Author: Sulthan Rafif Makarim

Introduction

Mazda is a Japanese automotive brand that promotes rotary engine technology in four-wheeled vehicles [1] and was the first to produce a rotary engine in 1970 [2]. The rotary engine itself utilizes a rotary mechanism to generate power and deliver it to the driving wheels. The purpose of inventing the rotary engine was to fulfill a combination of economic and mechanical factors. With the rotary mechanism, the mechanical application in the engine requires a simpler construction, resulting in reduced mechanical friction compared to four-stroke engines. The impact of this simplicity is high efficiency, where the engine's power output is maximized compared to power wasted due to mechanical friction.

In addition, this automotive brand also creates vehicles based on the philosophy of art (Car as art), where the overall design of the vehicle greatly considers comfort and the driving experience [3]. The integration of comfort with all technical factors through Kansei Engineering [4] results in an optimal driving experience that can compete with the driving experience of European cars. Kansei Engineering is a product design method that integrates the emotional aspects of users into the product design, which in Mazda's case resulted in the Mazda Miata. Currently, Mazda has developed a wider range of product designs beyond just two-seater "roadster" vehicles and has expanded into MPVs, SUVs, and other passenger vehicles, where the principles of Kansei Engineering are embedded in the design process. The Mazda Biante is an MPV oriented towards the driving experience and has been quite successful in the Indonesian market.

Figure 1. Mazda Biante (Front and side view)
Source: Personal documentation & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Biante#/media/File:2017_Mazda_Biante_Granz-Skyactiv_(front).jpg

Mazda Biante SkyActiv is an eight-seater MPV that was imported from Japan to Indonesia by Mazda Indonesia. In Indonesia, this car was launched on September 2013 and discontinued on 2017. In 2018, there are still new old stock (NOS) Mazda Biantes in Mazda Indonesia’s warehouse [5] [6]. New old stock means a product in which its production or import is discontinued, but still in new condition.

SkyActiv Technology: Engine and Transmission

This MPV has a Skyactiv-G Inline 4-cylinder DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) Gasoline engine with the specifications on the table below and paired to a Skyactiv-Drive Six-speed torque convertor automatic transmission. This car’s engine also has an Idling Start-Stop System. Speaking about the transmission, this car’s transmission has automatic and manual modes. The manual mode is operated by the steering wheel’s
paddle shifts.

Table 2. Engine Specification

Engine Displacement 1997 cc (2 litre)
Maximum Power 151 PS @ 6000 RPM
Maximum Torque 190 Nm @ 4100 RPM
Compression Ratio 12 : 1
Fuel Tank Capacity 60 litres
Fuel Requirement RON 91 or above

Chassis Specifications

The chasis specification is described in Table 2.

Table 2. Chasis Specification

Front Suspension Independent MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Independent Multi-link
Front brakes Ventilated disc
Rear brakes Disc
Tyre size 205 / 60 R16
Wheels 16 inch single tone silver alloy wheels
Power steering Electro-Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System (Requires Power Steering Fluid
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Minimum turning radius 5,4 meters
Ground cleareance 150 mm.
Overall length x width x height 4715 x 1770 x 1835 mm
Curb weight 1660 kg

Unique Flexible Seat Arrangements (one of this car's advantages)

  • When there are no third row passengers, the second row seats can be slided backwards so that the second row legroom is similar to Toyota Alphard’s second row.
  • The second row seats can be reclined up to almost 170 degrees, and the third row seats can be reclined up to 150 degrees. This will increase comfort for passengers who want to sleep or rest in the car
  • There are two semi-captain seats in the second row. They can be separated in order to create a walk-through cabin, or joined in order to accommodate three people in the second row

Driving Experience

Mazda Biante Skyactiv has an ergonomic, flexible, and comfortable driving position. The driver does not easily get tired. This MPV has Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel Adjustment and the driver’s seat height is adjustable. When we set the driver’s seat at the highest position, there is still plenty of headroom for us (our height is 172 cm). The driver’s front visibility is good enough, but Nissan Serena C27 has better front visibility for the driver than Mazda Biante. From the cabin, this car’s engine sound is not noisy, thanks to the sound absorber on the engine hood. This car’s engine and acceleration is responsive. This car’s transmission can be very easily reached by the driver and is mounted on the dashboard. This car has a comfortable suspension but it is not agile in maneuverability. For a tall MPV, this car has good handling. On the highway with speeds of 90-120 km/h, the wind and road noises are moderate, but quiet enough. At low speeds, this car’s steering wheel is not light and not heavy, but under 15 km/h, the steering wheel may be a bit heavy.

Second Row Legroom Demonstration

Tested when the driver’s seat is set in driving position (driver’s and passenger’s height is 172 cm), the seating position is described in Figure 2.

When there is no third row passenger(s) When there is third row passenger(s)

Figure 2. Second row seating position
Source: Personal documentation

Disadvantage of the car

This car’s power outlet (for charging mobile phones) is only located in the first row. The second and third rows of this car can each accommodate three people, but there are only two cupholders in each of those seating rows. This car has a low ground clearance. When the weather is not hot, sometimes the AC automatically takes outside air into the cabin, and the driver or front passenger need to push the air recirculation button in order to block outside air.

Conclusion

Mazda Biante Skyactiv is a recommended and comfortable eight-seater MPV. It offers good comfort for both the driver and passengers. This MPV is a good choice for people who want to drive their own car and need spacious interior to carry their family and friends.

References

[1]   Jones, P. Eight popular cars with wankel engines (with pictures), https://motorandwheels.com/cars-with-wankel-engines/ , accessed 21 June 2023

[2]   Carney, D. (2018). Not so fast: electric car: mazda has improved the gasoline engine to a level that even tesla should respect. IEEE Spectrum, 55(8), 20-25.

[3]   Nobeoka, K., & Kimura, M. (2016, September). Art Thinking beyond design thinking Mazda design: Car as art. In 2016 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET) (pp. 2499-2514). IEEE.

[4]   Nagamachi, M. (2002). Kansei engineering in consumer product design. Ergonomics in Design, 10(2), 5-9.

[5] https://otomotifnet.gridoto.com/read/231116711/mazda-luncurkan-biante-dengan-teknologi-skyactiv-harga-rp-398-juta

[6] https://otomotif.bisnis.com/read/20130913/46/162768/mazda-biante-skyactiv-meluncur-19-september-di-iims-2013

[7] https://autonetmagz.com/mazda-ungkap-2-alasan-dihentikannya-produksi-biante/68969/

[8] https://autocatalogarchive.com/wpcontent/uploads/2017/04/Mazda-Biante-2016-ID.pdf