Mazda 121: General characteristics of three generations of a compact Japanese car

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Mazda 121 is unique in its own way. At least because the company was engaged in its development together with specialists from the American concern Ford. However, more interesting things can be said about this model.

First Generation

The subcompact Mazda 121 quickly attracted the attention of the public after its release. The model looked quite interesting, as you can see by looking at the photo. But the modification with a fabric folding roof attracted special attention.

The popularity of the car grew, so representatives of the KIA concern decided to purchase the rights and technical documentation for its production from the Japanese company. They changed the model slightly - they made the body of thinner metal and changed the chassis. After improvements, the Kia Pride model entered the automotive market.

But it is worth returning to the discussion of Mazda. The car was offered with three engines, which differed little from each other. Two of them had a 1.4-liter volume, but different power. One was equal to55 l. s., and the other - 60 liters. With. The third motor, with a volume of 1.1 liters, produced 55 “horses”.

Second Generation

Its production started in 1991. The prefix DB was added to the main name Mazda 121. And this version was the Japanese concern's own development, without the cooperation of Ford specialists.

In the novelty of the early 90s, obvious visual changes were noticed. The designers abandoned all corners, and for this reason the car was nicknamed "egg".

The new Mazda 121 was offered with two engines. One of them produced 533 hp. With. with a volume of 1.3 liters. He was paired with a 5-speed manual. A car with such an engine accelerated to “hundreds” in 13.7 seconds, and its maximum was limited to 150 km / h. What about consumption? Engine consumption was 7.2 and 5.2 liters respectively (city/highway).

The second unit was more powerful. With a similar volume, he produced 72 liters. With. Managed also 5MKPP. A car with such an engine was more dynamic - it accelerated to 100 km / h in 11.4 seconds. At the same time, its maximum reached 155 km / h. And the consumption was 7.4 and 5.3 liters, respectively.

Third generation

The last series models were known as Mazda 121 JASM/JBSM. These designations indicated the body type - three- and five-door. It is worth noting that the third generation was also developed jointly with American specialists from Ford. The model was built on the platform of the "Fiesta" in 1996, slightly modernizing it.

Of the features, more impressive technical characteristics can be noted. Mazda 121 began to be offered both with the previous subcompact engines, and with engines of a different volume. In particular, versions with 1.8-liter diesel units appeared in the lineup, which were still paired with 5MKPP. Their power was 60 liters. s.

These versions were not particularly dynamic. To accelerate to 100 km / h, they needed 17.4 seconds. The maximum was still limited to 155 km / h. But their efficiency was impressive. For 100 "city" kilometers, the engine consumed only 6.4 liters.

Production ended in 2003 due to reduced demand. More stylish and dynamic cars came into fashion. And Mazda was remembered by its admirers for its high-quality assembly, traditionally high reliability and high level of comfort.