13-04-2005
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.
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.*
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.
Text and photos courtesy of Mazda
