First introduced in 1996, the Mazda Demio was built on the platform of a larger, taller station wagon, or a smallish mini van. They have also been sold under the names of the Mazda 121, Mazda Metro, Mazda2 and the Ford Festiva. The third generation was introduced into the market place in 2007, winning the World Car Design of the Year award in that same year. This award is selected by automotive journalists from 22 countries, so it’s very prestigious to even be considered for it.
The Mazda Demio was available in several different engines types. From 1996 to 1998 it had a 1.3 L (B3-ME I4). This was a 1324cc or 81 cu in sized power plant which provided for excellent gas mileage, but very little highway cruising or passing speed. Although it was a very light vehicle, the Demio’s original engine only produced about 63 horsepower. Another engine option in those same years was the 1.5 L (B5-ME I4) which was a 1498 cc or 91 cu in. size, and came with a SOHC (Single Over Head Cam) that produced a few more horsepower.
Mazda also made available a 1.3 L / 1324cc or SOHC or DOHC versions in the 1999 and 2000 models. These engines, with their SOHC or DOHC could produce 82 horsepower, so it was a sizable step up from the less powerful B3-ME I4 which only spit out 63HP.
The 1.5 L B5E I4 was a Japanese only available option and introduced a fuel injection and remodeled head / intake system. This engine could produce 99 horsepower, thus was a popular selection to provide for more comfortable driving on any of the highways where the needed power was required. This engine option was available in the 2000 and 2001 Demio model years.
In 2002 the Mazda Demio was updated and redesigned on the D Y platform. Although the Demio name is only used in the Japanese market, the more familiar name around other countries that sell them is the Mazda2. This total design package, reliability and an over fun car to drive helped hike its Japanese domestic sales to 7th place over all
The Mazda Demio, or the Mazda2, as known in North America, was first launched in 2007. It helped fill the void of the Mazda 323 hatchback that was discontinued in the mid 1990’s.
All Mazda Demios came standard with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic brakeforce distribution). Both these features provided for improved control when applying the brakes for better safety in all conditions, especially on wet or snow covered roadways.
A very unique feature that was offered in the Japanese market is e-4WD system which makes use of an electric motor to power the rear wheels, only when the extra power is needed. Although this unique design feature gives the driver better traction when needed, it will not increase the fuel economy.
The Mazda Demio is not available with the Japanese 1.3 L and 1.5 petrol engines. They come with the options of Fords 1.25 L Yamaha engine as well as Mazda’s 1.4 L and the 1.6 L petrol engine as well as the 1.6 L diesel version.
In 2007, Mazda introduced the Demio Micro Sort coupe into the European and Japanese markets. This was a small departure form the 2002 models of the car, and proved to be a very inexpensive, yet fun and responsive to drive. With the excellent gas mileage, it became a very popular version.
The new Mazda2 (still “Demio” in Japan) is a departure from the 2002 model. The Demio[2] was for the 2007 model year, with the sporty MicroSport coupé added for Europe and Japan.
The Mazda2 is built on a new automobile platform, the DE platform, which Ford also uses for the 2008 Ford Fiesta. It deploys light weight material and reduces the overall dimensions of the car. A new 1.3 litre and a new 1.5 litre engines were introduced these engines will be coupled with a five speed manual, a four speed automatic, a CVT or a seven speed selective CVT.
In Europe, trim levels were S, TS and TS2. The TS and TS2 were renamed Antares and Capella in 2004. The Japanese 1.3 and 1.5 petrol engines are not available, but Ford’s 1.25-litre 16v Yamaha engine is used, and Mazda’s 1.4 and 1.6 petrol, plus the 1.6 diesel are offered.
The Mazda2 is sold with a variety of Z-family engines:
• 1.3 L ZJ-VE I4 91 PS (67 kW; 90 hp) / 6000 rpm, 12.6 kg•m (124 N•m; 91 lb•ft) / 3500 rpm
• 1.5 L ZY-VE I4 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) /6000 rpm, 14.3 kg•m (140 N•m; 103 lb•ft) / 4000 rpm
• 1.25 L MZI
• 1.4 L MZI
• 1.6 L MZI
• 1.4 L MZ-CD Diesel
• 1.4 L MZ-CD Diesel