Mazda 121

Mazda 121
Production period:	1988-2003
Class :	Small car
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Successor:	Mazda2

The Mazda 121 is a small car produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda . The 121 was built from the beginning of 1988 to spring 2003, when production ceased with the introduction of the Mazda 2 . The 121 was modeled twice during its construction period.

121 (type DA, 1988–1991)

1st generation
Mazda 121 three-door (1988–1991)
Production period:	1988-1991
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.1–1.4 liters (40–44 kW)
Length:	3475-3580 mm
Width:	1605-1615 mm
Height:	1450-1515 mm
Wheelbase :	2295 mm
Empty weight :	700-800 kg

The first generation of the 121, which was built from the beginning of 1988 to spring 1991 and called DA , was a joint project with Ford and Kia , with the Mazda being similar to the Kia Pride and the Ford Festiva .

The equipment of the 121 was relatively sparse (there was no central locking, no electric windows and no power steering), but it impressed with a cleverly thought-out room concept. Despite its compact dimensions, the interior was sufficient, even in the rear. This was achieved by a sliding back seat. The mechanism (analogous to a front seat) could be operated both from the rear and from the trunk. This made it possible to gain around 20 cm in length with a larger load in the trunk. Furthermore, the backrests of the seats in the rear could not only be folded down forwards, but also backwards. This made it possible to achieve a complete lying surface by including the front seats (after removing the headrests).

The 121 DA was also available with an electric fabric folding roof, the so-called canvas top, as the Mazda 121 CT.

Engines

• 1.1 with 1139 cm³, 42 kW (1988–1990)
• 1.3 with 1324 cm³, 40 kW (1989–1991)
• 1.3 with 1324 cm³, 44 kW (1988–1990)

Rear view

121 (type DB, 1991–1996)

2nd generation
Mazda 121 (1991-1996)
Production period:	1991-1996
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.3 liters (39–54 kW)
Length:	3800-3810 mm
Width:	1655 mm
Height:	1470-1495 mm
Wheelbase :	2390 mm
Empty weight :	800-850 kg

The DB , which was built from spring 1991 to the beginning of 1996 (outside Europe: Autozam Revue ), was a Mazda in-house development and had a notchback rather than an angled. Because of their rounded appearance, this generation is often given nicknames such as “egg”, “cheese bell”, “humpback” or “bubble car”. The idea of ​​the design was to have no rough edges in the car. This idea was also largely implemented.

In contrast to its predecessor, the interior of the DB was better and better processed. There was also, depending on the model, more extensive equipment such as B. an illuminated ignition lock, central locking and front electric windows. This model was also available with air conditioning. Like its predecessor, the DB was also available with a canvas top. However, in contrast to the DA, this could be opened from front to back as well as from back to front. Apart from the engine, the model variants also differ in their paintwork; While the bumpers were made of black plastic on the entry-level model, they were painted in the same color as the car on the more powerfully motorized model. The same was true for the side mirrors.

Engines

• 1.3 16V with 1324 cm³, 39 kW (52 PS), Euro 1
• 1.3 16V with 1324 cm³, 54 kW (72 PS), Euro 1

Rear view

121 (type JASM / JBSM, 1996-2003)

3rd generation
Mazda 121 five-door (1996-2000)
Production period:	1996-2003
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Otto engines : 1.2–1.3 liters (37–55 kW) Diesel engines : 1.8 liters (44–55 kW)
Length:	3828 mm
Width:	1634 mm
Height:	1334 mm
Wheelbase :	2445 mm
Empty weight :	1005-1038 kg

In March 1996, the DB was replaced by the third generation known as JASM (five-door) or JBSM (three-door). This was again a joint development with Ford. This time it shared the technical basis as well as the exterior design with the Fiesta '96 . Both models could only be distinguished by the brand logo and slightly modified front and rear aprons.

At the beginning of 2000 the Mazda 121 received a facelift, among other things the vehicles were now equipped with new lights and modified aprons. However, the differences between the two models remained minor.

In contrast to the popular Fiesta, the 121 of the third generation was never a great sales success. In April 2003 it was finally replaced by the Mazda 2 .

Engines

• 1.3 with 1299 cm³, 37 kW (50 PS)
• 1.3 with 1299 cm³, 44 kW (60 PS)
• 1.25 16V with 1242 cm³, 55 kW (75 PS)
• 1.8D with 1753 cm³, 44 kW (60 PS)
• 1.8TD with 1753 cm³, 55 kW (75 PS)

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  Rear view

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  Mazda 121 three-door (1996-2000)

Web links

Commons : Mazda 121  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Information on the 1st generation
• Spiegel-Online article on the 2nd generation: "The surprise egg"