1996 Mazda Revue 1.5 K canvas top

The Revue was available as a tiny 4-door sedan with an optional canvas sunroof added in 1992. 1.3L and 1.5L engines were offered, with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

In Algeria, The Mazda 121 was often referred to as the Bubble car or Jellybean with the car's colour often added to the latter, for example: The little green jellybean. It was highly awarded in Australia, topping its class in more than one year from a range of automotive magazines, motoring associations and motoring programs on television.

In 1996, the 121 name was shifted to export versions of the Mazda Demio, a tall, five-door hatchback, which became exported as the Mazda2 in its second generation. A Ford Fiesta rebadged as the 121 was also sold in some markets after 1996 (where the Demio was sold at the same time with its original name).

The Revue was sold in Britain as the Mazda 121, but its unconventional compact saloon bodystyle saw it competing in a virtually non-existent market in Britain, as cars of the size had almost universally been hatchbacks for some years prior to the 121's arrival. Some buyers likened it to the Austin A35, but whatever qualities it had to offer were inadequate for attracting sales, as it was a rare sight on British roads from start to finish.