🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: 121 Year: 1994 Codes Chassis Code: DB3PF (JDM/AUS), EUNOS 121 (JDM), Ford Festiva SDX (AUS) Engine Code Primary: B3 (1.3L SOHC) Engine Code Alternative 1: B3-ME (1.3L SOHC EFI) 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Subcompact hatchback, primarily targeting budget-conscious buyers and emerging markets Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Festiva, Toyota Yaris (early models), Nissan Micra, Honda City Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Compact size, fuel efficiency, affordability, reliability Manual Value Proposition Utility For Owner: Enables owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose common issues, and undertake repairs, saving on labor costs. Utility For Professional: Provides essential technical data and procedures for independent repair shops and mechanics working on this model. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Regions Covered: Australia, Japan, Europe (specific markets based on model variants) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 500+ Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete overhaul, diagnosis, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission service, overhaul, diagnosis, clutch service Brakes: Hydraulic system, disc and drum brake service, ABS (if equipped) Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, wheel alignment Electrical: Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, charging system, starter, fuses, relays, instrument cluster Body: Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, glass replacement Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, timing belt replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts for common drivability and electrical issues Repair: Component removal, installation, and overhaul procedures for all major systems Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, detailed repair instructions, specifications for rebuilding major components 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: N/A (Printed) Print Quality Print Quality: Likely black and white with line drawings and diagrams Binding Type Binding Type: Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for durability Paper Type Paper Type: Durable, uncoated paper suitable for workshop environments ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC Displacement: 1.3 Liters (1324 cc) Bore X Stroke: 71.0 mm x 83.6 mm Compression Ratio: 9.3:1 Performance Horsepower: Approx. 60-75 PS (44-55 kW) depending on market and tune Torque: Approx. 100-115 Nm (74-85 lb-ft) depending on market and tune Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - B3-ME, Carburetor - B3 (older variants) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management Ignition System: Electronic Ignition ECU Type: ECU controlled fuel and ignition timing 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Optional Transmission Type: 3-Speed Automatic (often referred to as 'E-Shift' in some markets) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated diaphragm spring clutch Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron II or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 3670 mm (144.5 in) Width: Approx. 1600 mm (63.0 in) Height: Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2300 mm (90.6 in) Track Width Front: Approx. 1360 mm (53.5 in) Track Width Rear: Approx. 1365 mm (53.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 800-850 kg (1760-1870 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 1200 kg (2645 lbs) Wheels Tires Wheel Size Standard: 13 inch steel wheels Tire Size Standard: 155/80R13 Wheel Bolt Pattern: 4x100 mm Wheel Offset: ET38-ET40 (typical) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official Euro NCAP or NHTSA data for this specific generation. Likely basic structural integrity for its era. Active Features ABS: Optional on higher trims or specific markets Traction Control: Not typically available Passive Features Airbags: Driver airbag standard on most markets; passenger airbag optional or unavailable. Seatbelts: Front three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, rear lap belts. Crumple Zones: Designed with basic front and rear crumple zones as per safety standards of the time. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with 2 or 4 speakers. Display: Analog gauges and indicator lights for speed, RPM, fuel, and engine temperature. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Rarely available, generally not a feature. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not available; older cassette decks often had provisions for external cassette adapters. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change: Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Oil Filter Replacement: With every oil change. Air Filter Replacement: Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or 24 months. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) or 36 months (using standard copper plugs). Timing Belt Replacement: Every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years. Crucial replacement to prevent catastrophic engine damage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 3.5 Liters (3.7 US Quarts) with filter Engine Oil Type: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Known Issues Common Wear Items: Clutch wear, rear wheel bearings, exhaust system corrosion, minor electrical...
3-Speed Automatic (often referred to as 'E-Shift' in some markets)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated diaphragm spring clutch
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 3670 mm (144.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1600 mm (63.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2300 mm (90.6 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1360 mm (53.5 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1365 mm (53.7 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 800-850 kg (1760-1870 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1200 kg (2645 lbs)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Size Standard:
13 inch steel wheels
Tire Size Standard:
155/80R13
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100 mm
Wheel Offset:
ET38-ET40 (typical)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official Euro NCAP or NHTSA data for this specific generation. Likely basic structural integrity for its era.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on higher trims or specific markets
Traction Control:
Not typically available
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on most markets; passenger airbag optional or unavailable.
Seatbelts:
Front three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, rear lap belts.
Crumple Zones:
Designed with basic front and rear crumple zones as per safety standards of the time.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with 2 or 4 speakers.
Display:
Analog gauges and indicator lights for speed, RPM, fuel, and engine temperature.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Rarely available, generally not a feature.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not available; older cassette decks often had provisions for external cassette adapters.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) or 36 months (using standard copper plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years. Crucial replacement to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 Liters (3.7 US Quarts) with filter
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear wheel bearings, exhaust system corrosion, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., door lock actuators).
Engine Specific:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule. Potential for seized starter motors.
Body Rust:
Prone to rust in the sills, wheel arches, and rear quarter panels in humid or coastal environments.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, often with an emphasis on driver engagement (Zoom-Zoom philosophy started later, but a practical approach was present).
Model Evolution
Generation Timeline:
This refers to the second generation of the Mazda 121 (DB series), produced from 1991 to 1999. It was developed in conjunction with Ford and shared platforms with the Ford Festiva (SDX in Australia).
Market Variants:
Sold as Mazda 121, Eunos 121 (a Mazda sub-brand), and Ford Festiva, leading to minor styling and equipment differences.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Hirohima) and also in Taiwan for certain markets.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Market Reputation:
Regarded as a practical and economical small car, known for its maneuverability and low running costs.