MAZDA NEWSROOM｜ Mazda Releases Freshened Demio

NEWS RELEASES

April 13, 2005

Products and Technology

Mazda Releases Freshened Demio
- Featuring distinctive exterior and enhanced equipment, and greatly improved fuel efficiency makes all models Green Tax compliant -

Mazda Motor Corporation has released a freshened edition of the Mazda Demio with greatly improved fuel economy, a modified exterior, and loaded with extra equipment. Known as Mazda2 in overseas markets, the freshened Demio goes on sale today at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

Mazda Demio (‘Casual‘model; Friend option and Cozy option packages installed)
Mazda Demio (‘Casual’ model; Friend option and Cozy option packages installed)

The new Demio features great improvement in fuel efficiency; all models--including the e-4WD--exceed Japan’s 2010 fuel economy standard by five percent. Furthermore, all models have been certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SU-LEV) to meet the 2005 emissions reduction standard of 75%. This makes all models eligible for the highest level of the green tax plan that reduces user taxes (motor vehicle tax plus the vehicle excise tax) by 32,000 yen per unit.

The new models’ exterior features a more distinctive, prominent design. The Casual grade gives a warm and friendly impression with its enlarged headlamps, and by reducing the prominence of the front grille and front and rear bumpers. The SPORT grade boasts design changes to the front grille and other aeroparts, newly added 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, and smoky-colored rear combination lamps--all of which renders a far sportier external facade. There are twelve varieties of body colors available, from lavender-tinted (Iris Blue Mica*), tea (Mocha Mica*), charcoal (Carbon Grey Mica*) and the limited-availability Blazing Yellow Pearl Mica, which is exclusive to the SPORT model.*
* These color names are for the Japanese market only.

Powered by a 1.3-liter engine, the sporty grade “Casual Aeroactive” is a new model addition, which features such standard equipment as 15-inch alloy wheels and tires, aeroparts, tinted rear windows, etc. Popular equipment retained from the Cozy model, such as beige interior, wood door trim garnish, and silver door trim switch panels is now available for the casual model as a factory-installed option.

Additionally, the Demio’s driveability and comfort have been further improved through the addition of advanced equipment such as keyless entry and starter systems, automatic lighting, rain-activated wipers, music hard disc drive (HDD) system, to name a few.

The Demio’s sales target for the Japanese market is set at 4,500 units per month.

Features of the freshened Demio:
All models are of the highest level of fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness for Green Tax compliance.

A broad array of improvements has resulted in significant gains in fuel efficiency when in 10-15 mode; for example, a nine percent improvement for a 1.3-liter engine automatic transmission model. All models have achieved reductions in vehicle emissions to meet the highest standards.

Fuel efficiency
Engine features:

-	By employing an EGR cooler and electric throttle, the Demio attains an increased volume of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and;
-	Partial energy recovery during deceleration due to an electrical discharge control system;
-	Reduced engine revolutions when idling through lowered resistance.

Transmission features:

-	Improved efficiency during normal engine running through automatic-transmission tuning and load decrease when idling.
-	Improved balance between fuel efficiency and driving resulting from overhaul of gear ratios of the automatic transmission.

Other changes:

-	Adopted power steering by adding an electric motor.
-	Reduced electric current consumption by decreasing the load on the fuel pump and by adopting light emitting diodes (LED) for the high mount stoplamp.

Warmer, friendlier, sportier - the Demio’s improved exterior and interior surfaces
[Casual model]

This model features a delightful design and sense of comfort that comes from suppressing sharp angles and by developing a warm and friendly exterior body shape, and its high quality surfaces invoke a calm and sophisticated reaction when inside.

Exterior features:

-	This model has a newly designed front grille, as well as:
-	Warm and inviting larger headlights.
-	Front bumper with more subdued angles and a rounded rear bumper with reduced overhang;
-	Newly designed fourteen-inch full hubcaps and new fifteen-inch alloy wheels (elegance type).

Interior features:
Two types of interior packages are possible for the Casual:

Cozy package (as a factory-installed option)
This package is styled with two base colors; black (for the upper part of the instrument panel) and beige (for the seat and door trim). It also has honeycomb patterned walnut beige seats with a natural texture, softer-colored wood grain door trim panel garnish, silver door trim switches, and meter rings with silver highlights. This inspires a spacious and relaxing atmosphere.

Walnut Beige Interior (Cozy factory-installed option package)

[SPORT model]
The aggressive features of this model’s exterior design, complemented by the base black color and silver decorations in the interior, give a sporty and quality feeling to the overall design.

Exterior features:

-	The newly designed front grille (bar type) and aeroparts (large aero bumper, front and rear aero parts, and side spoiler) distinguish the refreshed Demio from its forebears. Also, there are:
-	Smoky rear combination taillights that confer a sporty and sophisticated impression;
-	A specially tuned suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels and tires (195/45R16 80W).
-	The limited availability Blazing Yellow Pearl Mica exterior color is only for the SPORT model.

Interior features:

-	The Demio boasts a special blackout meter that is easy to read and with a stylish design;
-	Black seats covers made from a combination of black and a solid-looking dark grey cloth lattice weave;
-	Door trim garnish that matches the same black color as the seats.

1.5-liter Activematic-transmission ‘Sport’ model (Body Color: Blazing Yellow Pearl Mica)

[Casual Aeroactive - Newest Model]
Exterior features:

-	This model has a bar-type front grille that stands out due to its aeroparts--front aero bumper, side and rear spoilers, and rear roof spoiler.
-	Smoky rear combination lamps that foster a sense of dynamic character.
-	15-inch alloy wheels (for the sporty type).

Interior features:

-	It has a silver meter ring that contrasts with the black interior, for a heightened sense of sportiness.
-	The 2 DIN audio kit, which can be configured to accommodate a wide variety of audio systems.

Enhanced dynamic performance

-	The freshened Demio’s body stiffness has been improved by reinforcing the tunnel member, cross-member and the rear end panel. Better handling performance has resulted from further precise operation of the suspension.
-	A review of the master cylinder’s function resulted in a more nimble driving feel, as brake response corresponds to the degree of pressure exerted on the brake pedal--from a light touch to applying heavy force to the brake pedal.
-	Improved damping force--only for the SPORT model--is achieved with the special tuned suspension that raises the front stabilizer. This boosts stability when driving on winding roads.

Functional and comfortable new equipment that makes driving more fun and comfortable

-	The pinion assist power steering system delivers the proper degree of driving feel to the driver depending on the vehicle speed. It provides a light touch when parking, yet also furnishes a secure feeling at high speed.
-	Factory-installed advanced keyless entry and starter systems enable users to lock/unlock the door by pressing the request button located on the door handle, and to start/stop the engine by rotating the start knob mounted on the steering column or activating by a card key.
-	The automatic light system turns on the headlights when the sensor detects ambient darkness (factory-installed option). When entering a tunnel, headlights are automatically turned on and turn off upon exit.
-	As a factory-installed option, an auto rain sensor that activates automatically when rain falls can be installed. Windshield wiper speeds change according to severity of rain.
-	The music HDD can store about 3,000 files (as a factory-installed option). It has various editing functions and play modes to offer all types of fun, new musical experiences.
-	A variety of options are offered, such as a white canvas top (as a factory-installed option) that induces a sense of freedom and can be matched with the medium gray interior of the Casual. Interior spot lamps and vanity mirror lamps (for both seats) are installed.
-	A convenient and stylish Mazda retractable-type key that has an embedded transmitter is also included as standard equipment.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices

(Unit: Yen)

Grade	Drive	Engine	Transmission	Suggested retail price
				Including tax	Without tax
Casual	FWD	1.3L DOHC	5MT	1,128,750	1,075,000
			4EC-AT	1,207,500	1,150,000
		1.5L DOHC	5MT	1,317,750	1,255,000
			4EC-AT	1,396,500	1,330,000
	e-4WD	1.3L DOHC	4EC-AT	1,401,750	1,335,000
		1.5L DOHC		1,590,750	1,515,000
SPORT	FWD	1.5L DOHC	5MT	1,522,500	1,450,000
			Activematic	1,611,750	1,535,000
Casual Aeroactive	FWD	1.3L DOHC	5MT	1,286,250	1,225,000
			4EC-AT	1,365,000	1,300,000
	e-4WD		4EC-AT	1,559,250	1,485,000

Note:

Snowflake White Pearl Mica and Blazing Yellow Pearl Mica as body color costs an extra 31,500 yen (tax included).

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