DB12 (Mk2) 121

A yawning currency gap meant Mazda Australia was struggling to keep the 121 price competitive, so it split the 121 Mk2 into two with the January ’94 revision, which remained largely untouched stylistically.

The basic 121 1.3 price leader led with smaller wheels, no power steering or painted bumpers, while the 121 1.5 added a gutsy 62kW 1.5L engine to the pre-’94 121 specifications.

Sales remained strong locally until stocks finally dried up, despite a host of newer (though rarely better) rivals like the Daewoo 1.5i, Hyundai Excel and Toyota Starlet.

The final batch of Bubbles was the Shades special edition. All had air-conditioning and wheel trims.