Mazda 323: reviews and specifications (photo)

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The first Japanese Mazda 323 was introduced to the world back in 1963. At that time, it was a rather nondescript rear-wheel drive golf car. Nevertheless, it was he who laid the foundation for a whole family of machines in this series. The next generation of model 323 appeared only in 1980.

The second generation of Mazda now had a distinctive feature - front-wheel drive. Soon, in 1985, the company released the third version of the Mazda 323. With approximately the same break in time, more and more new generations of the 323rd Mazda model were supplied to the world market. At the same time, with each debut, the new items underwent significant improvements, not only in the exterior, but also in terms of technical characteristics.

Fourth Generation

Special attention deserves the fourth generation of Mazda, introduced in the late eighties. This car had its own personality. The fact is that in the case of the Mazda 323 IV, the Japanese have worked hard, radically transforming both the appearance and the interior. True, in the technical part of the changes did not take place - the car is stillequipped with a 1.8-liter engine with 185 horsepower.

Mazda 323 fifth generation

The next, fifth generation of the 323rd Mazda was mass-produced from 1994 to 1998. No matter how fantastic it may seem, but in such a short period of time the car managed to undergo three upgrades. The first version was produced from the spring of 1994 to the end of the summer of 1995 and was equipped with the same instrument panel that was present on previous generations of cars.

After that, the Japanese have subjected the car to minor changes, equipping it with a more comfortable and modern panel. Also, the Mazda 323 ba (namely, this was the name of this modification) had a different emblem - instead of the old rhombus, there was a lotus here. This version was mass-produced from 1995 to 1996. Further, the Mazda VA got a new dashboard, a different brake light and other rear-view mirrors appeared on the body, and the logo looked like a flying bird. A little sportiness (or simply uniqueness) was given to the novelty by the absence of upper frames on the side doors. Such cars stood out significantly against the background of the gray mass of other cars.

Body variety

In the same period, the company significantly expanded the variations of the 323 model. So, since 1994, Mazda has been mass-produced on the assembly line with a hatchback body for five (Mazda 323 f) and three doors, as well as a four-door sedan. The bumper was now painted flush with the body, which made the car more attractive and expressive.

The build quality of the car, as always, on top. But this generation is distinguished not only by a beautiful interior and exterior, but also by an amazing resistance to corrosion.

Mazda 323 - engine specifications

As for the engine range, Mazda was equipped with four petrol units. There were also diesel installations, but about them a little later. So, among petrol engines, the youngest is a 1.4-liter 73-horsepower unit. It was installed only on a three-door hatchback and sedan. More popular was the 1.5-liter engine with 88 horsepower. In addition, the buyer could choose a version with a 114-horsepower 1.8-liter unit. The most powerful in the petrol range is a 144-horsepower two-liter engine, but it was installed only in very rare cases.

As for diesel units, there were 2 power units. Among them are a 1.7-liter turbocharged engine with a capacity of 82 horsepower, as well as a 2-liter naturally aspirated engine with 70 horsepower.

Transmission

All units were equipped to a greater extent with a five-speed manual gearbox, but there were also versions with an “automatic” on the fifth generation Mazda 323. Owner reviews noted the high reliability of both gearboxes. The drivers also highly appreciated the engines, which also did not fail at the most unpredictable moment.

Brake system - disc-drum, with the exception of modifications with 2-liter power plants. The latest brakes were exclusively disc type.

Restyling

This passenger car Mazda 323 Familia was produced until 2001 - then it underwent a slight restyling. The appearance of the car has changed for the better - the body design has become more predatory, expressive and aggressive. Inside there are high-quality finishing materials. You immediately feel the high cost and prestige of the details. The build quality of the cabin deserves a solid "5" - all the smallest elements are fitted with high precision. Wood-look inserts on the center console and on the sides of the doors also add prestige. The steering wheel and gearshift lever are sheathed in leather - a rarity for cars at that time.

The color scheme of materials and upholstery is dominated by light colors, due to which the interior seems very solid and attractive. Ergonomics, as one would expect, are at their best - the driver's seat has a lot of adjustments for the angle of the backrest, the length and even the height of the pillow. All this allows a person to adjust the seat to their anatomical features. Pleasing to the eye are pleasant little things - two cup holders, a glove box and a box-armrest. There is not much space in the trunk - 415 liters, although modern cars have even less space.

How are things under the hood?

The Japanese also paid a lot of attention to the technical part. So, the old 1.5-liter unit was replaced by a new, 1.6-liter engine. Instead of the previous 88, it develops 98 horsepower.

The old 1.8-liter unit has been replaced by a two-liter 131-horsepower petrol unit. It was previously installedonly on the 626th Mazda model. The previous two-liter “aspirated” has also been improved - now it has become stronger by 11 horsepower.

There are also more modest units. It should be noted here a 1.3-liter engine with a capacity of 72 “horses”. He became the only one that Japanese minders decided not to touch when developing a new version of Mazda.

With the development of technology, electronics appeared in the car. Here it is necessary to note the following systems: stabilization, braking, and also anti-lock. All this was already available in the basic configuration of the car.

After restyling, the Japanese decided not to produce a new generation of the 323rd Mazda - it was replaced by a new series with a shorter name Mazda 3, which is still in mass production to this day. This machine also features a striking and stylish design, a smooth ride, a wide range of engines and excellent build quality.

Conclusion

Concluding the review of the Mazda 323 generations, I would like to add that this series is one of the most successful for the Japanese. Thanks to their knowledge and experience in car design, they managed to create an almost perfect car, which is still very popular in the secondary market.

Judge for yourself: an attractive design, a beautiful and ergonomic interior, a body that does not rot for decades, an indestructible suspension, a powerful reliable engine and an equally reliable transmission - what else is needed for a modern car? Having created for himself such production criteria,Japanese concerns have not lost their positions in the world market for more than thirty years, while the American General Motors has already managed to endure several crises and be on the verge of bankruptcy. If the Japanese Mazda continues to pursue the right policy regarding its lineup, constantly subjecting it to improvements and improvements, it will never lose its customer even in the most critical time for auto companies.