Mazda Chantez

Mazda Chantez

Production	1972.07-1976.04
Body style	2-door sedan
Layout	FR
Engine	359 cc 2-stroke I2

Chantez

The two-door only Chantez (chassis code KMAA), introduced in July 1972, had a longer wheelbase at 2,200 mm (86.6 in) than most of its competitors and boasted the powerful 2-stroke "AA" engine also seen in the Porter. With 35 PS (26 kW), top speed was 115 km/h (71 mph) and the 400 meter sprint was dispatched in a "nippy" 20.6 seconds.^[1] In more recent testing of a 1972 GF II, 0-100 km/h came up in 35.8 seconds.^[2]

3A rotary engine, originally intended for the Chantez

Originally, the Chantez had been planned to use a single-rotor Wankel engine, but the other Kei manufacturers considered this unfair and blocked Mazda's plans. As a result of not being able to build the car they had originally planned, Mazda lost interest in the Kei class and sales halted without a replacement in 1976,^[1] on the eve of new Kei car regulations. Mazda did not market another Kei passenger car until 1989, and to this day still choose not to make their own engines for the Kei class.

Equipment levels ranged from the lowest spec L (less chrome, body colored bumpers and B-pillars), via the LX, GL, GF, and GL II to the top of the line GF II, which featured a sports interior, radial tires, and available two-tone paint.^[3]

1972-1974 Chantez GL II

side view

rear view

In late 1974, anticipating a changing law at the turn of the year, the trunklid and front bumper were modified to fit larger-sized license plates.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Rees, Chris (1995). Microcar Mania. Minster Lovell & New Yatt, Oxfordshire, UK: Bookmarque Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 1-870519-18-3. 
2. ^ 360cc: Nippon 軽自動車 Memorial 1950→1975 [Nippon Kei Car Memorial 1950-1975]. Tokyo: Yaesu Publishing. 2007. p. 123. ISBN 978-4-86144-083-0. 
3. ^ Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 5, '70s Japanese Cars. Tokyo: Nigensha. 2007. p. 90. ISBN 978-4-544-09175-5.