Mazda Titan

The Mazda Titan is a commercial truck produced by the Japanese automaker Mazda since 1971. From the fourth generation onwards, the vehicle had become a rebadged Isuzu Elf truck.

Mazda's original entry into the mid-sized truck class was the Mazda E2000 in January 1964. This, in turn had replaced the earlier D series [ja]. The E2000 came with a standard bed ("EVA12"), with a three-way dropside bed ("EVA12S"), and as a long-wheelbase dropside ("EVA32S"). The truck had an 81 PS (60 kW), 2.0 L (1,985 cc) (VA) engine which had also been used in the earlier D2000. At the time of introduction, the production target was 1,900 units per month. In 1970 a version called the E2500 was added to the lineup. It was fitted with the Perkins-developed "XA", a 2.5 L (2,522 cc) diesel engine which was rated at 77 PS (57 kW). Its chassis code is "EXA".

The first Titan was presented in 1971, as a successor to the two-ton Mazda E2000. The box-section chassis rails were unusual for the class. Receiving the chassis code "EXB", the tilt-cab Titan retained the 2.5-litre "XA" diesel engine of the earlier E2000 without any change. For heavier duty usage, there was also the XB-engined Titan T2700: a 2.7 L (2,701 cc) diesel version with four more horsepower (81 PS or 60 kW). A 2.0-litre petrol four cylinder engine was also available. In 1977, the Titan underwent a minor change and facelift. Along with a new grille and bumpers, the turn signals were bigger and more squared off and incorporated vents for the cabin. Most obviously, the old round "M" logo was replaced by the new corporate "MAZDA" logo.

The larger, 3.7-litre XC-engine also became available for heavier versions, rated at 100 PS (74 kW). This generation Titan was also the first to provide the basis for the Australian-market 3-tonne truck badged "Ford Trader".

This generation had also been made under license by Kia, badged as Kia Titan when Mazda granted Kia the rights to manufacture it in South Korea., and was shared with a minibus called the Mazda Parkway.

The second generation was announced in October 1980. Engine capacity increased to 4052 cc with the introduction of the new, six-cylinder ZB diesel engine. 2.0, 2.5, and 3-liter four-cylinder models were also available. This model also received a dual range (ten-speed) transmission, marketed as the "Two Way Shift." In January 1982 the second generation Mazda Parkway bus version was introduced, based on the new Titan.

May 1984: Minor change, with a new front grille. Japanese market models were now also compliant with the 1983 emissions regulations.

1987: Minor change. As part of the facelift, the four round headlights were changed to four square units of standard type. A DIN-standard audio space is provided.