Mazda Demio
The Mazda Demio is a supermini manufactured and marketed globally by Mazda since 1996, currently in its fourth generation. The Demio is marketed prominently as the Mazda2 and under previous nameplates including Mazda 121, Mazda Metro and Ford Festiva Mini Wagon.
The third generation Demio earned the 2008 World Car of the Year title, while the fourth generation was awarded the 2014–2015 "Japanese Car of the Year".
In Canada, Mexico and the United States, the Demio was sold by Toyota with slight styling changes as an iteration of the Toyota Yaris sedan. In the United States, it was initially marketed under Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand as the Scion iA. For the 2017 model year, it was re-branded as the Toyota Yaris iA due to the discontinuation of the Scion marque. For the 2019 model year, the iA moniker was dropped. Presently, the "Mazda2" is available in Canada and Mexico, but not the United States except Puerto Rico. For the 2020 model year, the Demio-based Toyota Yaris hatchback is also available in the United States and Canada. Exports of the Demio-based Yaris sedan and hatchback for the United States ended in June 2020.
Originating with the introduction of the Mazda 121 in 1987, this B-segment small car was based on the Mazda D-platform. Ford also used a version of the first-generation DA 121 known as the Ford Festiva. Mazda later released the Autozam Revue in 1990 with the next generation of the D-platform DB. It was redesigned for January 1993, still based on the same DB platform. Kia also built versions of the DA and DB, both for itself and for Ford's sale as the Ford Aspire in the United States which Kia sold as the Pride and Avella. The name "Demio" is derived from Latin to show possession, which in many Romance languages has become "mio."
The "Demio" nameplate was discontinued in all remaining markets in September 2019, and replaced by the "Mazda2" moniker worldwide.
First generation (DW; 1996)
When it came to redesigning the Revue, Mazda came up with a tall hatchback, minivan-esque package. Introduced in a time full of negative press coverage, the Demio became a surprise hit for Mazda in Japan, and also foreshadowed the current crop of B-segment minivans such as the Opel Meriva, Fiat Idea and the Renault Modus.A concept model previewing the DW series, called the Mazda BU-X was shown in 1995.
At its introduction in 1997, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan.
Production of the new Demio started in July 1996 used the DW platform. Ford retailed a version in Japan as the Ford Festiva Mini Wagon. In 1998, the Mazda logo was changed to the current logo. The Demio was updated in 1999 with a revised exterior, cabin air filtration, retuned automatic transmission, and available DSC due to a 2002 redesign.
Engines
The original DW model was produced in Mazda's Colombia plant as "Mazda Demio" until the end of 2007, when it was replaced by the DE model.Gallery
Second generation (DY; 2002)
The Demio was redesigned in 2002 on the DY platform. The Demio name continued in Japan, while the rest of the world dropped 121 and other names in favor of Mazda2. Since its debut, the 2 has been well received by the market pushing its Japanese domestic sale to as high as seventh place.The badge-engineered Ford version, the Ford Fusion, is no longer made, as Ford began importing the Ford Fiesta on the global Ford B3 platform which is based on Mazda's DY platform. Production of the car for European market started at Almussafes Ford plant in Valencia, Spain on 20 January 2003.
All Demios come with ABS and EBD, and stability control is optional. An innovative feature offered in Japan is e-4WD, a hybrid car-type system which uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels of this front wheel drive vehicle when needed. In the Demio, this system is used only as a traction aid, not for increased fuel economy as in most other vehicles.
There are also a big difference in floorpan and pedal box - European-exclusive version of Mazda2 uses pedal box directly sourced from Ford Fiesta, rather than their own and also 4x108 bolt pattern instead of 4x100.
Three trim levels were available in Japan, Cozy, Sport, and Casual.
In Europe, trim levels were S, TS and TS2. The TS and TS2 were renamed Antares and Capella in 2004. The Japanese 1.3 and 1.5 gasoline engines are not available, but Ford's 1.25-liter 16-valve Sigma engine is used, and Mazda's 1.4 and 1.6 gasoline, plus Fords 1.4 TDCi diesel are offered, but called 1.4 CDTi by Mazda..
The Mazda2 is sold with a variety of Z-family engines:
Mazda Demio:
Mazda 2:
- 1.25 L MZI C2 at 5700 rpm, at 3500 rpm
- 1.4 L MZI C4 at 5700 rpm, at 3500 rpm
- 1.6 L MZI C6 at 6000 rpm, at 4000 rpm
- 1.4 L MZ-CDTi Diesel at 4000 rpm, at 2000 rpm
Safety
Gallery
Third generation (DE; 2007)
The third generation Demio is built on the new DE platform, which Ford also used for the 2008 Ford Fiesta. It employs lightweight materials and reduces the overall dimensions of the car. This generation dropped the mini MPV high-roof styling adopted by its predecessor, instead opting for a more conventional hatchback look. The lead designer for the third generation was Ikuo Maeda, who was later promoted to Head of Design at Mazda in 2009.The Mazda2 launched at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, and later at the 2007 Shanghai International Motor Show. For the Japanese domestic market, sales of the production vehicles began on 5 July 2007 at Mazda, Mazda ɛ̃fini and Autozam dealers.
A three-door variant was released for the European market in 2008. Engine choices include the MZR 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter gasoline, MZ-CD 1.4-liter common-rail turbo diesel. In some EU Member States like the Netherlands, there is the option to buy the gasoline car in bi-fuel LPG version from the factory. This model was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
The North American version of the Mazda2 debuted at the 2009 LA Auto Show, and later at the 2010 Canadian International AutoShow. The Mazda2 became available in July, 2010 with the 1.5-liter, 100 hp four-cylinder and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Mazda discontinued the Mazda2 in the United States after the 2014 model year.
The Chinese model of the Mazda2 in five-door hatchback body style launched at the 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show. A Chinese four-door sedan model of the Mazda 2 was unveiled at the same event, with sales beginning in January, 2008.
The sedan body style was manufactured in Thailand and China and marketed only in Southeast Asia, Oceania, South America and the Caribbean.
In Australia, the sedan was introduced along with the facelifted hatchback in May 2010, with the sedan version being offered in a single 'Maxx' grade. In February 2011, Mazda Australia had reverted to Japanese sourced production, which lead to the discontinuation of the sedan being offered after just 9 months on-sale.
Gallery
Engines
Transmissions
Transmission choices include a five speed manual, a four speed automatic, a CVT or a CVT with a sport mode featuring seven simulated ratios and paddle shifters.Equipment
A digital fuel gauge is a standard feature and stability control is available, except in Australia, where it is standard. There are three trim levels available for the new 2 range, the first is known as the Neo which is the base model. It comes standard with air-conditioning and 15-inch steel wheels, though side air bags, 16-inch alloy wheels and a sports body kit come as standard on the range topping Genki.Safety
The Mazda2 received a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in frontal crashes, "Acceptable" for side crashes, "Good" for roof strength, and "Acceptable" for rear crash protection.Production
The vehicles were built in Ujina Plant No.1 in Hiroshima, with additional Mazda2 began at the Ujina Plant No.2 in June 2007. Additional vehicles were built in Hofu, Japan.Chinese models were built in Changan Ford Mazda Automobile's Nanjing plant at the end of October 2007.
Asia-Pacific region models were produced by AutoAlliance Thailand Co., Ltd. beginning in 2009. Mazda2 local assembly in Vietnam began on 21 October 2011 at Nui Thanh, Quang Nam plant owned by Vina Mazda Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Mazda2 local assembly in Vietnam began on 21 October 2011 at the Nui Thanh, Quang Nam plant owned by Vina Mazda Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Sales
A month after sales of Japanese models began 15,000 units were sold, with the top 3 selling models featuring Sunlight Silver Metallic, Metropolitan Grey Mica and Icy Blue Metallic body colors, and Spirited Green Metallic body among the top 5.Production in Japan reached 100,000 units at the end of January 2008.
In August 2010, it is reported that 400,000 units has been sold in Europe, Australia and Japan.
| Calendar Year | U.S. | Europe | Japan | China |
| 2008 | 72,638 | 13,692 | ||
| 2009 | 75,425 | 22,634 | ||
| 2010 | 3,021 | 52,838 | 65,949 | 21,680 |
| 2011 | 13,952 | 38,251 | 61,736 | 8,981 |
| 2012 | 19,315 | 30,023 | 57,820 | 3,049 |
| 2013 | 11,757 | 23,604 | 43,573 | 1,345 |
| 2014 | 996 |
2011 update
Japanese models
Updated models include premium seat upholstery, black meter panel, silver instrument panel garnish, expanded exterior body colors including Burgundy Red Mica, standard trip computer. The 15C, 13C-V and 13C models include Mazda's eco-lamp. Sport, 15C, 13C-V and 13C model grades include new three-point seatbelt and headrest on the second-row center seat as standard equipment. SPORT model includes 16-inch alloy wheels.The 13-SkyActiv model includes the first SkyActiv engine, a 1.3-liter with 83 hp and 83 lb·ft of torque, intelligent-Drive Master, CVT transmission, 14-inch alloy wheels, Aquatic Blue Mica exterior body color option, dynamic stability control with brake assist, traction control.
Preorders of the new model began on 9 June 2011, while sales of the new model began on 30 June 2011.
The Demio 13-SkyActiv was nominated for Car of The Year Japan in 2012.
2011 SEMA concepts (2011)
The Turbo2 is a concept car based on the Demio. It features a MAZDASPEED3 MZR 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition turbo engine, H&R coil over suspension kit, Corksport sway bars and customized Brembo front brakes with 13-inch ventilated and slotted rotors, gloss black 17-inch OZ Racing wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Neova 215/40R17 performance tires, Sonic White tri-coat body colour with Brilliant Black on the lower panels, wheel arches, side skirts and lower front fascia; bright green and neon yellow graphics and trim pieces; Katzin black leather seats featuring Barracuda Yellow perforated leather inserts and Sunrise Yellow seat piping, Star West floor mats, AiM Pista MXL digital racing performance and data acquisition display.The 3dCarbon Mazda2 includes a 3dCarbon/Air Design body kit manufactured in high-pressure polyurethane injection molding, Spirited Green Metallic body color with vinyl graphic design by Sticky Fingers Design, darkly tinted windows, 3M Color Stable Metal-Free Window Film on side and rear windows, front windshield with 3M Crystalline Nanofilm, Eibach Springs Pro-Kit and 18-inch FIVE:AD S6:F Gunmetal wheels with Yokohama S.drive 215/35R18 tires.
The vehicles were unveiled at the 2011 SEMA Show.
Demio EV (2012–)
The Demio EV is a limited production electric vehicle for the Japanese market. It includes a 346-Volt 20kWh lithium-ion battery with driving range. Leasing began in October 2012. 70% of Mazda2 BEV owners said they weren't happy with the 124-mile range of their electric car, even though they never needed more.Prototype Range Extender for EV (2013)
The range extender test car was a version of the Mazda2 prototype electric car with a 0.33-liter rotary engine, lithium-ion batteries, 75 kW electric motor driving front wheels and 10-liter fuel tank. This would double the range of the Demio EV, meeting Japanese requirements that the fuel tank and engine not provide more range than the electric motor. The car would have a, 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, powering a / electric motor. The prototype range extender incorporates a rotary engine generator, a lightweight downsized single-rotor Wankel engine with displacement mounted on its side in the rear of the car. A fuel tank that can be filled with gasoline, butane, or propane was claimed to almost double the EV range to.Fourth generation (DJ; 2014)
Reports of a new generation of the Mazda Demio emerged in 2013 for a 2014 launch, with some manufacturing at the new Mazda plant in Mexico. The Mazda Hazumi Concept model was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and in April 2014 the development mule of the new generation Demio was undergoing testing in Germany, covered in camouflage.In July 2014, Mazda presented photos of the fourth generation Demio hatchback, and production began at Mazda's Hōfu plant. Sales in Japan began in September 2014. The sedan version debuted at the Thailand International Motor Expo in November 2014.
The fourth generation is based on a variation of Mazda's CX-5 platform, rather than Ford's DE platform used on the Ford Fiesta and features greater length, wider front and rear tracks, decreased interior room for rear-seat occupants and less front head and legroom.
In October 2014, the Demio was awarded the 2014–2015 "Car of the Year" by the Japan Car of the Year Committee.
Despite the North American variant being manufactured in Mexico, Mazda USA announced that the Mazda2 hatchback would not be sold in the United States market, except in Puerto Rico. The sedan variant, however, was initially marketed in the United States by Toyota as the Scion iA and later as the Yaris.
For the Canadian market, the DJ series Mazda2 was confirmed at the 2015 Montreal International Auto Show, however its launch was postponed to early 2016 to allow Mazda Canada focus on the launch of the CX-3 and the redesigned MX-5. On 16 November 2015, Mazda Canada decided to not launch the 2 because they found the car not eligible for the market as well a shift towards subcompact crossovers. However, as in the United States, the sedan variant is marketed as the Toyota Yaris sedan.
In July 2019, it was announced that the Demio would be rebranded as the Mazda2 worldwide, and that the 2020 model year vehicles would receive an exterior facelift, various interior trim changes, revised suspension tuning to improve ride quality, improvements to the engine deceleration energy recovery system, adaptive headlights, and standard G-Vectoring Control Plus.
The facelift model went on sale in Mexico in October 2019 for the 2020 model year. It comes in three versions: i, i Touring, and i Grand Touring with automatic transmission.
Engines and transmission
The Mazda2 uses Mazda's SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic and SkyActiv-MT five- and six-speed manual gearboxes as well as stop-start technology and a brake energy regeneration system.The Mazda2 is initially offered with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a 1.5-liter diesel engine—the SkyActiv-D, 1.5-liter diesel engine debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The gasoline engine will be available with 74 bhp, 89 bhp or 113 bhp, while the diesel will produce 104 bhp.
Scion iA and Toyota Yaris
In 2014, Mazda de México Vehicle Operation began production of the Mazda2 in Salamanca, Guanajuato for various North and South American markets. This plant also produces a sedan version of the Mazda2 for Toyota with minor styling changes, with the vehicle sold in the United States as the Scion iA, in Canada as the Yaris sedan and in Mexico as the Yaris R.The Scion iA was the marque's first and only 4-door sedan and the first and only model not to be built in Japan.
In the United States, the Scion iA sold 7,605 units in 2015. Due to the discontinuation of the Scion marque, the model was re-branded as the Toyota Yaris iA from August 2016 for the 2017 model year.
In Canada, the Yaris features a, 1.5-liter ZY-VE four-cylinder engine with both six-speed manual and automatic transmission options. Features include power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, power windows and power door locks.
In Mexico, the Mazda2-based Yaris R is sold alongside the more austere and lower-priced Yaris Sedán, which from early 2018 is a version of the Asian-market Toyota Yaris ATIV, and was previously a variant of the Toyota Vios. The Yaris R sold in three versions. However unlike the Canadian version and the Scion iA, the Yaris R does not feature cruise control nor a pre-collision warning system, and it is the only version of the rebadged sedan which has a leather steering wheel.
For the 2019 model year, the United States version was renamed again as the Yaris sedan, receiving a minor facelift with a new grille insert and trim changes. Unlike the previous models, which offered only exterior colors and a choice between 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions as factory options, both the United States and Canadian 2019 Yaris sedans are offered in L, LE and XLE trim levels with a variety of interior and exterior options.
In 2019, the Mazda2 hatchback was rebadged as the Yaris hatchback with a front fascia similar to that of the Yaris sedan, for the 2020 model year. The new model made its debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show in April of that year. The United States and Canadian market 2020 Yaris hatchback is offered in LE and XLE trim levels. In the United States, this vehicle went on sale in October 2019 and replaced the XP130 Vitz-based Yaris Liftback, which was discontinued in January 2019. Unlike the United States, XP130 sales continued in Canada for the 2019 model year, similarly being replaced by the rebadged Mazda2 hatchback for the 2020 model year.
Both the Mazda2-based Yaris sedan and hatchback exports to the United States stopped in June 2020 due to new regulations and slow sales.