Consistent with Mazda's desire to target a younger crowd, the Millenia body has been sculpted in a sleeker, more aerodynamic fashion than the 929. And in this case, form definitely follows function: The wind-penetrating design reduces drag to make this car one of the sleekest in its class.
Another plus is the savvy forward-fashion front grille design, which is a variation on the Jaguar's haughty nose, with wraparound headlights that are equally catlike. Meanwhile, the Millenia S presents a monochromatic look: The fascias, recessed door handles and mirror housings are painted the same color as the body panels.
The hood-release catch is easy enough to locate, but triggering it required so much force that our fingers actually smarted a bit.
In the rear, the nice, fat trunk opens to reveal enough storage space for perhaps a dozen grocery bags as well as a suitcase or two. And for those who care about such things, the Millenia's trunk closes with a crisp clunk.
Our favorite interior design feature is a nifty mechanism that prompts the steering wheel to slowly ascend when the key is removed from the ignition, allowing the driver to swing his or her legs around when stepping out. Later, when the key is reinserted, the wheel descends to the preprogrammed drive position. Clever.
Other comfort-plus amenities are the huge stereo-control knobs, each of which approximates the size of the tuning knob on a 1972 Pioneer home stereo receiver. Just turn the left hand knob for volume control and the right hand knob for reverse and forward. The bass and treble are adjustable via pressure-sensitive buttons, to a maximum level of six.
And from an ergonomic perspective, the cassette player and radio tuning buttons can be easily engaged without reaching around - or cracking the knuckles against - the gear shift or the cupholder.
Likewise, the power-window and power-mirror controls are a lazy person's dream. Both can be deftly flicked without so much as lifting the forearm from the driver's door armrest.
The climate-control system is similarly well conceived. It generated cool air (we tested this baby during the hot summer months) as efficiently and as comfortably as any vehicle we've driven.
The front seats are plush and comfy, and the front-seat cabin afforded enough headroom for our 5'11+ driver.
Although Mazda claims the backseat is roomy enough for three, the person in the middle would be riding the hump. Two good-sized passengers, however, certainly could relax in beaucoup comfort.
The aft also offers map lights, and all four of the Millenia's doors are mounted with interior lights that illuminate the street surface when the doors are opened.
The base Millenia and Millenia with leather are powered by a 2.5-liter V6, offering 170 hp at 5800 rpm and 160 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. The Millenia S's most significant technological edge is the Miller-cycle engine, which, in simple terms, lowers the engine's compression ratio without diminishing power. It's supercharged by way of a Lysholm air compressor, which forces extra pressure into the cylinders.
Consequently, the Millenia S's moderately sized 2.3-liter engine yields an impressive 210 hp at 5300 rpm, and an equally handsome 210 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm - best in its class. But fuel economy isn't sacrificed at the altar of added thrust: All Millenias boast EPA fuel economy numbers of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway (the S model goes one better at 28 mpg on the highway).
Once on the open road, the Miller-cycle engine's horsepower boost translates into assertive acceleration - 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.
And depending on the heaviness of your foot, the transmission automatically chooses whether to engage the normal or power shift modes. The engine redlines at 6000 rpm and hovers at around 1500 rpm at 45 mph.
The Millenia's rack-and-pinion steering allows for effortless one-finger lane maneuvers, even at 75 mph. The 108.3-in. stance, MacPherson struts and multi-link suspension conspire to ensure a taut, uneventful 90-degree turn at 25 mph.
The 4-wheel ABS brakes - ventilated in the front, solid disc in the rear - assure a controlled, surefooted stop. And the Millenia's windswept lines and superior drag coefficient make for a serenely quiet ride. Even when a semitrailer pulled alongside us, noise was minimal.