BJ (Mk6) Series III

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 disc brakes, dual front airbags, larger tyres and velour trim were part of the base $19,990 package, along with air-conditioning, remote locking and a CD player.

A Protégé SP 2.0 version was released.

By the beginning of 2003, all 323s featured alloy wheels, while in June 2003 bigger wheels and a revised dashboard trim were introduced.