Review: Mazda DW.I 121 Metro (1996-00)

Overview

Released in October 1996, the Mazda DW Series I (DW.I) 121 Metro was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive 121 Metro was available with either a 1.3- or 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual, three-speed automatic (for the 1.3-litre models) or a four-speed automatic (for the 1.5-litre models).

Dimensions and suspension

The 121 Metro was 3800 mm long, 1650 mm wide, 1500 mm tall and had a 2390 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the 121 Metro had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the 121 Metro consisted of a driver’s airbag.

Features

Standard features for the 121 Metro included a four speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, 50/50 split and flat folding rear seats, power mirrors and power steering.

1997 121 Metro Shades

In October 1997, Shades variants were released – these models were further equipped with air conditioning as standard. Shades variants continued to be offered throughout the 121 Metro’s production run.

1999 Mazda 121 Metro Shades Extra

In January 1999, limited-run Shades Extra variants were released. Compared to the standard 121 Metro, the Shades Extra variants were further equipped with air conditioning, a CD player and a six-disc CD stacker.

1999 Mazda 121 Metro 40^thAnniversary

In May 1999, limited-run 40^thAnniversary variants were released. Standard features were extended to include alloy wheels, air conditioning, remote central locking and power windows. Visually, the 40th Anniversary variants could be identified by their rear spoilers and either Highlight Silver or Grape Purple paint finishes.

Review: Mazda DW.II 121 Metro (2000-02)

Overview

Released in March 2000, the Mazda DW Series II (DW.II) 121 Metro introduced a four-speed automatic transmission for models with 1.3-litre engines and subtle cosmetic updates. The range was also revised as the standard variants were discontinued such that only Shades variants were offered. However, the range was temporarily expanded in September 2000 and June 2001 with Limited Edition and Platinum Edition models, respectively.

Visually, the DW.II 121 Metro could be identified by its new five-point grille with floating ‘Mazda’ badge, sculptured bonnet, new headlights, bumpers and rear combination light clusters. Inside, there was a revised dashboard and models with 1.5-litre engines were distinguished by their two-tone grey colour scheme.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the DW.II 121 Metro consisted of a driver’s airbag and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Features

Standard features for the DW.II 121 Metro Shades included a four speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, power mirrors, power steering and an immobiliser.

Models with 1.5-litre engines were further equipped with a CD player, central locking and roof rails.

2000 Mazda 121 Metro Limited Edition

In September 2000, Limited Edition variants of the 1.5-litre models were released. The Limited Edition variants were further equipped with alloy wheels, a body-coloured rear spoiler, power windows, floor mats and trim-matching cloth door trims. Visually, the Limited Edition could be identified by its special badging, headlight and bonnet protectors and either Highlight Silver or Passion Red paint finishes.

2001 Mazda 121 Metro Platinum Edition

In June 2001, Platinum Edition variants of the 1.5-litre models were released. The Platinum Editions were further equipped with remote central locking, power windows, an alarm, floor mats and either Platinum Silver or Passion Red paint finishes.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mazda DW 121 Metro

Recalls: Mazda DW 121 Metro

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Mazda DW 121 Metro

Mazda DW 121: ignition switch fire hazard #1

In October 2015, a recall was issued for Mazda DW 121 vehicles. In these vehicles, an excessive amount of grease may have been applied to the electrical contacts inside the ignition switch. Due to a heat from the electric arc that was generated during switch operation, the grease may carbonise and subsequently accumulate between the electrical contacts (moving contact and fixed contact), thereby reducing the electrical insulation performance inside the switch. Over time, the path between the electrical contacts may become conductive, causing heat, potentially smoke and, at worst, a fire (PRA 2015/14997). The recalled Mazda DW 121 vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:

• JM0DW103100100014 to JM0DW103100118855; and,
• JM0DW105100100012 to JM0DW103100118857.

Mazda DW 121: ignition switch fire hazard #2

In December 2016, Mazda issued a recall for Mazda DW 121 vehicles. In these vehicles, an excessive amount of grease may have been applied to the electrical contacts inside the ignition switch. This grease could carbonise due to heat from an electric arc that was produced during switch operation. Furthermore, the carbonised grease could accumulate between the electrical contacts and reduce the electrical insulation performance inside the switch. If the vehicle continued to be driven in this condition, the path between the electrical contacts could become conductive, producing heat, smoke and, at worst, a fire (PRA 2015/14997). The recalled Mazda DW 121 vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:

• JM0DW103100100014 to JM0DW103100118855; and,
• JM0DW105100100012 to JM0DW103100118857.

Problems and faults: Mazda DW 121 Metro

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Mazda DW 121 Metro

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Mazda DW 121 Metro.

Released in October 1996, the Mazda DW Series I (DW.I) 121 Metro was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive 121 Metro was available with either a 1.3- or 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual, three-speed automatic (for the 1.3-litre models) or a four-speed automatic (for the 1.5-litre models)… Read full Mazda DW 121 Metro review

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Images: Mazda DW.II 121 Metro (2000-02)

Released in March 2000, the Mazda DW Series II (DW.II) 121 Metro introduced a four-speed automatic transmission for models with 1.3-litre engines and subtle cosmetic updates. The range was also revised as the standard variants were discontinued such that only Shades variants were offered. The Mazda DW.II 121 Metro could be identified by its new five-point grille with floating ‘Mazda’ badge, sculptured bonnet, new headlights, bumpers and rear combination light clusters. Inside, there was a revised dashboard and models with 1.5-litre engines were distinguished by their two-tone grey colour scheme.

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