This is the last of the 323 series, replaced by the all-new Mazda 3 series in early 2004. A new tail-light design was the biggest giveaway. The 92kW 1.8L unit became the base engine, while four-wheel...

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Mazda introduced a facelifted range with slight trim changes and the added safety of a driver’s airbag. The Shades edition reappeared in October ’97, while the 80kW Protégé...

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Mazda’s profit-obliterating proliferation of models reached its zenith with the Mk5 323 range, which included three sedan variations (carryover Mk4 BF 323 base, Protégé 4-door sedan...

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If the Mk3 323s were disadvantaged by their dull styling, then Mazda missed making the same mistake twice with the radical 4th-generation 323 of late 1989. Bold, crisp, styling, much stronger bodies,...

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More standard features, a new nose, small trim changes, four-speed automatic transmission option and storming 100kW1.6L Turbo and Turbo 4WD SS hatch variants sum up the little Mazda’s midlife makeover....

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Mazda matured the 323 along with its demographic. The 3rd-generation was improved in all areas, including space, performance, and – especially – refinement and safety. Initially only two...

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A minor round of trim revisions, new grille, redesigned tail-lights and bumpers, and a realigned model range kept the Mk2 323 fresh. The four-speed manual gearbox disappeared except in the base Special,...

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Mazda bet the farm on the crisply styled, Japanese built, 2nd-generation 323, which was the company’s real response to the trend-setting Golf. Everything was new, from the larger 3-door hatchback,...

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A squared-off nose, new tail-lights, a slightly revised interior and less choice were the most visible changes to the 1979 323. The model range was now: 3-door hatch Special, 5-door hatch and wagon Deluxe,...

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In June 1978 Mazda released a 323 wagon in two-door and four-door versions, powered by a 48kW 1.4L engine. The former sold poorly but the latter survived – in typical Mazda fashion – far...

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By 1976 Mazda’s over-reliance on the thirsty, unreliable rotary engines led to sinking sales and near-bankruptcy. The remedy came in the form of the first 323. Developed from the platform of its...

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