Segment:
Subcompact car, positioned as an affordable and economical city car
Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Toyota Yaris (market dependent)
Attributes:
Compact size, fuel efficiency, reliability, practicality for urban driving
Regions:
Global (primarily targeting markets where the 121 was sold, with specific regional variations noted)
Pages:
Approx. 400-600 (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Printed (typical for original manufacturer documentation, often replicated in PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, lubrication, engine management system (ECU)
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable), clutch, drive shafts, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front discs, rear drums typical), wheels and tires
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horn, basic body electrical components
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, seals, interior trim, exterior trim, collision repair basics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, fault code interpretation (if applicable for the era), diagnostic charts
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild procedures (partial or full), transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (1341 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-75 PS (51-55 kW) @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by market and tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 105-110 Nm (77-81 lb-ft) @ 3000-4000 rpm (varies by market and tuning)
Injection:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Petrol)
System:
Electronic Ignition System (EIS)
System Type:
Water-cooled
Euro Ncap:
Not extensively rated by Euro NCAP in its original testing program; focus on passive safety features common for the era.
ABS:
Optional on higher trims, not standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard on most markets; passenger airbag optional or unavailable.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front, 2-point lap belts rear (may vary by market and year)
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones front and rear.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-40,000 km or as per inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-80,000 km (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum).
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2-96, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact OEM recommendation and climate suitability).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mazda FL22 or equivalent (refer to manual).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF M-III or equivalent (if equipped).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 3.8 Liters (with filter change).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 Liters.
Common Faults:
Minor electrical gremlins, wear on suspension bushings, occasional clutch wear, potential for rust in certain climates (typical for cars of this age).
Engine Performance:
Loss of power due to clogged fuel injectors or worn ignition components.
Mazda Philosophy:
Known for 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics and reliable, practical vehicles, even in the economy segment.
Generation:
This 1997 model represents the second generation (DB) of the Mazda 121, often built in collaboration with Ford (platform sharing).
Platform Sharing:
Often shared platforms with Ford models such as the Ford Fiesta.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Europe (e.g., Valencia, Spain) and Japan, depending on market and specific model.
Production Years For Gen:
1996-2002 (for the DB generation)
