Mazda 121

Mazda 121 (1989)

Mazda 121 (1996-2001)

Mazda has used the 121 name on a variety of cars from 1975 until 2001:

• 1975–1981 — Large personal luxury car, see Mazda Cosmo
• 1988–1991 — European export version of the Ford Festiva subcompact car
• 1991–1995 — European export version of the Autozam Revue subcompact car
• 1996–2001 — Export version of the Mazda Demio subcompact car (in countries where the 121 below was not sold)
• 1996–2001 — Clone of the fourth-generation Ford Fiesta subcompact car, sold in Europe

WA Mazda 121

Mazda introduced the 121 in 1987 to fit under the 323 which had grown in size.

The first small 121 pioneered the 'tall, boxy' shape which maximises usuable interior space. Conventionally engineered, the 121 had front wheel drive and torsion beam rear suspension. The four cylinder SOHC motor with TBI was derived from the 323 and most of the motor dates all the way back to the 1967 Mazda 1300/1500.

The 121 uses the Japanese concept of making maxiumum use of small spaces, with pockets and spaces for storage located throughout the car. This is common now, but was a new feature at the time.

Mazda licenced the manufacture of the 121 to Kia Motors of South Korea. This was sold as the Kia Pride in Korea and the UK, and as the Ford Festiva in North America and Australia/New Zealand.

When the Kia began to sell, Mazda updated the engine and fuel injection with a DOHC 16 valve cylinder head, sequential multi-point fuel injection and a block bored out to 1.5 L. Later, this engine was also licenced to Kia Motors.

Second Model

The 'bubble' model 121 was said by the designers to be modeled on a 'lady's bottom'.

Mechanically the same as the previous model (1.5L 16v DOHC MPI), the car was popular but financial difficulties at Mazda meant a new 121 was not developed afterwards.

Mazda 121 Fiesta

After the 121 had ceased production, Mazda in Europe sold a re-badged Ford Fiesta as a Mazda 121. This car was entirely designed by Ford Europe and has no Mazda parts.