🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

121

Year:

1994

Chassis Code:

DB3PF (JDM/AUS), EUNOS 121 (JDM), Ford Festiva SDX (AUS)

Engine Code Primary:

B3 (1.3L SOHC)

Engine Code Alternative 1:

B3-ME (1.3L SOHC EFI)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Subcompact hatchback, primarily targeting budget-conscious buyers and emerging markets

Key Competitors:

Ford Festiva, Toyota Yaris (early models), Nissan Micra, Honda City

Vehicle Strengths:

Compact size, fuel efficiency, affordability, reliability

Utility For Owner:

Enables owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose common issues, and undertake repairs, saving on labor costs.

Utility For Professional:

Provides essential technical data and procedures for independent repair shops and mechanics working on this model.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Regions Covered:

Australia, Japan, Europe (specific markets based on model variants)

Estimated Page Count:

500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission service, overhaul, diagnosis, clutch service

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, disc and drum brake service, ABS (if equipped)

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, wheel alignment

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, charging system, starter, fuses, relays, instrument cluster

Body:

Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, glass replacement

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, timing belt replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common drivability and electrical issues

Repair:

Component removal, installation, and overhaul procedures for all major systems

Depth:

Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, detailed repair instructions, specifications for rebuilding major components

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

Likely black and white with line drawings and diagrams

Binding Type:

Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for durability

Paper Type:

Durable, uncoated paper suitable for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC

Displacement:

1.3 Liters (1324 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

71.0 mm x 83.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 60-75 PS (44-55 kW) depending on market and tune

Torque:

Approx. 100-115 Nm (74-85 lb-ft) depending on market and tune

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - B3-ME, Carburetor - B3 (older variants)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition

ECU Type:

ECU controlled fuel and ignition timing

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

3-Speed Automatic (often referred to as 'E-Shift' in some markets)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated diaphragm spring clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3670 mm (144.5 in)

Width:

Approx. 1600 mm (63.0 in)

Height:

Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2300 mm (90.6 in)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1360 mm (53.5 in)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1365 mm (53.7 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 800-850 kg (1760-1870 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1200 kg (2645 lbs)

Wheel Size Standard:

13 inch steel wheels

Tire Size Standard:

155/80R13

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100 mm

Wheel Offset:

ET38-ET40 (typical)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official Euro NCAP or NHTSA data for this specific generation. Likely basic structural integrity for its era.

ABS:

Optional on higher trims or specific markets

Traction Control:

Not typically available

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard on most markets; passenger airbag optional or unavailable.

Seatbelts:

Front three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, rear lap belts.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with basic front and rear crumple zones as per safety standards of the time.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with 2 or 4 speakers.

Display:

Analog gauges and indicator lights for speed, RPM, fuel, and engine temperature.

Cruise Control:

Rarely available, generally not a feature.

Auxiliary Input:

Not available; older cassette decks often had provisions for external cassette adapters.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) or 36 months (using standard copper plugs).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years. Crucial replacement to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 Liters (3.7 US Quarts) with filter

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, rear wheel bearings, exhaust system corrosion, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., door lock actuators).

Engine Specific:

Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule. Potential for seized starter motors.

Body Rust:

Prone to rust in the sills, wheel arches, and rear quarter panels in humid or coastal environments.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, often with an emphasis on driver engagement (Zoom-Zoom philosophy started later, but a practical approach was present).

Generation Timeline:

This refers to the second generation of the Mazda 121 (DB series), produced from 1991 to 1999. It was developed in conjunction with Ford and shared platforms with the Ford Festiva (SDX in Australia).

Market Variants:

Sold as Mazda 121, Eunos 121 (a Mazda sub-brand), and Ford Festiva, leading to minor styling and equipment differences.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Hirohima) and also in Taiwan for certain markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reputation:

Regarded as a practical and economical small car, known for its maneuverability and low running costs.