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Mazda Demio DW, 1 generation 08.1996 - 11.1999

1 generation
(DW) 08.1996 - 11.1999
E-DW3W, E-DW5W, GF-DW3W, GF-DW5W
1 generation
Hatchback
After this car was released in 1996, it has long held the position of "best-selling car." The reasons for such a high popularity should be sought in a clear concept, stylish design, devoid of unnecessary pretentiousness, and high quality performance. All this resembles the second generation Nissan March. Truly, the domestic sales of Demio hit 3,000-4,000 cars a month. This compact 5-door station wagon has many strengths, including a beautiful design and convenient dimensions (total length is 3.8 m), which make it easy to put it on Japanese city multi-level parking. Despite the fact that the car looks compact in appearance, this does not prevent it from having a comfortable interior space. If you expand all the seats, you get a large, even sofa. In foreign markets, this generation was also sold under the name Mazda 121 and under the Ford brand (Festiva Mini Wagon).
 The car of 1996 was sold in complete sets of the L series (L, LX, LX-G, LX-F) with a 1.3-liter engine and the GL series (GL, GL-X) with a 1.5 liter engine and, accordingly, a higher level of equipment - as a result, the buyer was offered a choice of a lot of modifications with the cost of the basic version of only 965 thousand. yen, the most expensive option cost 1,544 thousand yen. The low cost of the simplest configuration was due to the lack of such familiar options today as power accessories and power steering. Nevertheless, the car was equipped with air conditioning and a 5-speed manual gearbox. The LX was supplemented with a rear wiper, a front spoiler and additional body colors were offered. In the following trim levels were already available power windows, central locking; sunroof, tinted windows, audio system with cassette player. The GL trim levels include an adjustable steering column, navigation, a rear spoiler and fog lights. In 1999, as a result of modernization, the body was equipped with a pentagonal radiator grille. In 2000, in the process of the next modernization of the model, the Aletta modification was released - the most complete set, which includes folding mirrors, a Nardi Torino interior and body kit, original alloy wheels. Demio is equipped with 1.3- and 1.5-liter engines. The power units of the B3 and B5 series have established themselves as sufficiently reliable motors. The base engines B3-ME and B3E (after restyling) have a power of 83 hp, small differences are due to the fact that, for example, a more modern motor uses a plastic intake manifold, the geometry is improved to increase air flow. The same can be said about the 1.5-liter engines B5-ME and B5E. With more power (100 hp) in stock, the 1.5-liter version is more optimal in terms of power density. Both motors are equipped with both a manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic.

 The Mazda Demio suspension is a combination of MacPherson strut struts in front and a torsion bar in the rear. The car has a wheelbase of 2390 mm and the resulting very good minimum turning radius is 4.7 meters, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight urban conditions. In general, an understanding of the “universality” inherent in not every city car is ideally suited to the car - you can get out into it and, thanks to the short base, even with a clearance of 145 mm you can move over rough terrain without any difficulty. It should be noted short overhangs, especially the rear. True, we note that the Demio model of 1996 was produced only with front-wheel drive, so this is clearly not an off-road option. Car safety is at a fairly high level. He passed the frontal test of NASVA (Japan) in 1997 pretty well, while the car was equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), a driver’s airbag, child seat mounts, and stiffeners in the doors. The front passenger airbag was initially offered as an option; since 1999 it has been standard equipment, as well as seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. To the electronic systems, the EBD brake force distribution system and Brake Assist assist brake system have been added.

 Of the objective disadvantages of the Mazda Demio, we can name all those that relate to the bulk of the cars of this class, and even the budget segment - poor noise isolation, harsh suspension, ascetic interior, etc. With all this, the car is one of the most popular and has good liquidity - due to a successful combination of characteristics, interest in it is still high and fueled by the successful operation of the model, as well as low prices for cars of this generation. Most Mazda Demio models available on the market are those with a 1.3-liter engine and automatic transmission.