Segment:
Subcompact, city car.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, urban commuters.
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa, Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Uno, Toyota Starlet.
Competitive Advantage:
Often lauded for its compact size, fuel efficiency, and surprisingly practical interior for its class.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on compact dimensions for urban maneuverability and fuel economy.
Interior Space:
Clever packaging provided a spacious-feeling cabin relative to its exterior footprint.
Reliability:
Generally considered a reliable vehicle when properly maintained.
Body Style Coverage:
Hatchback (3-door, 5-door)
Regional Variations:
Covers models sold in various global markets including Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Total Pages:
Approximately 700-900 pages (estimated for comprehensive coverage)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Engine mechanical systems, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (FWD), automatic transmission (FWD).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle, CV joints, differentials.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear torsion beam axle with coil springs.
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering, power steering system (if equipped).
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition, dashboard instruments, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, bumpers, chassis components.
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for component replacement, adjustments, and overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Fault code diagnosis (where applicable), component testing, circuit tracing.
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake system rebuilding.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required special tools and diagnostic equipment specific to Mazda vehicles of this era.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specifications for engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical measurements.
Engine Code:
B3 (most common)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (1324 cc)
Horsepower Peak:
Approximately 62-70 PS (46-52 kW) depending on market and exact variant.
Torque Peak:
Approximately 100-110 Nm (74-81 lb-ft) depending on market and exact variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection) or Carburetor (early models/specific markets).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Petrol)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless or Distributor-based systems)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (market dependent).
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed Automatic Transmission
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate, diaphragm spring (Manual Transmission)
Crash Test Results:
Limited independent crash test data available for this model/era. Typically rated lower than modern vehicles due to age and design standards.
ABS:
Optional on some higher trim levels or later models.
Traction Control:
Not available.
Airbags:
Driver airbag optional or standard on some later models; passenger airbag generally not available.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners (on some models), 2-point rear seatbelts or 3-point belts depending on rear seating position and market.
Crumple Zones:
Basic crumple zone design inherent in its era's construction.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player. Some models might have optional CD players or upgraded speaker systems.
Display Technology:
Basic analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lights for oil pressure, battery, etc.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some higher-spec models or specific markets.
Bluetooth Usb:
Not available.
Power Windows Locks:
Optional on higher trim levels, manual operation standard on base models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km) or 2 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial maintenance item. Check manual for specific interval, typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years as it's an interference engine.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use Mazda approved coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 75W-80 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-II or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this age, particularly in areas with road salt. Check wheel arches, sills, and floor pans.
Ignition System Failures:
Distributor cap, rotor, ignition coils, and spark plug wires can degrade over time.
Cooling System Leaks:
Radiator hoses, water pump seals, and thermostat housing can develop leaks.
Exhaust System Wear:
Mufflers and pipes can corrode and fail.
Automatic Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can sometimes be related to low fluid levels, dirty fluid, or worn solenoids/clutches.
Cv Joint Clicking:
A common wear item, especially if protective boots are damaged.
Mazda Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, often with an emphasis on driver engagement.
First Generation Debut:
The Mazda 121 nameplate has been used on various models globally. The DB generation (1988-1997) is the one most commonly associated with this workshop manual, often based on the Ford Festiva platform (for some markets) or Mazda's own platforms.
Platform Sharing:
In some markets (e.g., North America as Ford Festiva, Europe as Mazda 121), the platform was shared with Ford, leading to some shared components and design elements.
Production Period:
1988 - 1997
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, and potentially other Mazda or Ford assembly plants globally.
Popular Mechanics Editor Choice:
No specific notable awards are widely cited for this particular generation of the Mazda 121, reflecting its status as a practical, budget-oriented vehicle rather than a performance or luxury standout.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
Generally rated highly for its class, contributing to its popularity as an economical city car. Specific EPA or equivalent ratings vary by market and engine/transmission combination.
