| Mazda Chantez | |
|---|---|
 1974 Mazda Chantez GL | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Production | July 1972 – April 1976 |
| Assembly | Japan:Hiroshima Assembly,Hiroshima |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei car |
| Body style | 2-doorsedan |
| Layout | FR |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 359 ccAAI2 two-stroke |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,200 mm (86.6 in) |
| Length | 2,995 mm (117.9 in) |
| Width | 1,295 mm (51.0 in) |
| Height | 1,290 mm (50.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 490 kg (1,080 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mazda Carol |
TheMazda Chantez (chassis code KMAA) is a two-doorkei car that was introduced byMazda in July 1972. The Chantez had a longer wheelbase at 2,200 mm (86.6 in) than most of its competitors and featured the powerfultwo-stroke "AA" engine also seen in thePorter. With 35 PS (26 kW; 35 bhp), top speed was 115 km/h (71 mph) and the 400 m (0.2 mi) sprint was dispatched in a sprightly 20.6 seconds.[1] In more recent testing (early 2000s) of a 1972 GF II, 0–100 km/h came up in 35.8 seconds.[2] The engine was installed longitudinally in the front of the vehicle powering the rear wheels, and the spare tire was installed next to the engine on the right side.[3][4]
The namechantez is second-person plural present indicative ofchanter, which inFrench means 'to sing'.
Originally, the Chantez had been planned to use a single-rotorWankel engine, a slimmed down derivative of theR100's10A engine, and test cars were seen in 1970. Mazda's financial situation and lobbying from otherKei manufacturers, who considered this engine type an unfair advantage, to disallow rotary engines in this class meant that Mazda chose not to bring this version to market.[5] As a result of not being able to build the car they had originally planned, Mazda lost interest in theKei class and sales halted without a replacement in 1976,[1] on the eve of newKei car regulations. Mazda did not market anotherKei passenger car until 1989 with a reintroduction of the Carol, which was a rebadgedSuzuki Alto, and to this day still choose not to make their own engines for theKei class.
Equipment levels ranged from the lowest spec L (less chrome, body colored bumpers andB-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.[6]
In late 1974, anticipating a changing law at the turn of the year, the trunk lid and front bumper were modified to fit larger-size license plates.
TheMazda Chantez EV was a concept car designed byMazda as part of the A.I.S.T. government funded scheme;[citation needed] it was unveiled at the 1972Tokyo Motor Show.
The Chantez EV featured a uniquegrille-less appearance which helped with aerodynamic efficiency, also to aid with efficiency is Mazda's first car withregenerative braking. The Chantez EV was fitted with a single 8.0 kW (10.9 PS) electric motor, rear-mounted driving the rear axle, powered by a9.6 kWh battery pack rated to deliver a total output of up to 8.0 kW (10.9 PS). It has a claimed top speed of 65 km/h (40 mph).[7] The battery replaced the rear seat and provided a stated range of about 65 km (40 mi).
