Mazda Motor Corporation has added a four-wheel drive (4WD) version of its popular Premacy compact minivan to its model lineup in Japan. Sales of the new 4WD Premacy commence on August 1, 2005 at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealers throughout Japan.

Photo: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/200508/0801.jpg

The Premacy, known as the Mazda5 in overseas markets, has adopted a new Active Torque Control Coupling (ATTC) 4WD system, based on the Atenza sedan’s ATTC. Premacy’s new 4WD system controls torque distribution between front and rear wheels to suit driving conditions, and delivers optimal handling and stability on wet roads or snow covered surfaces. Drivers can switch between two-wheel drive (2WD) and 4WD mode at the flick of a switch as road conditions change.

The addition of a new 4WD model marks a new milestone for the sought-after minivan. Premacy has been lauded as the first minivan that delivers the dynamic driving performance embodying Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom heritage with the versatility of the “6+One” packaging concept. The 4WD model has superb active safety performance as a special feature, adding greater depth to the Premacy model lineup. The 4WD version is available for all Premacy models equipped with 2.0-liter MZR engine. This includes special needs vehicles such as the model equipped with a retractable-lift passenger seat, designed for people with physical challenges.