Japanese Car Auction Find – 2012 Mazda Demio Hatchback

Today we’re commemorating the recent winner of Japan’s Car of the Year with a truly fantastic auction find. You’ll recall that this year’s JCOTY winner was the all-new 2015 Mazda2, otherwise known as the Mazda Demio in the Japanese market where it just went on sale.

Of course, there won’t be any 2015 Mazda2s up for auction for a few months yet, but we’ve scoured our database to find a suitable alternative. Today’s find is a near-mint condition 2012 Mazda Demio in a fresh, cobalt blue:

There are a few special traits that separate this particular Demio from other models, but before we talk about today’s auction find, you should know how I found it. Once you’re inside the Integrity Exports Japanese car auction database, simply enter the Maker (Mazda) and the Model (Demio) and you’ll be greeted by over 300 hatchbacks that’re up for auction today.

We chose to highlight a 2012 Mazda Demio in the 13-SKYACTIV trim, and there are a few reasons why:

First, 2012 puts this model in the latter half of the third-generation’s production, and this model would’ve been manufactured right after a minor facelift for the lineup. It’s as stylish as you can get pre-Kodo.

Second, the 13-SKYACTIV trim was launched in Japan in June of 2011. It introduced Mazda’s highly-acclaimed SkyActiv technology suite to the Demio lineup, including the 1.3L SKYACTIV-G engine, Mazda’s new i-Stop system and a SkyActiv CVT. Together, these technologies helped the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV win 2011-12 Car Technology of the Year in Japan by having the “best balance of pleasing driving and environmental concern.”

If you’re wondering just how good the fuel economy is, this conventional gas-powered hatchback boasts an incredible 25 km/l using Japan’s JC08 test cycle, which equates to roughly 58 mpg. And that’s in front-wheel drive, in case you were wondering.

Looking at the interior image above, you’ll see that this model features plush, cross-stitched fabric seats to go along with a well-kept cabin. Amenities include automatic air conditioning, built-in navigation, power windows and mirrors, and a newly redesigned dash for the 2012MY.

As a stylish and fuel-efficient supermini, this is a splendid auction find for anyone wanting a newer car with excellent all-around ratings. The overall vehicle is rated 5 and the interior is graded A, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find a used car anywhere in better condition than this one.

If you’d like to learn more about today’s Japanese car auction find, continue reading below the auction sheet for a full translation:

Here is the translation:

“Interior A, first registered July 2012, DBA omissions code, 13 Skyactiv model, AT, AAC, service book, power steering, power windows, original TV and navigation system, airbag, one owner, smart key, digital TV, reversing rearview camera, i-Stop, 4912 km, wheels scratched, minor scratches, other marks as per map”