Sorry if this subject of spec has been discussed before over the years but near me someone is selling a very early L-reg 1.5 GLX that I am considering. Originally owned by Mazda as a launch car, it seems to have some unusual spec. Does anyone know if Mazda loaded the launch cars with more equipment and then a few months after lowered the spec? This 1.5 has 4 elec windows, heated mirrors and a working central dash speaker. I’ve owned a few BA’s and none of my 1.5 models have had these!

It sounds like they loaded it - even my 1998 V6 doesn't have heated mirrors as standard. I didn't think GLXs even had doors, wheels and an engine, let alone power windows and mirror demist!

Back in the day I worked at Ford and Vauxhall dealerships, and demo/pre-launch cars were always loaded, usually at the preference of the sales manager/top salesman, who'd pick what toys they wanted when the demos were ordered (as they'd be driving them around as their company car). It wasn't a manufacturer thing, it was down to the dealership, unless the manufacturer was trying to push a particular feature.

I'd bet it was no different at Mazda.

S

Serena is absolutely right, that's what happened a lot.
The 1.5 BA 5-door didn't have rear electric windows (but the 4-door did).
The 1.8 and 2.0 5-door had rear electric windows.
Heated mirrors were on the 2.0 only.

However, Don't worry about an L-reg BA having these features, they are a bonus as described by Serena, it doesn't mean it's a cut-and-shut!

The early demos had reg numbers like LnnnHKE because KE means Kent, and that's where Mazda imported them.

I must put here the wonderful secret feature the BA has, if you don't have central locking then at night when you approach the car you lift the handle (as if to open the car, but of course it's still locked) and the lock lights up! A lovely feature that most BA owners won't know about.

My BA has 4 door electric windows and has heated mirrors too.
It's 97' production so it depends maybe of the market??
My F is import from Italy, so there could be some difference in the level of accesories(features) for different countries.Or the people who bought it wanted those extras??

Thanks for the replies guys. Makes sense about the higher initial specs - yes this one’s reg is HKE at the end so is the Kent Mazda plate! Wonder if it has any other goodies that might surprise me! Has the door lights which for a 94/95 model is expected. Advert states ABS but I think that is unlikely!

[quote="emeraldV6cloneIntrigue"]Thanks for the replies guys. Makes sense about the higher initial specs - yes this one’s reg is HKE at the end so is the Kent Mazda plate! Wonder if it has any other goodies that might surprise me! Has the door lights which for a 94/95 model is expected. Advert states ABS but I think that is unlikely![/quote]

It will have the usual "pre-Ford" interior specs like lidded door pockets - as a post-Ford BA owner I am jealous of those.

My '98 V6 has ABS, my '97 1.5 GXi absolutely doesn't (and the front brakes are pretty much just decoration ). I don't know about special editions etc.

[quote="jinglebells"]I must put here the wonderful secret feature the BA has, if you don't have central locking then at night when you approach the car you lift the handle (as if to open the car, but of course it's still locked) and the lock lights up! A lovely feature that most BA owners won't know about.[/quote]

Sundance has this, but the V6 doesn't. A shame, it's an excellent feature! Mazda always seem to give with one hand and take away with the other. But I guess that's part of balancing the practical and economic factors of building a car.

S