Mazda AZ-Wagon: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Mazda AZ-Wagon version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value lower kerb weight, stronger turbocharged output, AWD, or a particular transmission. Across the model’s seven listed generations and generation phases, every version is a Microvan with a Gasoline inline 3-cylinder engine, usually displacing 657 cc and using distributed multi-point injection.
The Mazda AZ-Wagon version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value lower kerb weight, stronger turbocharged output, AWD, or a particular transmission. Across the model’s seven listed generations and generation phases, every version is a Microvan with a Gasoline inline 3-cylinder engine, usually displacing 657 cc and using distributed multi-point injection. The practical default is a later 0.7 CVT with 54 hp and FWD; the performance choice is a turbo 0.7 CVT with 64 hp and 95 Nm; and buyers who prefer a conventional gearbox can select a 0.7 MT or 0.7 AT. Prices and current cars for sale are not provided, so this comparison is based entirely on specifications.
Mazda AZ-Wagon generations and the versions worth comparing
The first generation ran from September 1994 to April 1997, with eight Microvan versions. Its naturally aspirated 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT variants produced 55 hp and 60 Nm, while the turbocharged 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT produced 64 hp and 98 Nm. FWD and AWD were available. Manual versions had 5 gears, while Automatic versions had 3. Kerb weights in the supplied specifications range from 740 kg for the 55 hp 0.7 MT FWD to 810 kg for the 55 hp 0.7 AT AWD and the 64 hp 0.7 MT AWD. A restyling followed from May 1997 to September 1998 with twelve versions. It added naturally aspirated 58 hp variants alongside the 55 hp and turbocharged 64 hp choices. Depending on version, kerb weight ranges from 730 to 820 kg.
The second generation ran from October 1999 to October 2001 and contains sixteen listed versions, of which twelve are shown in the supplied data. Output choices include 52 hp and 60 Nm, 55 hp and 61 Nm, and turbocharged 60 hp and 83 Nm. The listed drivetrains are RWD and AWD. Buyers could choose a 5-speed Manual, a 3-speed Automatic with the 52 hp engine, or a 4-speed Automatic with the 55 hp and 60 hp engines. The restyled second generation, sold from November 2001 to September 2003, has eight versions. It moved to FWD and AWD and offered 54 hp with 63 Nm, 60 hp with 83 Nm, or 64 hp with 106 Nm. The transmission choices were a 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic.
The third generation ran from October 2003 to August 2005 with eight versions, all Microvans. Its engine and transmission range mirrored the restyled second generation: the naturally aspirated 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT delivered 54 hp and 63 Nm, while turbo 0.7 AT variants delivered either 60 hp and 83 Nm or 64 hp and 106 Nm. FWD and AWD were offered. The September 2005 to August 2008 restyling retained eight versions and the same headline output choices. Its specified kerb weights span 810 kg for the 54 hp 0.7 MT FWD to 920 kg for the 64 hp 0.7 AT AWD.
The fourth generation, produced from September 2008 to October 2012, also has eight Microvan versions. The naturally aspirated 0.7 MT, 0.7 AT, and 0.7 CVT all produce 54 hp and 63 Nm. The turbocharged 0.7 CVT produces 64 hp and 95 Nm. Both FWD and AWD are represented. This is the relevant generation for Mazda AZ-Wagon 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 searches; a 2008 car may belong either to the third-generation restyling or the fourth generation, depending on its production date.
Mazda AZ-Wagon engine and specs comparison
Repeated version names are separated below by output, transmission, drive, or generation because these details materially change the specification.
| Generation or phase | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 0.7 MT, 55 hp | 55 hp | 60 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD/AWD |
| First | 0.7 AT, 55 hp | 55 hp | 60 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| First | 0.7 MT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 98 Nm | 658 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD/AWD |
| First | 0.7 AT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 98 Nm | 658 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 3-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| First restyling | 0.7 MT, 55 hp | 55 hp | 60 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD/AWD |
| First restyling | 0.7 AT, 55 hp | 55 hp | 60 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| First restyling | 0.7 MT, 58 hp | 58 hp | 60 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD/AWD |
| First restyling | 0.7 AT, 58 hp | 58 hp | 60 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| First restyling | 0.7 MT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 98 Nm | 658 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD/AWD |
| First restyling | 0.7 AT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 98 Nm | 658 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 3-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Second | 0.7 AT, 52 hp | 52 hp | 60 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Second | 0.7 MT, 52 hp | 52 hp | 60 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD/AWD |
| Second | 0.7 MT, 55 hp | 55 hp | 61 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD/AWD |
| Second | 0.7 AT, 55 hp | 55 hp | 61 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Second | 0.7 MT, 60 hp | 60 hp | 83 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD/AWD |
| Second | 0.7 AT, 60 hp | 60 hp | 83 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Second restyling | 0.7 MT, 54 hp | 54 hp | 63 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD/AWD |
| Second restyling | 0.7 AT, 54 hp | 54 hp | 63 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Second restyling | 0.7 AT, 60 hp | 60 hp | 83 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Second restyling | 0.7 AT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 106 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Third | 0.7 MT, 54 hp | 54 hp | 63 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD/AWD |
| Third | 0.7 AT, 54 hp | 54 hp | 63 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Third | 0.7 AT, 60 hp | 60 hp | 83 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Third | 0.7 AT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 106 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Third restyling | 0.7 MT, 54 hp | 54 hp | 63 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD/AWD |
| Third restyling | 0.7 AT, 54 hp | 54 hp | 63 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Third restyling | 0.7 AT, 60 hp | 60 hp | 83 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Third restyling | 0.7 AT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 106 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth | 0.7 MT, 54 hp | 54 hp | 63 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth | 0.7 AT, 54 hp | 54 hp | 63 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth | 0.7 CVT, 54 hp | 54 hp | 63 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | Variable | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth | 0.7 CVT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 95 Nm | 657 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD/AWD |
The naturally aspirated fourth-generation engine develops about 82.2 hp per litre, while its 64 hp turbo engine develops about 97.4 hp per litre. The turbo therefore adds 10 hp and 32 Nm without increasing the 657 cc displacement. Earlier 64 hp turbo versions provide as much as 106 Nm, which is 43 Nm more than the contemporary 54 hp naturally aspirated engine.
Mazda AZ-Wagon performance and fuel economy
Performance data are sparse and should not be generalized across versions. In the second generation, a 55 hp 0.7 MT RWD reaches 100 km/h in 17.2 seconds and has a top speed of 130 km/h. Its measured consumption is 7.8 l/100 km in the city, 4 l/100 km on the highway, and 5.8 l/100 km combined.
The second-generation 60 hp turbo 0.7 MT RWD has a measured top speed of 135 km/h. Its consumption is 7.9 l/100 km in the city, 4 l/100 km on the highway, and 5.9 l/100 km combined. Acceleration to 100 km/h is not measured. Compared with the 55 hp Manual RWD, it adds 5 hp and 22 Nm, raises measured top speed by 5 km/h, and uses 0.1 l/100 km more in the city and combined cycle; highway consumption is unchanged.
Other second-generation acceleration figures include 18.8 seconds for a 55 hp 0.7 MT AWD, 21 seconds for a 55 hp 0.7 AT RWD, and 14.7 seconds for a 55 hp 0.7 AT AWD. The 52 hp 0.7 MT RWD has a measured top speed of 125 km/h. For the fourth-generation 0.7 MT, 0.7 AT, and 0.7 CVT versions, acceleration, top speed, and fuel consumption are not measured.
Mazda AZ-Wagon dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank
Exterior dimensions and wheel sizes are not measured for any supplied version. Gross weight is also not measured. Every listed version has a 30-litre fuel tank.
Among versions with a stated kerb weight, the first-generation restyled 0.7 MT with 55 hp and FWD is the lightest at 730 kg, equal to about 13.3 kg per hp. The first-generation 64 hp 0.7 MT FWD weighs 760 kg, or about 11.9 kg per hp. In the fourth generation, the 54 hp 0.7 MT FWD weighs 800 kg, or about 14.8 kg per hp, while the 64 hp 0.7 CVT FWD weighs 880 kg, or 13.8 kg per hp. The corresponding 64 hp AWD model weighs 930 kg, about 14.5 kg per hp.
Ground clearance varies by version. First-generation models are generally listed at 140 mm, with selected AWD versions at 145 mm. Second-generation examples are mainly listed at 150 mm. In the fourth generation, FWD versions have 155 mm and AWD versions have 150 mm. Thus, selecting AWD in that generation adds 50 kg within an equivalent power and transmission pairing while reducing ground clearance by 5 mm.
All versions use Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes. Front suspension is Independent, spring throughout the supplied range. Rear suspension is Dependent, spring in most generations, while the listed second-generation models and turbocharged first-generation variants use Independent, spring rear suspension.
Which Mazda AZ-Wagon version should you buy?
For the lightest later-generation choice, the fourth-generation 0.7 MT with 54 hp and FWD is the strongest candidate. At 800 kg, it is 10 kg lighter than the equivalent 0.7 AT FWD and 60 kg lighter than the naturally aspirated 0.7 CVT FWD. It also combines the 54 hp and 63 Nm engine with a 5-speed Manual and 155 mm of clearance.
For automatic convenience without the extra mass of AWD, consider the fourth-generation 0.7 AT with 54 hp and FWD. It weighs 810 kg, whereas its AWD equivalent weighs 860 kg. Both have the same 54 hp, 63 Nm, 4-speed Automatic, and 30-litre tank, so the specification difference is 50 kg and 5 mm of clearance.
For stronger fourth-generation performance on paper, choose the turbocharged 0.7 CVT with 64 hp and FWD. Against the naturally aspirated 0.7 CVT FWD, it adds 10 hp and 32 Nm while adding 20 kg. Its weight-to-power figure improves from about 15.9 kg per hp to 13.8 kg per hp. The AWD turbo 0.7 CVT adds another 50 kg without adding power or torque, so its case depends specifically on wanting AWD.
For the highest stated torque, the second-generation restyling or either third-generation phase offers a turbo 0.7 AT with 64 hp and 106 Nm. That is 11 Nm more than the fourth-generation turbo 0.7 CVT’s 95 Nm, although the older version uses a 4-speed Automatic rather than a Variable gearbox.
For an earlier, lighter turbo choice, the first-generation 0.7 MT with 64 hp and FWD weighs 760 kg and delivers 98 Nm. It has about 11.9 kg per hp, better than the fourth-generation turbo FWD version’s 13.8 kg per hp. Its top speed is measured at 140 km/h, but acceleration and fuel consumption are not measured.
The data do not establish price, reliability, maintenance condition, or availability, so they cannot identify a universally best Mazda AZ-Wagon. On specifications alone, the fourth-generation 0.7 MT with 54 hp and FWD favors low weight and clearance; the fourth-generation turbo 0.7 CVT with 64 hp and FWD provides the clearest output upgrade; and the older turbo 0.7 AT with 64 hp and 106 Nm provides the highest listed torque.