Mazda MX-3

The Mazda MX -3 ( EC ) ( 1991-1998 ) is a four-seater sports coupe with front-wheel drive, unibody construction, large hatchback and 289 liters of luggage capacity. Base is the platform of the Mazda 323 debut of the MX-3 at the IAA Frankfurt 1991 Abroad, the model under various names was offered. In North America, it was called the Mazda MX-3 Precidia, Japan and other markets, it was considered Eunos Presso or Autozam AZ- 3 sold. The model attracted a stir among other things, by the fact that there was to be had at the time with the world's smallest six-cylinder engine ( only 1.85 liters ).

The vehicle length is 4.22 m, wheelbase 2.46 m. The front and rear suspensions are equipped with McPherson struts, A- arms are particularly long. The rear suspension with double trapeze arms ( TTL ) is distinguished for good cornering and has long suspension arms to (rear 1,465 mm) to utilize the track of 1,460 mm. Negative camber and caster angle acute to ensure high stability.

The model was initially in Germany available with two engine choices:

• 1.6 -liter SOHC V -16 four-cylinder gasoline engine with 88 hp (65 kW)
• And with 1,845 cc displacement as a V6 engine with 133 hp (98 kW)

( 251 mm front 257 mm rear ventilated ), driver and passenger airbags as well as side impact protection fitted From 1994, the facelifted (FL ) model with ABS, four disc brakes was. The interior received a redesigned instrument panel with round air outlets, the front seats were changed and the windows are now, as the exterior mirrors and the extra charge, sunroof, electrically operated (except for the special model youngster, which was available without ABS and airbags).

The engines were modified ( exhaust emission standards from 1994 € 1 (E2 ), from 1996 € 2):

• The four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine was a 107 hp ( 79 kW)
• The six-cylinder 24-valve now made ​​129 hp (95 kW)

Especially the version with the V6 engine has given the engine power comparatively good driving, also due to the low vehicle weight, low center of gravity and short- tiered five-speed gearbox, which a top speed of 202 km / h and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h allows in 8.5 seconds, but also increases the fuel consumption. For the ' quarter mile ' requires the V6 16.8 s

End of 1994, the sale of the car in the U.S. was discontinued in 1996 in Canada. Production stop was in the fall of 1996. In Europe and Asia, the coupe was sold until 1998. Total sales in Germany adds up to about 20,000.