Mazda Demio - ahead of the posse

MAZDA have given their popular mini-MPV, the Demio, a mid-life makeover, restyling and upgrading it to keep it firmly ahead of the posse.

The exterior has been extensively modified, in particular the front end which has been completely redesigned and now bears more of a Mazda family resemblance.

And much work has been carried out on the interior which has been considerably redesigned and improved and features a new instrument panel. This, along with the redesigned centre cluster, is now finished in a two-tone grey.

The space for audio components has been increased to 2DIN size and the switches for the climate control has been enlarged and repositioned for easier access and operation.

The outgoing Demio wasn’t found wanting for interior storage spaces. The new car has more – in the newly designed instrument panel and front and rear consoles.

Power is on tap from two petrol engines – the current 63bhp 1.3 litre and a new 75bhp 1.5 litre unit that employs the same SOHC 16-valve machanism as the 1.3 litre units.

Power steering is standard on all models, and those below, equipped with ABS*, now include EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution system) as standard.