| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1971 |
| Production Years: | 1974 - 1978 discontinued in 1978 |
The Mazda 818 Kombi, also known as the 818 Combi, is a compact station wagon produced between 1974 and 1978. As a practical family vehicle from the 1970s, the 818 Kombi combined Mazda’s renowned engineering with versatile cargo space typical for station wagons of its era. This generation retained the compact footprint favored by drivers seeking maneuverability and fuel efficiency, while offering the added utility that a spacious rear cargo area provides. Although exact dimensions of the 818 Kombi vary slightly by market and model year, typical measurements place its length around 4,200 mm (165 inches), width approximately 1,600 mm (63 inches), and height near 1,400 mm (55 inches). These dimensions place it in the compact wagon category, making it well-suited for urban environments and narrow roadways prevalent in Europe and Japan at the time. The Mazda 818 Kombi was appreciated for its light weight and nimble handling, characteristics inherited from the compact 818 sedan but enhanced with the extra load capacity of the station wagon body style. It featured rear seats that folded down to extend the cargo area, providing flexibility for families or small business needs. Overall, the Mazda 818 Kombi exemplifies a balanced approach to practicality and size in the 1970s station wagon market, offering an efficient, compact solution for drivers requiring added space without sacrificing drivability.
Discover the standout features that make the 1971 Mazda 818 Combi a leader in its class
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The Mazda 818 Kombi, produced between 1974 and 1978, features compact station wagon dimensions typical of its era. While exact official figures can vary, this model generally measures approximately 4,210 mm (165.7 inches) in length, 1,591 mm (62.6 inches) in width, and 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) in height. These measurements provide a compact footprint well-suited for urban and suburban driving. The modest size contributed to its practicality, enabling it to fit comfortably in smaller parking spaces while offering adequate interior room for passengers and cargo typical for a 1970s family wagon.
The Mazda 818 Kombi station wagon was designed to balance passenger comfort and cargo versatility. While specific exact cargo volume figures aren't widely documented due to the vehicle's vintage, typical station wagons of this size in the mid-1970s offered an estimated luggage capacity of around 380 to 450 liters (13.4 to 15.9 cubic feet) with rear seats upright. Folding down the rear seats significantly expanded the cargo bay, allowing for transport of bulky items. The interior seating generally accommodated up to five passengers comfortably, with rear seat room designed for reasonable legroom and headroom for a compact wagon. This made the 818 Kombi a practical choice for families and small cargo needs.
The Mazda 818 Kombi's width of approximately 1,591 mm (62.6 inches) and relatively low height of 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) contributed to its nimble drivability, especially in urban environments. The narrow width allowed for easier maneuvering in tight spaces such as city streets and parking lots, while the modest height helped in reducing aerodynamic drag and maintaining stability at speed. Its compact stature also made it easier to park in standard spaces common in the 1970s and today, including cramped garages or underground parking structures. Overall, these dimensions made the 818 Kombi user-friendly and practical for everyday use.
Yes, the Mazda 818 Kombi fits comfortably into a standard garage. Typical garages are designed to accommodate vehicles up to around 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width, providing ample clearance for the 818 Kombi's smaller footprint. With the 818 Kombi measuring roughly 4,210 mm (165.7 inches) long and 1,591 mm (62.6 inches) wide, owners should have no difficulty parking the vehicle inside a conventional single-car garage. Its relatively low height of 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) also helps prevent any clearance issues with garage doors and ceiling fixtures.
The Mazda 818 Kombi (1974-1978) marked a slight evolution over its predecessor, the earlier Mazda 818 sedan and coupe models based on the 1971 design. Dimensionally, the Kombi station wagon was generally longer due to its extended rear cargo area, typically adding several hundred millimeters to overall length to accommodate cargo space, while width and height remained quite similar to maintain familiar driving dynamics. The predecessor sedan was shorter in length, roughly around 4,000 mm (157.5 inches), while the Kombi stretched to around 4,210 mm (165.7 inches). Width and height differences were minimal but the Kombi's boxier rear design gave it improved interior cargo versatility compared to the sedan body style.
The Mazda 818 Kombi held its own among contemporaries like the Toyota Corolla E20 wagon, Datsun 510 wagon, and Volkswagen Variant during the 1970s. Its length of about 4,210 mm (165.7 inches) positioned it within the compact station wagon class, offering competitive cargo capacity without sacrificing maneuverability. Compared to the Toyota Corolla E20 wagon which was slightly longer at approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches), the Mazda was marginally shorter but comparable in width and height. This meant the 818 Kombi balanced small footprint usability with functional storage, typical of the segment's attributes. Its relatively light curb weight also contributed positively to fuel efficiency and handling compared to some bulkier rivals.
The Mazda 818 Kombi has a curb weight of approximately 940 kg to 1,000 kg (2072 to 2205 lbs), depending on equipment and model variations. This lightweight construction benefits overall performance by enhancing fuel efficiency, acceleration, and handling. The relatively low weight means the 818 Kombi's modest engine – typically a small-displacement inline-4 – was well-suited to move the car with reasonable agility for its class. Light curb weight also contributed to better braking and cornering responsiveness, important for a family-oriented compact station wagon. Moreover, reduced vehicle mass helped improve durability and lowered tire wear while maintaining a manageable driving experience.
The Mazda 818 Kombi was produced between 1974 and 1978 as a station wagon variant of the Mazda 818 model range. Based on the original 1971 818 platform, the Kombi was designed to provide a practical and versatile vehicle for families and small business owners needing additional cargo space. Featuring classic 1970s styling cues such as angular lines, chrome trim, and functional roof rails, the 818 Kombi combined style with utility. It enjoyed a moderate production run, during which Mazda improved reliability and comfort features but stayed true to the compact, efficient ethos of the 818 series.
The Mazda 818 Kombi was typically equipped with small-displacement inline-four engines, consistent with Mazda's approach for economy and reliability during the 1970s. Common engines included the 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter gasoline units, delivering modest horsepower ranging from about 55 to 70 hp depending on market and model year. These engines emphasized fuel efficiency and everyday usability more than outright power. Performance was adequate for city driving and light highway use, with smooth handling and manageable acceleration. The car often came with manual transmissions, including 4-speed or 5-speed options, helping maximize control and economy.
The Mazda 818 Kombi station wagon differs substantially from the sedan by virtue of its extended rear bodywork, designed specifically to enhance cargo capacity and overall practicality. While the sedan's length hovered around 4,000 mm (157.5 inches), the Kombi stretched to approximately 4,210 mm (165.7 inches), to accommodate a larger rear cargo area. Both models shared similar width (around 1,591 mm or 62.6 inches) and height (roughly 1,370 mm or 53.9 inches), preserving similar handling characteristics and profile. The wagon's flexible rear seats and larger hatch opening made loading groceries, equipment, or luggage easier compared to the sedan's traditional trunk design, making the Kombi more versatile for active lifestyles or families requiring additional space.
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