Mazda Motor Corp. launched a new model of Demio, the third-generation model, on July 5, 2007. In consideration of the three values for the new era, environment, safety and design-oriented development, the company aimed to improve mileage, safety and comfort by adopting newly-developed engines and remodeling the platform.
The sales target of the new Demio is 5,000 units per month. The price ranges from 1,125,000 yen to 1,588,000 yen (USD 9,146 - 12,911).
The length, width and height of the new Demio are 3,885 - 3,895 mm × 1,695 mm × 1,475 mm, and its wheelbase is 2,490 mm. The length and height are shorter than those of the previous model by 30 - 40 mm and 55 mm, respectively. The wheelbase was not changed.
To increase the safety at the time of crash, the side members in the front and rear of the vehicle were straightened and thickened. Also, super-high-tensile steel plate of 980 MPa was used as front bumper reinforcement material and center pillars, and two impact bars were installed in each of the front doors.
There are three types of engines equipped in the new Demio: a 1.3-liter engine, 1.5-liter engine and newly-developed 1.3-liter naturally-aspirated Mirror-cycle engine.
As for a transmission, the 1.3-liter engine is combined with a 4-speed automatic shift or 5-speed stick shift, and the 1.3-liter Mirror-cycle engine is combined with a Continuously Variable Transmission.
The 1.5-liter engine comes with a CVT, 5-speed stick shift or CVT with a 7-speed manual-transmission mode operated by a steering switch.
The fuel efficiency of the Mirror-cycle engine model, in the 10-15 mode, is 23.0 km per liter, improved by 20 % compared with the traditional combination of the 1.3-liter engine and 4-speed automatic shift.
In the security aspect, the standard equipments include a four-wheel ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), break assist and front air bags.
Side air bags and side-curtain air bags are available as options, except for the base-grade model "13F." Also, as the main materials used for the interior, VOC-reduced resin, paint and adhesive were adopted. VOC, or Volatile Organic Compounds, reportedly contribute to sick house syndrome.
Nikkei Electronics |
Nikkei Monozukuri |
Nikkei Automotive Technology |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| The magazine for electronics designers and managers. | Design You Won't Regret - How to Reduce the Risk of Accidents | The comprehensive automotive technology magazine. |
Copyright © 1995-2012 Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
All editorial content and graphics on this Web site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the copyright owner.
