MAZDA DEMIO | Part 14 (Second Half) | "The Demio is a Basic European Car"

14th Mazda Demio (Part 2)

“The Demio is a basic European car.”

Mazda, a part of the Ford Group. The dramatic transformation of the third-generation "Demio" is also considered part of its global strategy. The new model, reputed to be vastly improved, was created with the "fiercely competitive global compact car market" in mind.

By Yasushi ShimonoPhotos by Mazda

The Joy of Reduced Weight

The major theme for the third-generation "Demio" was "weight reduction." As a result of focusing on this from the development stage, most grades, both 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter, have a curb weight under 1000kg.

Thanks to this, the weight tax paid when purchasing a new car (¥37,800) is the lowest for a white license plate. Most models of the "Toyota Vitz," "Nissan March," and "Honda Fit" exceed 1 ton, making their weight tax ¥56,700.

Weight reduction brought more than just such minor earthly benefits. The Demio's appeal, setting it apart from rivals, is not just its light curb weight, but also its light feel when driven.

Modern road racing bikes (talking about bicycles) commonly boast lightness, using carbon or aluminum for their frames. Curiously, however, a light bike doesn't always translate to a light ride. Some bikes feel heavy to pedal despite their low weight. The opposite is also true.

In this regard, the Demio's light curb weight directly translates to a light driving feel.

The combination of suspension with ample stroke and a lightweight body creates a ride that is both nimble and comfortably smooth. It feels less like carrying a load, or more like not carrying a heavy burden. Indeed, thanks to its light weight, there's a distinct sense of "ample room to spare" in the suspension.

Therefore, there's no need to apply excessive force on a handling course. It feels good just taking corners gently or cruising on the highway.

Why Did It Improve So Much?

However, why has the Demio improved so dramatically from its unremarkable previous generation? Ultimately, it's because the car's sights were set on the European market.

Both the Vitz and March are produced locally in Europe. The Vitz runs European roads as the Toyota Yaris, and the March as the Nissan Micra. In other words, both have channels in Europe as well as Japan.

In contrast, the European version of the Demio, sold as the "Mazda2," is made in Japan.

This car's development was centered in Europe. I believe this is why it has gained such a strong aroma of a basic European small car, reminiscent of Italian and French models.

The Demio is the Japanese car closest to a European compact car. It is the only Japanese compact car that the catalog states, "We also offer a light and smooth 5-speed manual transmission."

Many European small cars are imported into Japan. However, selling inexpensive cars at low prices is not profitable. To enhance added value, most of these cars are equipped with luxurious features, often resulting in Japanese specifications that are subtly different from their European counterparts.

A truly basic European car, in its unadorned form, is something you can rarely experience in Japan.

If you want to experience that, the Demio, with its refreshing ride quality like "no additives," might be the closest you can get.

(End)

Vehicle Overview | Mazda Demio

The "Demio," Mazda's compact car, made its debut in 1996. It gained popularity as a practical compact wagon and has since seen its second (2002-2007) and third (2007-) generations.

The latest third generation features a completely redesigned interior and exterior, launched as a global car with a focus on overseas markets, particularly Europe, rather than the domestic market. The body, measuring 3885mm in length, 1695mm in width, and 1475mm in height, has undergone weight reduction, keeping the curb weight around 1 ton.

The engine lineup remains the traditional 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter. One notable aspect is the revival of the "Miller cycle engine," previously used in the "Eunos 800."

Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual, and a CVT. In addition to FF, 4WD is also available for some models.
Prices range from ¥1,125,000 to ¥1,580,000.
http://www.demio.mazda.co.jp/