MAZDA has developed the Midas touch with its latest models, but now it is the turn of one of its oldest vehicles to continue the gold rush.
Hot on the heels of the highly successful Mazda6, Mazda2 and the sensational rotary engined RX8 sports car, comes a facelifted version of the Mazda MPV.
First launched in 1990 and tweaked only last year with a pair of new engines, the MPV has been given a new look inside and out.
Boasting a mesh grille, restyled lamps front and rear as well as snazzy alloy wheels, the MPV is now fresh faced and belies its years.
The same is true of the inside where the trim has been freshened up with high quality materials and a redesigned instrument panel.
A new steering wheel - from the Mazda6 - incorporates finger tip controls for the entertainments system but, more importantly, has made the MPV more comfortable to drive.
Under the skin the latest models are now fitted with traction control as well as advanced braking systems as well as four airbags - two at the front and two at the side. Air conditioning also remains a standard feature.
Prices have been pegged at £18,500 for the 2.3 litre petrol model and £20,000 for the two litre diesel and both engines are up to the job.
Mated to a five speed manual gearbox there is little between the two in terms of performance. The petrol MPV has a reported top speed of 112mph and a 0 to 60mph acceleration time of 12.7 seconds, while the diesel comes in at 109 and 13.2 respectively.
Not surprisingly the real difference is in fuel consumption where the diesel can average almost 40 miles to the gallon as opposed to 28 for the petrol - so despite its higher price the diesel makes more sense.
However while the petrol engine complies with the latest Euro 4 exhaust emission standards that are due to come into force in 2005, the diesel has yet to be brought up to scratch.
As a result the CO2 rating of 188g/km for the diesel results in a 24 per cent tax liability for business users. Yet because petrol is a dirtier fuel, that is still an eight per cent advantage over the 2.3 litre which is rated at 240g/km.
In Britain the new MPV will be available only as a seven seater, although in Europe five and six seater versions will be sold - the latter featuring Mazda's Karakuri seat folding mechanism which enables the rear seats to disappear into the floor creating extra luggage space in a matter of seconds.
It's a great feature but Mazda UK is adamant that British tastes for large people movers are for seven - not six - seats.
Despite that, the MPV is roomy inside but like other vehicles of this ilk, luggage space when fully laden is relatively tight at around ten cubic feet - that's about the same amount of space as a Ford Fiesta.
If needed that can be increased to 31 cu ft by removing the rear seats, or a maximum of 57 cu ft by taking out all but the front seats if larger loads need to be accommodated.
Like other mainstream people movers such as the Chrysler Voyager, Peugeot 807, Fiat Ulysee and Citroen C8, the Mazda features sliding middle doors which makes getting in and out easier and is also a benefit when it comes to parking.
Mazda's latest generation of vehicles since Ford took control of the company have seen sales soar and the latest MPV is more than capable of slotting into the new look line up.