- Flexible 1.5-litre engine
- Spacious and versatile interior
- Fuel-efficient
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Interior lacks sound insulation
- Hard interior plastics
- Out-dated three-speed automatic transmission for DW.I 121 Metro 1.3i
Review: Mazda DW.I 121 Metro (1996-00)
Overview
Released in October 1996, the Mazda DW Series I (DW.I) 121 Metro was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive 121 Metro was available with either a 1.3- or 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual, three-speed automatic (for the 1.3-litre models) or a four-speed automatic (for the 1.5-litre models).
Dimensions and suspension
The 121 Metro was 3800 mm long, 1650 mm wide, 1500 mm tall and had a 2390 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the 121 Metro had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 121 Metro | 1.3-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 3sp auto |
54 kW at 5500 rpm | 107 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
64kw at 5500 rpm | 128 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the 121 Metro consisted of a driver’s airbag.
Features
Standard features for the 121 Metro included a four speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, 50/50 split and flat folding rear seats, power mirrors and power steering.
1997 121 Metro Shades
In October 1997, Shades variants were released – these models were further equipped with air conditioning as standard. Shades variants continued to be offered throughout the 121 Metro’s production run.
1999 Mazda 121 Metro Shades Extra
In January 1999, limited-run Shades Extra variants were released. Compared to the standard 121 Metro, the Shades Extra variants were further equipped with air conditioning, a CD player and a six-disc CD stacker.
1999 Mazda 121 Metro 40thAnniversary
In May 1999, limited-run 40thAnniversary variants were released. Standard features were extended to include alloy wheels, air conditioning, remote central locking and power windows. Visually, the 40th Anniversary variants could be identified by their rear spoilers and either Highlight Silver or Grape Purple paint finishes.
Review: Mazda DW.II 121 Metro (2000-02)
Overview
Released in March 2000, the Mazda DW Series II (DW.II) 121 Metro introduced a four-speed automatic transmission for models with 1.3-litre engines and subtle cosmetic updates. The range was also revised as the standard variants were discontinued such that only Shades variants were offered. However, the range was temporarily expanded in September 2000 and June 2001 with Limited Edition and Platinum Edition models, respectively.
Visually, the DW.II 121 Metro could be identified by its new five-point grille with floating ‘Mazda’ badge, sculptured bonnet, new headlights, bumpers and rear combination light clusters. Inside, there was a revised dashboard and models with 1.5-litre engines were distinguished by their two-tone grey colour scheme.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 121 Metro | 1.3-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
54 kW at 5500 rpm | 107 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
64 kW at 5500 rpm | 128 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the DW.II 121 Metro consisted of a driver’s airbag and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Features
Standard features for the DW.II 121 Metro Shades included a four speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, power mirrors, power steering and an immobiliser.
Models with 1.5-litre engines were further equipped with a CD player, central locking and roof rails.
2000 Mazda 121 Metro Limited Edition
In September 2000, Limited Edition variants of the 1.5-litre models were released. The Limited Edition variants were further equipped with alloy wheels, a body-coloured rear spoiler, power windows, floor mats and trim-matching cloth door trims. Visually, the Limited Edition could be identified by its special badging, headlight and bonnet protectors and either Highlight Silver or Passion Red paint finishes.
2001 Mazda 121 Metro Platinum Edition
In June 2001, Platinum Edition variants of the 1.5-litre models were released. The Platinum Editions were further equipped with remote central locking, power windows, an alarm, floor mats and either Platinum Silver or Passion Red paint finishes.
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