Mazda Demio Test Drive Report

ReportFebruary 15,2022

All-new, smaller Demio with a new concept

The third generation Demio has undergone a complete redesign from the concept up. The engine displacement is the same as the first generation, 1.3L and 1.5, but the very existence of the Demio has changed completely.

If you recall, the first generation Demio debuted in 1996. Although it looked like a compact car at first glance, it was more like a wagon in the extreme. It was tall enough to fit in a multi-story parking garage and had fully flat seats. It was also characterized by its overwhelming cargo capacity when fully loaded. On the other hand, it was also a unique car that had a sporting image, as it was used for one-make races.

The second generation, introduced in 2002, inherited the concept of the first generation, and was notable for its brushed-up usability and wide range of styles, including a canvas top model with a white roof. The color scheme of the interior is also more elaborate, and the car is now a bit more fashionable than the more utilitarian models. Many of you may remember the stardust pink Demio produced by actress Misaki Ito.

Then, in July 2007, the Demio underwent a surprising full model change! As the name suggests, the Demio became smaller.

A "cool" design that could be accepted as a unisex model

The first thing that struck me about this full model change was the styling. I don't care what anyone says, it's just plain cool. The design has a sense of dynamism and solidity that is reminiscent of European cars, and I'm sure it will be widely accepted as a unisex model. As mentioned above, the Demio's size has been downsized while cars around the world are gradually increasing in size.

However, when you actually get into the car, there is no sense that it has become smaller, and there is enough space for four adults to relax. And yet, the luggage space is unimaginable from the outside, which is really impressive.

The packaging of this vehicle is very high. The interior design makes the most of the large surface area and has a style that will never get old. The interior design is plasticky in appearance, so it lacks a bit in terms of quality, but there are already points where we can expect a variety of arrangements, so we have high hopes for the future.

The 1.3L Miller cycle engine and CVT

The most notable feature of the new Demio is its weight, which has been reduced by 100kg compared to the previous generation.

There are three engine line-ups, two 1.3-liter and one 1.5-liter, but the 1.3-liter Miller-cycle engine with CVT is the one to watch. The 1.3-liter Miller cycle engine is the first Miller cycle engine since the Eunos 800, and simply put, it is an engine with a delayed valve timing mechanism. This is the same principle as the Atkinson cycle used in the Prius. With this power unit, the fuel efficiency is 23.0km/l, which is significantly better than the previous model. In fact, it can be made more fuel efficient, but this is the first version of the sustainable ZOOMZOOM concept. This is the first installment of the sustainable ZOOMZOOM concept, and the setting was so exquisite that they didn't want to spoil the fun of driving. In fact, right from the start, the car feels light and energetic just like it looks.

The handling is also crisp, and the ride is comfortable without a sense of thrust. The steering feel of the power steering could be a little smoother, but that's all I can say.

The Sporto is just right as a chic city sports car

As the name suggests, the Sporto is a grade that stands out for its sporty appearance. But it's not overly spartan; it's just a little sharper and edgier, and I like the fact that it's a design that can be accepted by women as well. If you want more, just make a model that calls itself a Mazdaspeed model. So everything is just right.

This is because when you drive it, you can't help but think that it could be sportier. This is because when you actually drive it, you can't help but think that it could be sportier. The 16-inch tires and slightly stiffened suspension give the car a sporty flavor, but it's still just enough to allow you to enjoy long drives in the back seat. The sport and slope mode, which is set to SS mode and then shifted with the steering wheel switch, is not as easy to use as it could be.

However, in these days when it is said that it is not chic to do sweaty sports, it is quite appropriate to think of it as a chic city sports car.

A global strategy car that ticks all the Japanese car itches

Anyway, the new Demio has a very solid body. It even looks as if it could compete with a BMW Mini. This sense of solidity not only gives a sense of security, but also makes me think that they could make a more spartan model. It even makes me think that they could make a more spartan model. I really hope that it will become a model that will impress people with its stylishness and athletic performance.

And while in many ways it makes you aware that it is a global strategic vehicle, in terms of actual usability, it is indeed a Japanese car. In many ways, the car is a global strategic vehicle, but in terms of actual usability, it is a Japanese car.

For example, the quietness. For a compact car, I think it offers a very quiet space. I'm very happy with this concern, because on a long drive, I tend to be bothered by noise. One more thing, for example, the pockets. The glove box, which can be used to make up for the small door pockets, is a clever idea, and the ETC unit mounted in a place hidden by the driver's sun visor is a unique and clever setup, not only for looks but also for security.

However, if I had to make one last comment, I would say that I'm not sure about such a long antenna. It's sure to get caught in our multi-level parking lot. You know?

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