2012 Mazda Demio Review

Detailed Review

The Mazda Demio has been in production for three generations. It’s also marketed and sold as the Mazda2 in other markets. The first generation known as the DW was in production from 1996 – 2002. The second generation known as the DY was in production from 2002 – 2007. The third generation known as the DE was in production from 2007 – 2014. The fourth generation known as the DJ has been in production from 2014 – Present.

The 2012 Mazda Demio comes with 2 engine options. These are the 1.3 Litre ZJ engine and the 1.5 Litre ZY engine that are linked to either a CVT, a 4-speed automatic or a 5-Speed manual transmission. The Mazda demio is offered in both 2WD and 4WD.

2012 Mazda Demio Grades

1. Mazda Demio 13C – This is the base model that comes with the 1.3L engine, a 4-speed automatic or 5 speed manual gearbox, 14-inch steel rims, keystart and no fog lights. It’s got two subcategories; these are the Smart Edition that comes with smart start/keyless and the HID edition that comes with xenon HID headlights.
2. Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV – This comes with the 1.3L engine and Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology which improves fuel economy and performance.
3. Mazda Demio 13C-V – This comes with the 1.3L engine, a CVT, 15-inch alloy rims, keyless, fog lights and paddle shifts.
4. Mazda Demio 13C-V SMART EDITION II – This is similar to the 13C-V grade but adds a rear roof spoiler and undercover improvements
5. Mazda Demio 15C – This comes with the 1.5L engine, 15-inch steel rims, keyless and no fog lights.
6. Mazda Demio 15S – This is a sports version of the Demio that comes with the 1.5L engine, 16-inch alloy rims, keyless, fog lights, body kit, and paddle shifts.

2012 Mazda Demio Interior
Legroom & Space
The Mazda Demio is a small car so the legroom is limited especially for tall people. At the first row, the seats are adjustable so the leg space is much better here. A tall driver above 6 feet will find it restrictive especially for long distance travel. At the second row, the legroom is bearable for the outer seats but for the middle seat, space is tight.

Cabin Storage
At the first row, there three cup holders, door panel storage, a glovebox and a center tray. There are no storage compartments at the second row.

2012 Mazda Demio Boot Space
The Demio’s boot is decent and can carry medium sized luggage such as large suitcase with some space to spare. The rear seats can also be folded to create extra space.

Other Extras: DVD/Navigation, Smart Start, adjustable steering

Safety Features: SRS Airbags, ABS, DSC, TCS

2012 Mazda Demio Exterior
The Mazda Demio has a stylish design that is appealing to both a feminine and masculine clientele. The sports versions that come with alloy rims and fog lights look much better.

2012 Mazda Demio Fuel Consumption
The Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV 1.3L Consumes 25.0 Km/L (On Average)
The Mazda Demio 1.3L Consumes 20.6 Km/L (On Average)
The Mazda Demio 1.5L Consumes 18.2 Km/L (On Average)

2012 Mazda Demio Acceleration
The Mazda Demio 1.3L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 13.3 sec.
The Mazda Demio 1.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.0 sec.

2012 Mazda Demio Fuel Tank Capacity: 41 Litres

2012 Mazda Demio Ground Clearance
The 2012 Mazda Demio has a ground clearance of 6.1 Inches(155mm). This is height is ok for driving on Kenyan roads when the car is lightly loaded. When fully loaded, it may not clear some speed bumps. It sometimes may be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car for Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.

2012 Mazda Demio Stability and Handling
The Mazda Demio drives and handles surprisingly well for the car of its size. At highway speeds, it glides along effortlessly and is quieter than most hatchbacks we’ve driven. Around corners, it does feel a bit shaky but not to a worrying extent. Overall, the Mazda Demio drives and handles well.

Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Unlike in previous years when Mazda spare parts were hard to find in Kenya, now they are readily available. The cost of service is comparable to that of the Toyota Vitz. Body parts such as headlights, side mirrors and taillights are expensive as compared to those of the Toyota Vitz. Overall, the Mazda Demio is not an expensive car to maintain and you should not worry about maintenance costs.

2012 Mazda Demio Reliability
The Mazda Demio is becoming very popular in Kenya due to it’s good fuel economy and low cost of ownership. We sought the advice of Mazda mechanics in Nairobi to find out any inherent problems that a buyer should be aware of and the right engine to buy. All this information is contained in the Mazda Demio Buyer’s Guide. It’s a book available for purchase and we highly recommend it for first time buyers and owners. Click here to purchase the Mazda Demio Buyer’s Guide

Resale Value: Good
Mazda Demio Competitors: Honda Fit, Toyota Vitz, VW Polo, Nissan Note ( For a detailed comparison see the Mazda Demio Buyer’s Guide)

Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: See Latest Mazda Demio Prices here

What we like about the 2012 Mazda Demio
1. Excellent on fuel economy
2. Affordable to maintain
3. Functional interior

Conclusion
For someone looking for an economical car to own either as a personal car or for business, the Mazda Demio makes a very compelling case. It is a reliable car that has minimal issues and performs as well as most if its rivals such as the Toyota Vitz and Honda Fit. It is relatively cheaper to buy and offers more or less the same utility.