Mazda 121 Review (1996 to 1999)

Quick Summary

In its day, this design is the best of the contemporary supermini breed. So, is it to be Fiesta or Mazda 121? Well, there are fewer Mazdas about, so prices of the 121 will be slightly higher. You do get that higher standard specification however, and there's that impressive performance to consider.It's all about personal preference when it comes down to it, but for what it's worth, we think the Mazda's cheeky smiling grille is a great deal more attractive than Ford's goldfish look. We'd also prefer to deal with Mazda's network of friendly dealers, even if there aren't quite so many of them.

Overall:

Models Covered: (MARCH 1996-TO DECEMBER 1999):Three and Five-Door hatches: 1.25-litre [GSi, ZXi] / 1.3-litre [GXi] / 1.8-litre diesel [DXi]

SMALL AND SENSIBLE

Ironic isn't it, that what was once viewed as the most avant-garde supermini you could buy became the most conformist available. Mazda's 121 was once the car that everyone in the supermarket carpark stopped to look at. But later models were lost amongst all the other Ford Fiestas found there.The reason for this was that in 1996, the 121 became, well, a Ford Fiesta. Badges and minor styling tweaks apart, it was almost exactly the same as the Blue Oval's bestseller. It was even built on the same Dagenham production line.All of which was no bad thing. The equivalent Fiesta was a class-leader, which should make the Mazda an excellent secondhand bet.
Used Mazda 121 for sale

History of the 121

This Mazda 121 was originally launched in March 1996 with a choice of three engines all, of course, straight from the Fiesta. There were the old 1.3-litre petrol and 1.8-litre diesel units, plus the newer 1.25-litre 16v petrol unit. Trim levels were ZXi, GXi and DXi.Poor sales meant that by 1998, only the three-door 1.3-litre and five-door 1.25-litre models were still being offered and the range was dropped from the UK altogether at the end of 1999 (although sales continued in Europe with a facelifted model based on the next generation Fiesta).
Used Mazda 121 for sale

Mazda 121 Road Test

As with the Fiesta, Mazda 121 ride and handling are excellent. So what made that car so good? Well certainly, the performance and fuel economy figures are good – but that isn't what counts. No, what matters is that this little supermini is fun, with a capital 'F'. Put your foot down, preferably in a 1.25-litre model, and it's hard to credit that there's not a larger engine under the bonnet, so instant is the response. Roadholding is superb and these cars really do belong to a class above, in terms of quietness and refinement. Compared to some rivals, the Fiesta/Mazda 121 is in a class of its own.
Used Mazda 121 for sale

Buying a Mazda 121

Engines are, on the whole, reliable, but watch for signs of wear, particularly on 1.3s. Excess smoke on start-up is a give-away.Rust can be a minor problem on some cars as build quality varied quite a bit on the earlier models. Check the bottom of the doors, boot, front valance and the bonnet's leading edge. Water leaks through the sunroof and boot also affected some early cars so have a look for staining on the headlining and boot carpet.
Used Mazda 121 for sale

Mazda 121 Typical Pricing

Prices of 1.3-litre models start at under £1,200 (with a £150 premium for five-doors). More typical P-platers are around £1,500. The 1.25-litre models start at £1,100 with more typical 98R-platers at around £1,800. Diesels range from £1,400-£1,900.
Used Mazda 121 for sale

Mazda 121 Parts

(approx. based on a 1997 121 1.25 16v – ex Vat) Parts are relatively inexpensive. A clutch assembly will be around £120 and an alternator should be close to £150.Brake pads are around £50 a set, whether you want fronts or rears. A starter motor is around £135 and a radiator about £85.
Used Mazda 121 for sale