Sometimes things are just too good to be true. I wish this aphorism was itself untrue, but, sadly, it tends to have a pretty good track record. Such is the case with a small car we never got here in America, and a set of wheels that may be the only marsupial-themed wheels ever put into production. The car is the Mazda 121, and the wheels are koala-bear themed. These wheels are frequently mentioned online as being an official option from Mazda for the 121 (third-generation, from 1991-1998), but I wanted more proof. So, I reached out to Mazda to find out the truth, and in a way I’m sorry I did.
I don’t really know where or how the rumor was started, but it seems that most outlets or forums that write about these wheels – which are officially known as Intra Koala wheels – suggest that these koala wheels were an official Mazda 121 (also known as the Autozam Revue) factory (or at least dealer) option.
Of course, I wanted this to be true so very much, because what a wonderfully bonkers world that would be, where a major automaker like Mazda would offer wheels cast to look like oddly naturalistic koala bears, clinging onto a tree, as an option for one of their mass-market city cars! It would show a true commitment to joy and irrationality so rarely seen in the modern world, and I suspect it’s not unreasonable to think that the same company that still will sell you a Miata could be the one to offer something like this.
Even with the support of all the articles saying these were an official option, I wanted proof. I combed the internet for any sort of catalog or brochure or accessory guide or price list or anything from Mazda that would show the koala wheel option. But I came up blank. Sure, there were plenty of fun Mazda 121 brochures, and it is an appealing little car, but nothing that showed any koala-themed wheels.
The 121/Revue really was pretty cool; Mazda called it a “2.5 box” sedan, suggesting it was more compact than a full three-box design, and it offered a full-length canvas sunroof, which gave it a certain amount of Gallic flair and open-air fun.
Seriously, that was a well-designed canvas roof; it looks like it could be opened from either the front or rear or both, which is quite novel for any sunroof design. The back seat passengers could decide just to open their part, it looks like! That’s amazing.
Back to the koala wheels, though. I had to know the truth, so I reached out to Mazda themselves, and was delighted to find the PR person there was very willing to help, reaching out to her counterpart over at Mazda Europe, who gave me the lowdown:
The Mazda 121 was never factory-equipped with Intra Koala wheels.
These wheels were aftermarket accessories, either offered by dealers or retrofitted by private individuals. Mazda did not include them as standard equipment.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re rare: In the 1990s, Intra Koala wheels were quite popular on small cars like the Mazda 121, VW Polo, or Opel Corsa.
Their distinctive design and suitable size (usually 13 inches, 4×100 bolt pattern) made them a sought-after tuning element.
So, if you see a Mazda 121 with these wheels, it’s a piece of automotive history — but not an original factory condition.
There you go. These wheels, while fun, were not officially sold or endorsed or distributed by Mazda in any way. I also like describing these wheels as a “tuning” element, as though having wheels made to look like mammals might improve handling. I will say, though, that of all the small cars of the era that could have worn these wheels, I think the 121/Revue likely fit them the best, and I mean that as a sincere compliment.
Oh well. Myth busted.
Top photo: https://en.mazdaclub.cz
Jason looked at the world today and decided
“You know what we need today is less joy in the world. I’m going to shatter so many people’s worldview its going to send them into a spiral of doubt and sadness, destabilizing the very fabric of our reality. Yeah, i’m gonna do THAT today!”
Isn’t calling the 121 a sports car all you need to know about the validity of the site?
So do “Fuckstones” fit on these?
Uncovering the truth is your job as a journalist no? Do not apologize for doing your job. All of Autopia has been informed and we are grateful that we no longer perpetuate mis-information.
Tuning sounds like a warranty voiding keyword.
I remember the 121 (or “Baby”, as the model was first called) when it was available here. But I had never seen the koala wheels until I noticed this article.
I’m sure I saw the Ronal teddy bear wheels listed in an official VW brochure back in the 90’s. I’m not sure how official that makes them.
I’m not surprised these were aftermarket only. While bear wheels are controversial, if I ever have another A1 VW I want a set of Ronal teddy bears, and I am disappointed that neither the koala nor teddy bear were made with the Fiat 4×98 bolt circle to put on our Fiat 500.
PCD variation bolts and hub-centric rings will make them fit.
I’d prefer direct bolt on for safety and simplicity. Also I’m cheap so our car rolls on MSW wheels, and I have a home made mounting stud
This cute little car is just another reminder that backwards US policies have kept Americans from getting a lot of neat/great cars over the years. I suspect there aren’t many American cars the rest of the world can’t have and lusts over.
True, but lets be realistic. They would have sold approximately 4 of these here. How many MX3’s have you seen in the US?
Hi Jason, I am afraid I have to bust a myth: Koalas are not bears? Despite their physical resemblance they are not ursine animals. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koala A very common misconception, even with some Australians.
There’s a reason the Australians consider them ‘bears’. Changing their designation would eliminate the urban legend fed to both kids and tourists alike about ‘drop bears’, furry (sometimes described as vicious) critters suddenly dropping down from upon the trees unto unsuspecting individuals. Life would be so much more boring without such stories to tell.
Australia has plenty of other *interesting* animals to fill any story gap. The platypus alone has more story than all the fauna of New Zealand put together.
Yeah, there’s bearly any reason to misnomer koalas.
Hey, we have the world’s heaviest parrot!
You know why they’re not bears?
They don’t have the koala-fications.
Well Goodyear played up their tires’ resemblance to alligators, large, semi-aquatic reptiles belonging to the order crocodylia. Which of course if you have actually seen an alligator, they do not resemble in the least.
Back around the turn of the century, a New York pothole destroyed two of my wheels, and the only fitment the wheel store had in stock that would fit were Ronal teddy bear wheels. I waited an extra two days.
Perhaps a missed opportunity? Teddy bear wheels down one side of your car approaches legendary status for me!
Oh, I replaced all four with some Borbets, and sold the two remaining original Volvo 740 turbo wheels for more than the Borbets and the new tires. The OEM wheels commanded quite a premium in park slope. People were calling about them for a week after I sold them.
The Borbets had the name cast into one of the spokes in big letters, but my mechanic told me that they were very strong and the price was right, not much more than steel wheels and with a much better selection of tires.
I suppose this means it doesn’t run on eucalyptus oil, either.
I learned to drive in a dark green 121. Outstanding visibility which helped me when my reverse parking section of the driving test had to be done behind a Mighty Boy.
Too bad they’re only 13s or I would have to try to find a set for my car. The teddy bear Ronals have always been a favorite too
Great article I think a myth busters themed pictures would be a better choice
While they may not be factory, they are still the cutest wheels ever seen on a Mazda. And that 90’s bubble 121 is pretty heckin cute too.
Indeed. My friend had one of these many years ago, and we spent a lot of time driving around with the canvas roof open. Fun times.
Now I want
raccoontrash panda wheels.Hmm, that gives me an idea:
https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/he-scream-at-own-ass
Now there’s a movie tie-in which has never been done. Next Guardians of the Glaxy, do it Marvel! Rocket wheels.
I’m no engineer, so I can’t for the life of me figure out how these are balanced. Looks like all the weight is on a single axis.
They could vary the thickness to balance it somewhat.
Math. The art sculpture was created in such a way, and verified by math, that the mass of all the material was distributed in an orderly fashion for the sake of balance.
The tuner element that eats shoots and leaves.
Snooze-Snooze.
The murderous koala eats, shoots, and leaves.
Surely if those wheels were factory equipment on anything it’d have been the Holden Commodore?
64 or Amiga?
VIC-20. Since it’d be limited to 20 units sold only in the state of Victoria.
This is the sort of high koala-ty content I enjoy on a Friday!
Too bad the US-market Aspire was never available with those wheels or the canvas sunroof 🙁
You didn’t frequent the right dealers if you couldn’t find a small car with a canvas sunroof in the early 90s
It’s insane that those wheels actually exist. Wonder how many sets were sold? They’ve gotta be rarer than the Ronal Bear.
Ursine?
I’m utterly amazed to see such a detailed and somewhat technical response from the PR department of a major company. Whoever her counterpart is in Mazda Europe is a major car geek and I love it.
That’s what I said when we got the response! Usually, automakers give a straight-to-the-point, single-sentence response. Mazda PR was like “shoot, let’s tell some history”
Not surprising coming from Mazda, I suppose. Mazda R&D’s Vehicle Dynamics Manager is an active racer in the 24 Hours of Lemons who I’ve known for years. Seems like a company that really values enthusiasts.
The car companies LOVE it when the Autopian call comes from Jason.
Everybody else, they duck and cover.
I bet it varies considerably by automaker and author what a fun game.
-Matt, everyone except Skoda should watch out.
-Mercedes, Thomas – everyone runs scared.
-David, neutral
-SWG, would be scared except they are swayed by the gloriousness of his hair.
-The Bishop ??? Who is that?
Is there anyone else?
(Jaws music plays)
Adrian
Sounds like they are very “koala”fied