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The Mazda Bongo Friendee, was I believe only sold in Japan and was also badged as The Ford Freda. First released in 1995 they are now being imported to the UK in ever increasing numbers.
They are in fact eight seater MPVs in which the seats fold down to make a large double bed and the roof elevates and will accommodate two more sleeping berths. Built in are a number of luxuries not usually found on UK vehicles. Such as blinds to the side windows, electrically operated from each seating position and with a master switch operated by the driver. The elevating roof is also electrically operated as is the closure of the sliding side door. The air conditioning has a master control by the driver and can be adjusted by the rear passengers as well. The wing mirrors again are electric and can also be folded back against the body of the vehicle. The engine is a 2.5 turbo intercooled diesel with an automatic gearbox which is very smooth through the four gears. Although a powerful engine it is reasonably economic to run and very nippy. As you can see from the photos below, the rear seats fold back to each side and the middle row of seats are on runners and can be pushed forward to give a large load carrying area if required. This middle row of seats also fold forward to make a table, and behind the drivers and front passengers seat are foot rests which turn upside down and can be used as picnic seats. All of the seats can be laid flat to form a double bed. It has ABS and full time 4 wheel drive and sticks to the road like glue. Altogether a very versatile motor.
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