Mazda Motor Corp. hopes to increase sales of the redesigned MAZDA5 minivan with better fuel economy and a more functional interior.  The MAZDA5, which it goes on sale in the United States next January, is expected to sell 20,000 to 30,000 units a year.

The redesigned version gets Mazda's "smile" grill and wave-inspired side styling. It is almost 2 feet shorter in length than minivans from the competition.

"We're looking for a sales increase in the new model because of increased environmental performance and a better interior," a Mazda rep commented. "Minivans have gotten bad press. But we're getting a generation of stylish minivans with dynamics much closer to sedans."

Mazda says the revamped MAZDA5 will get up to 15 percent better fuel economy because of a direct-injection gasoline engine and the company's "iStop" engine idle-stop technology.

However, it is still unclear whether the U.S. version will get the start-stop feature. The 2010 MAZDA5 with automatic transmission is ranked by the EPA at 21 mpg city/27 highway.

An updated interior can be adapted to multiple seating arrangements for up to seven people in three rows.

Starting price for the 2011 MAZDA5 is rumored to be around $21,000.

For now, you can check out all the latest on upcoming Mazda models or schedule a test drive at Hampton Mazda.