Mazda Biante MPV

[Heartlander]

 

 

Test drove all 3 and thought stepwgn was significantly more powerful and spacious, with rear a/c too... but was afraid no spare parts so avoided it...

 

 

I think this worry still stand if you go the PI route, haha.

[Atrecord]

I think this worry still stand if you go the PI route, haha.

 

Kinda true... unless of course, the model chosen is very popular, as in the case of Wish in the mid 2000s. For eg. i think now if get Estima should be quite low risk, as quite sure the stockists will bring in relevant parts given the demand.

 

Rare models will be a worry though...

[Heartlander]

 

Kinda true... unless of course, the model chosen is very popular, as in the case of Wish in the mid 2000s. For eg. i think now if get Estima should be quite low risk, as quite sure the stockists will bring in relevant parts given the demand.

 

Rare models will be a worry though...

Agree very much. Though I doubt Stepwgn would be able to sell at volumes for economy of scale.

 

Anyway, good luck.

[Atrecord]

Agree very much. Though I doubt Stepwgn would be able to sell at volumes for economy of scale.

 

Anyway, good luck.

 

tks... i need the luck - hoping for COE to come down drastically in the next 15 mth

 

btw, how much are the typical servicing cost for the Biante? In order to compare the cost spent on servicing/maintenance, i'm interested to find out how much will be incurred over let's say, 3 servicings, which will be run-in, 10,000 and 20,000.

[Heartlander]

 

tks... i need the luck - hoping for COE to come down drastically in the next 15 mth

 

btw, how much are the typical servicing cost for the Biante? In order to compare the cost spent on servicing/maintenance, i'm interested to find out how much will be incurred over let's say, 3 servicings, which will be run-in, 10,000 and 20,000.

Sorry don't know now as still at < 4000km. After 10,000km then need to pay. Should be similar to other Mazda 2L cars like Mazda 6.

 

I heard from friends is normal jap level, not premium conti level. So not worried.

[Atrecord]

Sorry don't know now as still at < 4000km. After 10,000km then need to pay. Should be similar to other Mazda 2L cars like Mazda 6.

 

I heard from friends is normal jap level, not premium conti level. So not worried.

 

Actually within Jap level there's also a difference, i believe - hence interested in finding out.

 

Why i say got difference: around 2011, my family had a nissan sunny and toyota corolla. During i think 20,000 servicing, i think the cost difference was already Nissan $100+ (higher end), and Toyota was $200+ (lower end). Then Nissan had changed the wiper blades FOC, and Toyota called me to ask if I'll like to change (as it's recommended in their package 'menu'). When I asked, BM quoted me i think $50+ of $60+ for the pair, and I told them leave it... (i went to replace the rubber myself at i think maybe $10...

[starsecure1]

 

I haven't checked out the Biante yet - will do so soon - but confirmed the S-Max 3rd row is only for kids. The SE stated clearly the positioning of S-Max and Galaxy at Ford. S-Max is sporty and Galaxy is for space. S-Max 3rd row is not significantly better than the Wish i'm driving now.

 

Thanks! Frankly, I have not taken a closer look as I was in a rush. But I was impressed by S Max's sporty looking as compared to Biante.

Wanted to test drive also no time. After size comparsion shared by Heartlander, S Max is bigger in length/Width but not height when compared to Biante.

 

Have a look at this mazda biante video! It also looks very good!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg0-htrNPdU

 

 

There is always pro and cons in every model I think that at the end of the day is really the practicality of the car that matters. It is great that you have 15 months to wait. For me, my clock has started clicking as I made the last road tax renewal for my 9.5 years car. I think SGD149K might be a good buy right now. Not sure whether should I wait a little longer. I think difference is going to be 10K +/- from now till Aug.

Edited May 19, 2014 by starsecure1

[samfreak]

 

You did? I eventually shortlisted down to Wish, Isis and Stepwagon too about 8.5 yr ago when choosing a MPV, and eventually went for pragmatism and took the wish as parts are more common...

 

Test drove all 3 and thought stepwgn was significantly more powerful and spacious, with rear a/c too... but was afraid no spare parts so avoided it...

 

I think the new one is not digital anymore, from online videos. Is any PI bringing it in?

Yup. Eventually went with the Isis - and now I'm hooked on sliding doors. Unfortunately, Isis got discontinued. This new Stepwagon is not digital but I'll consider the Biante and Noah ahead of this. Honda cars don't really speak to me.

[Calford]

Yup. Eventually went with the Isis - and now I'm hooked on sliding doors. Unfortunately, Isis got discontinued. This new Stepwagon is not digital but I'll consider the Biante and Noah ahead of this.

Isis is coming soon coming to Spore according to M9 . The Shipment is on the way, reaching in July to Aug 2014.

[samfreak]

Isis is coming soon coming to Spore according to M9 . The Shipment is on the way, reaching in July to Aug 2014.

Really! I have a friend working in TMC and he told me the Isis is dead. That was probably 3 or 4 years go. Do you have any web links you can point me to? I've googled but came up empty. If there's a NEW Isis at a reasonable price, then my search may be over since this car fits my needs perfectly.

[Whathefish]

Yup. Eventually went with the Isis - and now I'm hooked on sliding doors. Unfortunately, Isis got discontinued. This new Stepwagon is not digital but I'll consider the Biante and Noah ahead of this. Honda cars don't really speak to me.

 

same here...i have fetish for sliding doors too....so it is either Mazda 5 or Biante for me...as Odessy & estima are too big and expensive as weekdays normally is just me n my wife.........for NOAH the plus point is AWD but only BM did not bring in...only PI

[Weewee1976]

Really! I have a friend working in TMC and he told me the Isis is dead. That was probably 3 or 4 years go. Do you have any web links you can point me to? I've googled but came up empty. If there's a NEW Isis at a reasonable price, then my search may be over since this car fits my needs perfectly.

 

The new ISIS:

http://toyota.jp/isis/?padid=ag001_i_carlineup_top&ptopid=men

 

[samfreak]

 

The new ISIS:

http://toyota.jp/isis/?padid=ag001_i_carlineup_top&ptopid=men

 

Isn't this the same car launched in 2004? Only difference I can see are:

- instrument cluster now come with fanciful lights

- second row middle seat appears to be with 3-pt seat belt

- third row can now fold flat one seat

- more airbags

 

Probably more costly too. Wonder if PI will bring in the 1.8L or 2L?

[JackyChoong]

Thanks! Frankly, I have not taken a closer look as I was in a rush. But I was impressed by S Max's sporty looking as compared to Biante.

Wanted to test drive also no time. After size comparsion shared by Heartlander, S Max is bigger in length/Width but not height when compared to Biante.

 

There is always pro and cons in every model I think that at the end of the day is really the practicality of the car that matters. It is great that you have 15 months to wait. For me, my clock has started clicking as I made the last road tax renewal for my 9.5 years car. I think SGD149K might be a good buy right now. Not sure whether should I wait a little longer. I think difference is going to be 10K +/- from now till Aug.

1st gen (ie. current gen) s-max was introduced in 2006 n face-lifted in 2010.

the 2nd gen concept was shown in 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

the actual one was said to announce in late 2014.

[Heartlander]

Isn't this the same car launched in 2004? Only difference I can see are:

- instrument cluster now come with fanciful lights

- second row middle seat appears to be with 3-pt seat belt

- third row can now fold flat one seat

- more airbags

 

Probably more costly too. Wonder if PI will bring in the 1.8L or 2L?

From the little info available online, there was a facelift in 2007. In jap website, got mentioned some model changes in 2012 but all minor cosmetic ones. Can 't see any info on earlier model updates. I suspect new model should not be too distant away.

 

Isis looks good if you are looking at mid-size mpv as it offers slightly beyond that. But if differences between latest model and what you having is too little, then you have to decide if you can tahan the same thing for 20 years.

 

Biante/ Noah/Serena/Stepwagn/Voxy actually are all similar in dimensions and engine as they belong to the Minivan category in Japan. You can't go wrong with either of them. If you not worry of PI option, then the choices are wider.

[starsecure1]

From the little info available online, there was a facelift in 2007. In jap website, got mentioned some model changes in 2012 but all minor cosmetic ones. Can 't see any info on earlier model updates. I suspect new model should not be too distant away.

 

Isis looks good if you are looking at mid-size mpv as it offers slightly beyond that. But if differences between latest model and what you having is too little, then you have to decide if you can tahan the same thing for 20 years.

 

Biante/ Noah/Serena/Stepwagn/Voxy actually are all similar in dimensions and engine as they belong to the Minivan category in Japan. You can't go wrong with either of them. If you not worry of PI option, then the choices are wider.

Biante!!!

[yo2020]

Biante!!!

i'm afraid it's too tall for quite a number of car parks.

[Jimmylim]

i'm afraid it's too tall for quite a number of car parks.

which car parks?

 

i remembered last time i drove toyota van ace lite, the speed blinker on top of the van hitted the car park entry height warning bar at marina square car park, haha