autoevolution
 

Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Mini
Production years: 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) 1987-1991 12 Photos
MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) (1987-1991)

Mazda entered the supermini car-segment with the 121 model in 1987. It was sold in Australia and unveiled in Europe at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show.

In 1987 Mazda already had some interesting models on the market, and its main contender was the compact hatchback 323. But the Japanese car-maker needed something smaller for the European market. Ford owned a big part of Mazda at that time and it already had the Fiesta on the market. In the end, the Japanese brand had to open its small-segment car-market, and it did it with the 121. Ford also sold the patent for the car to the Kia, which built the Kia Pride.

Small, practical, and cheap, were the main characteristics of the first generation of the Mazda 121. The flat body panels were inexpensive to build and the whole car was designed and engineered for a low price. The 121 featured a canvas roof as an option (top-cabriolet) that made the car more fun in the city.

Inside there were only a few options to choose from, but it featured a stereo and adjustable steering column. The interior was designed with a sliding rear bench so the car could get more trunk space which, otherwise, was almost non-existent.

For the engine, the Mazda 121 offered a 1.3-liter engine in Australia and a 1.1-liter for the European version. Both engine versions were mated to a 4-speed manual transmission.

MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
  2 gasoline engines
  • 1.1L 5MT (56 HP)
  • 1.3L 5MT (67 HP)
brochures (download)
MAZDA 121 (Mk.1) Brochure (NL)

MAZDA 121 (Mk.1)
1.1L 5MT (56 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.1L 5MT (56 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1138 cm3
Power:41.2 KW @ 5800 RPM
56 HP @ 5800 RPM
55 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque:65 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
88 Nm @ 3600 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:93 mph (150 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):13.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165/70 R12S
DIMENSIONS
Length:136.8 in (3475 mm)
Width:63.2 in (1605 mm)
Height:59.3 in (1506 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.1/54.3 in (1,400/1,379 mm)
Wheelbase:90.4 in (2296 mm)
Ground Clearance:7.1 in (180 mm)
Cargo Volume:6.7 cuFT (190 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.36
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:1598 lbs (725 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:2800 lbs (1270 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:30.2 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km)
Highway:32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km)
Combined:34.6 mpg US (6.8 L/100Km)

MAZDA 121 (Mk.1)
1.3L 5MT (67 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.3L 5MT (67 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1324 cm3
Power:49.3 KW @ 5500 RPM
67 HP @ 5500 RPM
66 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:76 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM
103 Nm @ 3000 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:99 mph (159 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):11.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:165/70 R12S
DIMENSIONS
Length:136.8 in (3475 mm)
Width:63.2 in (1605 mm)
Height:59.3 in (1506 mm)
Front/rear Track:55.1/54.3 in (1,400/1,379 mm)
Wheelbase:90.4 in (2296 mm)
Ground Clearance:7.1 in (180 mm)
Cargo Volume:6.7 cuFT (190 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.36
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:1708 lbs (775 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:2800 lbs (1270 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km)
Highway:34.1 mpg US (6.9 L/100Km)
Combined:35.1 mpg US (6.7 L/100Km)
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