Mazda 121: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Mazda 121 choice depends mainly on the body style, performance and transmission you want. The first generation, produced from 1987 to 1991, is a Mini 3-doors with three versions. The second generation, produced from 1991 to 1996, is a Sedan with two versions. The third generation, produced from 1996 to 2003, is a Mini 5-doors with five versions.
The Mazda 121 choice depends mainly on the body style, performance and transmission you want. The first generation, produced from 1987 to 1991, is a Mini 3-doors with three versions. The second generation, produced from 1991 to 1996, is a Sedan with two versions. The third generation, produced from 1996 to 2003, is a Mini 5-doors with five versions. All listed Mazda 121 variants use FWD and naturally aspirated Inline four-cylinder engines. For the quickest acceleration, choose the second-generation 1.3 MT with 72 hp: it reaches 100 km/h in 11.4 seconds. For the highest top speed, the third-generation 1.2 MT with 75 hp leads at 170 km/h. Buyers wanting a Variable transmission have only one option, the third-generation 1.2 CVT with 75 hp.
Mazda 121 generations: what changed?
The first-generation Mazda 121 ran from 1987 to 1991 as a Mini 3-doors and offered three versions: 1.1 MT with 57 hp, 1.3 MT with 60 hp and 1.3 MT with 55 hp. Every version has a 5-speed Manual gearbox and FWD. Their shared ground clearance is 160 mm, the highest figure among the generations in the data. Kerb weight, gross weight, tank capacity and wheel size were not measured for these versions.
The second generation ran from 1991 to 1996 and changed the listed body type to Sedan. Its two 1.3 MT versions produce 72 hp and 54 hp respectively, both with a 5-speed Manual gearbox and FWD. Compared with the first generation, ground clearance decreased by 20 mm to 140 mm. Unlike the first generation, this generation includes measured kerb weight, gross weight and tank capacity: kerb weight is 815–820 kg, gross weight is 1,300–1,335 kg, and the tank holds 43 litres.
The third generation ran from 1996 to 2003 as a Mini 5-doors and expanded the range to five versions. These are the 1.2 MT with 75 hp, 1.2 CVT with 75 hp, 1.3 MT with 50 hp, 1.3 MT with 60 hp, and diesel 1.8 MT with 60 hp. Ground clearance fell by another 10 mm to 130 mm. The generation introduced the only Variable transmission in the catalogue data and the only Diesel engine, while tank capacity decreased by 3 litres from the second generation to 40 litres.
Mazda 121 engine specs and transmissions
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.1 MT | 57 hp | not measured | 1,100 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 1.3 MT (60 hp) | 60 hp | 103 Nm | 1,299 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 1.3 MT (55 hp) | 55 hp | 97 Nm | 1,324 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.3 MT (72 hp) | 72 hp | 104 Nm | 1,324 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.3 MT (54 hp) | 54 hp | 97 Nm | 1,324 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.2 MT | 75 hp | 110 Nm | 1,242 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.2 CVT | 75 hp | 110 Nm | 1,242 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Third generation 1.3 MT (50 hp) | 50 hp | 93 Nm | 1,299 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.3 MT (60 hp) | 60 hp | 103 Nm | 1,299 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.8 MT | 60 hp | 110 Nm | 1,753 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
Among the gasoline engines, the third-generation 1.2 MT and 1.2 CVT have the strongest specific output at approximately 60.4 hp per litre. The second-generation 1.3 MT with 72 hp produces approximately 54.4 hp per litre. The first- and third-generation 1.3 MT versions with 60 hp each produce approximately 46.2 hp per litre, while the third-generation 1.8 MT diesel produces approximately 34.2 hp per litre.
The third-generation 1.2 pair produces 7 Nm more torque than the 60 hp 1.3 MT and 17 Nm more than the 50 hp 1.3 MT. The 1.8 MT diesel matches the 1.2 engines at 110 Nm, but develops that torque at 2,500 rpm rather than 4,000 rpm.
Mazda 121 performance, mpg and fuel consumption
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.1 MT | 13.6 sec | 150 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 1.3 MT (60 hp) | 12 sec | 150 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 1.3 MT (55 hp) | 12 sec | 150 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 1.3 MT (72 hp) | 11.4 sec | 155 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 1.3 MT (54 hp) | 13.7 sec | 150 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third generation 1.2 MT | 12.7 sec | 170 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third generation 1.2 CVT | 15.6 sec | 160 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third generation 1.3 MT (50 hp) | 19.5 sec | 143 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third generation 1.3 MT (60 hp) | 15.9 sec | 155 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third generation 1.8 MT | 17.4 sec | 155 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The second-generation 1.3 MT with 72 hp is the acceleration choice. Its 11.4-second result is 1.3 seconds quicker than the third-generation 1.2 MT and 8.1 seconds quicker than the third-generation 1.3 MT with 50 hp.
The third-generation 1.2 MT is preferable for maximum speed. Its 170 km/h top speed is 15 km/h above the quickest second-generation car and 10 km/h above the 1.2 CVT. Although the 1.2 MT and 1.2 CVT share 75 hp and 110 Nm, the Manual version reaches 100 km/h 2.9 seconds sooner. It is also 45 kg lighter.
No city, highway or combined fuel-consumption figure was measured for any listed Mazda 121 version. Consequently, Mazda 121 mpg and fuel-economy comparisons cannot be made from these data.
Mazda 121 weight, ground clearance, tank and wheel specs
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.1 MT | not measured | not measured | 160 mm | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 1.3 MT (60 hp) | not measured | not measured | 160 mm | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 1.3 MT (55 hp) | not measured | not measured | 160 mm | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 1.3 MT (72 hp) | 815 kg | 1,300 kg | 140 mm | 43 L | not measured |
| Second generation 1.3 MT (54 hp) | 820 kg | 1,335 kg | 140 mm | 43 L | not measured |
| Third generation 1.2 MT | 940 kg | 1,470 kg | 130 mm | 40 L | not measured |
| Third generation 1.2 CVT | 985 kg | 1,470 kg | 130 mm | 40 L | not measured |
| Third generation 1.3 MT (50 hp) | 930 kg | 1,460 kg | 130 mm | 40 L | not measured |
| Third generation 1.3 MT (60 hp) | 930 kg | 1,460 kg | 130 mm | 40 L | not measured |
| Third generation 1.8 MT | 1,015 kg | 1,510 kg | 130 mm | 40 L | not measured |
Measured weight-to-power ratios reinforce the second-generation 1.3 MT with 72 hp as the performance pick: it carries approximately 11.3 kg per horsepower. The third-generation 1.2 MT carries approximately 12.5 kg per horsepower, while the otherwise identical 1.2 CVT carries approximately 13.1 kg per horsepower. The third-generation 1.3 MT with 50 hp has approximately 18.6 kg per horsepower, and the 1.8 MT has approximately 16.9 kg per horsepower.
Exterior dimensions were not measured in the supplied data. Wheel size was also not measured for any version, so a Mazda 121 wheel-size recommendation cannot be supported here.
Which Mazda 121 version should you choose?
Choose the second-generation 1.3 MT with 72 hp if acceleration and low measured kerb weight matter most. It is the fastest to 100 km/h at 11.4 seconds, the lightest version with a measured kerb weight at 815 kg, and has the best measured weight-to-power ratio. It also provides a 43-litre tank, 3 litres more than any third-generation version.
Choose the third-generation 1.2 MT if you want the strongest all-round specification in the Mini 5-doors body. Its 75 hp is the highest output in the range, its 110 Nm equals the highest torque figure, and its 170 km/h maximum speed leads every version. Compared with the 1.2 CVT, the Manual car has the same engine output but weighs 45 kg less, accelerates 2.9 seconds faster and reaches a top speed 10 km/h higher.
Choose the third-generation 1.2 CVT only when the Variable transmission is the deciding requirement. It is the sole non-Manual Mazda 121 in the data. The trade-off against the 1.2 MT is additional weight and slower performance despite identical power, torque and displacement.
Between the two third-generation 1.3 MT versions, the 60 hp car is the clearer numerical choice. Both weigh 930 kg and use a 1,299 cc Gasoline engine, but the 60 hp version adds 10 hp and 10 Nm. It reaches 100 km/h 3.6 seconds sooner and has a top speed 12 km/h higher.
Choose the third-generation 1.8 MT when Diesel fuel and torque delivery at 2,500 rpm are priorities. It provides 110 Nm, 7 Nm more than the 60 hp 1.3 MT, but both produce 60 hp and reach 155 km/h. The diesel weighs 85 kg more and takes 1.5 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h.
Finally, the first generation is the ground-clearance choice: all three versions provide 160 mm, which is 20 mm more than the second generation and 30 mm more than the third. Among its versions, the 1.3 MT with 60 hp combines the highest output with 103 Nm, while the two first-generation 1.3 MT versions share the same 12-second acceleration and 150 km/h top speed. The available data do not include measured first-generation weights, tank capacities or fuel-consumption figures, so those factors cannot support a more detailed buying comparison.