sports car that will burst off the line when the lights turn green but the 2.0-litre SkyActiv engine provides sufficient power to lug the Biante around, and once you get it up to speed, the MPV is one smooth cruiser.
The six-speed SkyActiv-Drive transmission revealed a little of its tardiness especially when the manual override function was used, but otherwise, it operates in a relatively fuss-free manner when left to its own devices.
Fuel economy wise - compared to the claimed figure of 13.5km/L - we still managed 10km/L without even sparing a thought on being thrifty.
The Biante handles surprisingly well for an MPV and sports a pretty sharp and well-weighted steering. Nonetheless, for a car of its stature, it is difficult to escape from the law of physics, and we did detect a little bodyroll from the car when driving hard around corners.
But considering the fact that the Biante is a comfortable car to drive makes up for it. Its suspension soaks up road undulations with ease, which is perfectly suited for the roads that lead up North.
Conclusion
Despite a few nitty gritty drawbacks, the Mazda Biante offers a pleasant commute and will do its job well in transporting the family from point A to point B.
While the Biante may lose out to some of its competitors in the looks, power and driveability departments, it certainly makes up for it in terms of volume.
The Mazda Biante (coined from the word Ambient) is an eight-seater large Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) originally introduced for the Japanese market in 2008.
Although the Biante may look like a competitor to the Nissan Elgrand or Toyota Alphard, it is actually a class lower in the MPV scale. Sitting somewhere in between the more compact Mazda5 and the larger Mazda8 in Mazda's lineup, the Biante is targeted for young couples with a small family.
The Biante receives an update for 2014 and it will be the first Mazda MPV to be instilled with the famous SkyActiv technology. With Indonesia being the first market outside Japan to sell the facelifted Biante, the MPV has finally made its way here.
Exterior
Based on the concept 'space motivator', the design of the Biante was intended to be attractive at first glance and to emphasise the car's spaciousness and functionality, though it comes across as a little too boxy for our liking.
Measuring 4,715mm by 1,770mm x 1,835mm (L x W x H), the Biante is 130mm taller, 240mm wider and 220mm taller than the Mazda5 and these extra dimensions contribute to the generous interior space, which we will talk about later.
Taking some design cues from Mazda's very own 'KODO: Soul Of Motion' design language, the Biante is dressed with a new front bumper and grille, bringing it in line with the rest of the Mazda family look.
Sharp lines connect seamlessly all the way along the sides while the rising beltline expresses dynamism, and the Biante's composure is enhanced by the the stretched blister fenders above the wheels.
Interior
The spacious and open impression of the Biante is emphasised by expansive side windows with low sills and large triangular A-pillar windows, though we reckon the A-pillars do hinder the driver's view a tad.
Thankfully, the broad instrument cluster positioned in the centre of the dashboard enhances the sense of depth and doesn't do more injustice. The instrument panel also features 'JDM' look-alike lighting that adds some spice to the otherwise plain-looking interior.
There are plenty of configurations in terms of seating arrangement in the people mover, including a 'Living Mode' layout, where sliding the second and third row seats to their rearmost position offers second-row passengers 'limousine-like' room that creates a greater sense of openness.
The spacious and open impression of the Biante is emphasised by expansive side windows with low sills and large triangular A-pillar windows, though we reckon the A-pillars do hinder the driver's view a tad.
Thankfully, the broad instrument cluster positioned in the centre of the dashboard enhances the sense of depth and doesn't do more injustice. The instrument panel also features 'JDM' look-alike lighting that adds some spice to the otherwise plain-looking interior.
There are plenty of configurations in terms of seating arrangement in the people mover, including a 'Living Mode' layout, where sliding the second and third row seats to their rearmost position offers second-row passengers 'limousine-like' room that creates a greater sense of openness.
Access to the third row is easy thanks to the low floor and wide aperture and just like a cinema, the Biante features Mazda's 'Theatre Layout', which positions the rear seats higher than the front seats, giving every passenger a clear view in front.
Another 'cinema' feature of the Biante's third row is that it can be folded upwards unlike other MPVs, where seats collapse flat to expand cargo space. But most importantly, all passengers will receive a generous amount of head and legroom.
The Drive
Just like most of the newer Mazda models, SkyActiv technology has been fitted into the Biante. This people mover is no sports car that will burst off the line when the lights turn green but the 2.0-litre SkyActiv engine provides sufficient power to lug the Biante around, and once you get it up to speed, the MPV is one smooth cruiser.
The six-speed SkyActiv-Drive transmission revealed a little of its tardiness especially when the manual override function was used, but otherwise, it operates in a relatively fuss-free manner when left to its own devices.
Fuel economy wise - compared to the claimed figure of 13.5km/L - we still managed 10km/L without even sparing a thought on being thrifty.
The Biante handles surprisingly well for an MPV and sports a pretty sharp and well-weighted steering. Nonetheless, for a car of its stature, it is difficult to escape from the law of physics, and we did detect a little bodyroll from the car when driving hard around corners.
Just like most of the newer Mazda models, SkyActiv technology has been fitted into the Biante. This people mover is no sports car that will burst off the line when the lights turn green but the 2.0-litre SkyActiv engine provides sufficient power to lug the Biante around, and once you get it up to speed, the MPV is one smooth cruiser.
The six-speed SkyActiv-Drive transmission revealed a little of its tardiness especially when the manual override function was used, but otherwise, it operates in a relatively fuss-free manner when left to its own devices.
Fuel economy wise - compared to the claimed figure of 13.5km/L - we still managed 10km/L without even sparing a thought on being thrifty.
The Biante handles surprisingly well for an MPV and sports a pretty sharp and well-weighted steering. Nonetheless, for a car of its stature, it is difficult to escape from the law of physics, and we did detect a little bodyroll from the car when driving hard around corners.
But considering the fact that the Biante is a comfortable car to drive makes up for it. Its suspension soaks up road undulations with ease, which is perfectly suited for the roads that lead up North.
Conclusion
Despite a few nitty gritty drawbacks, the Mazda Biante offers a pleasant commute and will do its job well in transporting the family from point A to point B.
While the Biante may lose out to some of its competitors in the looks, power and driveability departments, it certainly makes up for it in terms of volume.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Mazda Biante 2.0 Standard (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.5km/L
Horsepower
111kW (149 bhp)
Torque
190 Nm
Acceleration
12.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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