MAZDA has axed its slow-selling 121 supermini to make way for the facelifted Demio mini-MPV model which goes on sale here in the spring. The 121, a rebadged Ford Fiesta, was produced at Ford's Dagenham plant in Essex.

The decision to axe it from the range follows a poor sales performance in 1999, with just 635 models sold between January and December, and the launch of the facelifted Fiesta late last year. Mazda will now use the 121-sized Demio model as its entry to the range. At next month's Geneva Motor Show Mazda will unveil a facelifted Demio model which is due to go on sale here in May or June time.