New Look For Small Cars

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 15, 8 September 1987, Page 4 (Supplement)

New Look For Small Cars

Class leading space efficiency and distinctive styling are just two features of the new Mazda 121 hatchback which has just been introduced to the New Zealand market. It comes to New Zealand in limited fully built up form, and complements the other Mazda passenger car models. The ingenious front wheel driven 121 sets new standards for roominess and convenience in the growing Super-mini class. Pollowing the lead set by Ihe trendy Mazda 323 when it was first unveiled in front wheel drive form in 1 980, the innovative 121 represents a fresh approach to small car design. At $17,795 the all new model is also competitively priced, and incorporates the high Japanese assembly standards. I he car majors on economy and performance while boasting styling that has a distinct European flair. The Mazda 121 is higher and wider than conventional cars of similar length, thus providing exceptional interior space. But the body appearance is imaginative and clean, with pronounced blister fenders which have, until now, been unknown at this end of the market. The

flush surface design results in an impressive aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.36Cd. Mazda has engineered a wide track, short body, short Overhang and relatively long wheelbase into the 121. Roof line is flush with an absence of exposed guttering, while both the nose and windscreen are flush with the body. The rear window is set almost vertically, while both front and rear "blisters" act rather like side spoilers to promote a smooth airflow around the sides of the body. Aerodynamic detail extends to a smooth underside and careful airflow through the engine compartment. Right from the outset, Mazda wanted the 121 to have full leg and head room for full sized adults in both front and rear compartments. As a result, interior space is exceptionally generous, while the rear torsion beam axle permits a low flat luggage area. Luggage capacity is also excellent and the hatchback door opens down to bumper level for easy ac ess. When the car is empty, the bottom of the hatchback door is only 600mm from the ground, and when the

hatch is opened fully, there is ample clearance which makes it easy for tall people to use. The rear seat squab is hinged at the front so that it flips up and forward to give a perfectly flat floor. Instrumentation is laid out in a neat, clear nacelle, and a handy recessed area to the left of the facia provides convenient holding space for oddments. The Mazda 121 is powered by a brand new single overhead camshaft, engine, with a belt drive to the camshaft, a lightweight aluminium alloy cylinder head and pistons. This newest member of Mazda's latest B series engine line displaces 1,138cm3 and produces 43.4kW at 5,500 rpm. Maximum torque of 105Nm is achieved at 3,500 rpm and the long stroke power unit is both flexible and responsive, especially in the important low speed areas. Engineers strived to produce an engine which had high performance across a broad power band. From low and intermediate speeds, acceleration is strong, but the motor is also smooth and free revving at high speeds. In developing the B series engine Mazda concentrated on improving effi-

ciency with better combustion, intake and exhaust, and reductions in friction. Combustion is improved by the positioning of large, protruding tip spark plugs and a reduction in the size of the combustion chamber to achieve a high compression ration of 9.7 to one. The four speed manual gearbox is light and precise, using the same linkage as on the Mazda 323 and 626 ranges. There are three shift rods in place of the conventional two, while the shift fork is changed from the usual sliding type to a fixed type. This allows the rod and fork to operate as one unit. Standard equipment on the 121 includes styled steel wheels with centre mini cap, two speed wipers, rear window washer/wiper, heated rear window, driver's door mirror, rear console box and cloth upholstery. The compact Mazda 121 weighs 7 1 5kg and has one of the tightest turning circles in the class despite the wide track, and adds new dash to the compact category. A range of bright colours is available and all Mazda 121 three door hatchbacks come with steel-belted radial ply tyres as standard.