Mazda Familia

The Mazda 323 was a car in the compact class of Mazda and was produced by the beginning of 1977 until the autumn of 2003 in six generations. In Japan was the model Mazda Familia and in North America it was initially called Mazda GLC.

As of 2002, the numbers were changed in the model range of Mazda. The successor of the 323 end of October 2003 came on the market. He was now called the Mazda3.

323 ( FA4, 1977-1980 )

Mazda 323 Hatchback ( 1977-1979 )

In January 1977, the first generation of 323 ( internal factory designation: FA4 ) presented by Mazda. The model replaced the ten-year built Mazda 1000/1300. In contrast to his predecessor had the 323 a hatchback body. He came first with three or five doors on the market. In September 1977, the three - or five-door combi Variable 323 followed.

On offer were four-cylinder engines from 1.0 to 1.4 liters of displacement with (in Japan) from 33 to 60.5 kW ( 45-82 hp), which transferred their power to the rear wheels.

In Germany, the introduction takes place in February 1977 at a price of DM 8,490 initially (323 /1000) to 11,390 DM ( 323/1300 station wagon). The SP Sport model is available only with three doors and a 51.5 kW/70 hp in Europe 1.4- liter engine. It is recognizable by the yellow-red rally stripes matte black bumpers and colorful plaid seat fabrics.

Mazda 323 Variable ( 1977-1979 )

After a facelift in the summer of 1979 had the 323 rectangular H4 headlights and larger tail lights. The partial leather seats ( leatherette ) with their check design with integrated head restraints are detached from velor seats, which now have an adjustable headrest forward.

In Japan, the model was called Familia, in the U.S. the 323 as GLC was sold. This abbreviation stands for " Great Little Car".

Rear view

323 (BD, 1980-1985 )

Mazda 323 Hatchback ( 1980-1983)

A brand new 323 was from November 1980 ( type code BD) at the dealership. The notchback sedan followed in October 1981. 323 The combined variable is initially in the old form ( FA4V ) continued to be built. The second 323 is called in Japan and in America Familia GLC.

The second generation ( internal factory designation: BD ) was edged, smooth-surfaced and more modern than its predecessor. For the first time, the front wheels were now driven.

The second 323 was available as a hatchback with three or five doors and the sedan with four doors. In Germany 1.1 liter engines came from 40 kW to 1.5 liter with 65 kW. He was also named the best selling cars there from Japanese production. This Mazda was delivered in a quantity of 10,000 vehicles in the GDR.

Mazda 323 Saloon ( 1981-1983)

In January 1983, the 323 has undergone a facelift. The front turn signal emigrated to the bumper, the rear lights have been redesigned. The end of 1983 the prototype of a Familia Cabriolet was presented.

In June 1985 ended the production of the second - generation 323.

323 (BF, 1985-1989 )

Mazda 323 three-door (1985-1987 )

In July 1985, the introduction of the 323 (Type Code BF) began. This continued the basic design, but was less edgy, received a flatter line and narrower headlights. This model was available with three, four and five doors. The execution GLX in the sedan and the 1.5 liter engine with 55 kW (75 PS ) cost in the Federal Republic in 1985 around 15,900 DM, a metallic paint was to have charge of 210 DM. Unusually the built up to the revision in the summer of 1987, rear wiper was the notchback.

In May 1986, the new 323 Kombi ( Type BW ) was introduced based on the current 323. In addition, a diesel engine with 1.7 liter displacement and 40 kW ( 54 hp) was now available.

In early 1987, rose to the Mazda 323 in rallying and brought a three-door model with all-wheel drive on the market. When engine was a 110 kW ( 150 hp) 1.6-liter turbo engine with two overhead camshafts and injection for use.

Mazda 323 Saloon ( 1985-1987)

In August 1987, the 323 received a facelift. Same time, all petrol engines got an injection and a regulated catalytic converter. The performance of the 1.6 liter turbo engine decreased to 103 kW ( 140 hp ); he was now also available in a front-wheel drive model.

In South Africa, this 323- generation continued to be built until the 1990s as an entry model Sting and Ford Laser. It gave him there as a pickup Rustler, which was additionally sold as Ford Bantam (the first Bantam / Rustler - generation contrast, based on the first Ford Escort with front-wheel drive ).

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Mazda 323 Saloon ( 1987-1989)

Mazda 323 Estate ( 1987-1989)

323 (BG, 1989-1994)

Mazda 323 Hatchback ( 1989-1994)

In September 1989, the fourth generation of the 323 ( BG -plant name) appeared. The design has consistently developed without losing the reference to its predecessor. One innovation was provided with the code " F" five-door coupé variant 323F. This is designed with its flat line and pop-up headlights on a particularly sporty look. At the same time it underwent a facelift and the 323 combi adapted its appearance to the new series. This is now also available with all-wheel drive.

Also in this 323, there was a four-wheel drive version of the three-door model. This was equipped with a 1.8 liter 16V SOHC engine with 76 kW (103 hp). In Japan, the car was (but without wheel ) also offered as a Eunos 100.

The following engines are available:

Series BG -8 ( all-wheel drive )

The all-wheel drive BG -8 with 163 -hp 1.8 -liter turbo engine ( sold in Germany as a more expensive and cheaper TXS TXL 4WD 4WD) was built from 1989 to 1992, the 185 hp operative GT -R was produced in 1993 as a homologation. In Japan, the GT -R had even 210 hp, optionally also includes a full leather interior and an automatic climate control was available.

Mazda 323F ( 1989-1994)

Rear view of the 323F

Mazda 323 Saloon ( 1989-1994)

Mazda 323 GT -R

323 (BA, 1994-2000)

Mazda 323F (1994-1998)

The fifth edition was released in September 1994, the series with the internal name " BA " on the market. Now all body variants had an abbreviation after the number ( 323C: Coupe, 323S: Saloon, 323F: hatchback ).

The design is very sporty at 323F and 323C, in contrast to its predecessors but very round, almost without edges. It was the first for the 323 driver and passenger airbags.

With the launch of the located at the time in eight years on the market 323 wagons in Germany is set.

At the beginning there are four petrol engines to choose from:

• The almost unchanged from the previous 1.3 -liter four- cylinder SOHC, 16-valve and 54 kW ( 73 hp ) (only in the 323S and 323C )
• A newly developed 1.5 -liter four- cylinder DOHC 16V engine with 65 kW ( 88 hp ) ( in all models )
• A slightly modified 1.9 liter DOHC four-cylinder predecessor, now with 84 kW ( 114 hp ) ( in all models, except 323P )
• Exclusively for the 323F there was a 2.0 liter six-cylinder engine with 106 kW 24V (144 hp ), 1995 was followed by a 1.7 liter turbo diesel with 60 kW (82 PS ) for the 323S.

In January 1997, the series will be revised. Due to the poor sales of the Mazda 323C led a new three-door model called 323P. Changes affected the whole interior space and to some extent the technology. Externally, only changed the 323S, which now shares the face with the 323P. The 323C was only available with the 1.5 -liter engine, the 323S and 323P with 1.3 and 1.5 L. The 1.7-liter TD engine is removed from the program and a short time by a 2.0 - liter diesel with 52 kW ( 71 hp ) replaced the 323S and 323P.

1998 Mazda brings two special models of the 323F with leather trim and the 1.5 liter engine on the market:

• Elegant Edition with special finish in Borneo Green Metallic and beige leather interior
• Edition Sportiv in silver with black leather

In late summer 1998, the production and sale of BA models 323C, 323S and 323F has been set. The 323P was continued in production until the year 2000 in parallel with the successor model.

The models 323C and 323S as the previous series under the name Familia ( factory code BH) were sold in Japan. The 323F was marketed as a separate series ( factory code CB ) under the name Lantis and is also available as a four-door sedan.

Rear view of the 323C

Mazda 323S (1994-1998)

Rear view of the 323S

Mazda 323P (1997-2000)

Rear view of the 323P

323 ( BJ, 1998-2003)

Mazda 323F (1998-2000 )

In September 1998, the last generation of the 323 (type code FOJ) appeared on the German market. This was offered as a four-door sedan ( 323S ) and as a five-door station wagon rear ( 323F ).

This model has been available in three trim levels (Comfort, Exclusive, Sportive ) and with five different engines.

Mazda 323S (1998-2000 )

In May 2000 modified Mazda, also this series as part of a facelift ( fundamental change in the front end, with new interior colors and fabrics ). At the same time the sale of the 323P of the predecessor series was discontinued.

Some of the models, some of which were sold as a special model dynamic, Mazda delivered between August 2002 and October 2003 with other rear lights and some black-colored front headlamps.

In autumn 2003, the era of the Mazda 323 ended after more than 26 years. The vehicle is, according to the new nomenclature Mazda Mazda3 now. Even in Japan was the Familia series to an end, because the new model is sold there as Axela.

Rear view

Motors

Weaknesses

The models with petrol engines are E10 - compatible, according DAT-/VDA-Liste.