The first generation Mazda 323 was introduced in 1963. Then it was a nondescript rear-wheel-drive golf class car, which, nevertheless, marked the beginning of a whole family. The second generation Mazda 323 appeared only in 1980 and had a front-wheel drive. It did not take long to wait for the third version, the debut of this model took place in 1985. Since the 80s, the new generations of the Mazda 323 have appeared every 4-5 years, and moreover, during this time the cars have had time to undergo some upgrades. In 1989, the “fourth” Mazda 323 was presented.
All modifications of this generation were decided to give individuality - they awarded each with a completely original exterior and interior, although the technical “stuffing” of the cars remained identical. The fourth generation of the Mazda 323 was equipped with an engine that, with a volume of 1.8 liters, produced 185 hp. A successful idea was developed when creating the next generation of this model. The fifth-generation Mazda 323 (VA) was produced from 1994 to 1998. Over the four years of production, the car has undergone three upgrades. The first version was produced from April 1994 to August 1995.
These cars retained the old control panel, inherited from the previous Mazda 323. The second generation Mazda 323 BA (produced from August 1995 to October 1996) received a more modern and convenient center console and a new emblem in the form of a lotus icon (it used to be a rhombus). Well, the most recent versions of the Mazda 323 BA were produced from October 1996 to June 1998. Their emblem looked like a flying bird, some other mirrors appeared, an additional brake light, the dashboard was replaced, etc. The fifth generation was presented in three versions: 5-door hatchback, sedan and 3-door hatchback.
Pseudo-sporty style Mazda 323 emphasized all sorts of stuff. For example, the doors were made without upper frames. Bumpers are painted in the same color as the body, which certainly made the car look prettier. Mazda 323 model 1994-1998 years had excellent corrosion resistance. The interior of the cabin was made with high quality and soundly.
The volume of the trunk is small, but thanks to the reclining back of the rear seat can be transported long items. Mazda 323 fifth generation equipped with the following range of powertrains. Gasoline engines were four pieces. The weakest of them is 1.4 liters.
and power of 73 hp This engine was installed only on 3-door cars and sedans, but the most common 5-door hatchbacks did not have them. More organically on the Mazda 323 looked 1.5-liter engine with 88 hp Another 1.8-liter unit (114 hp) and an exotic 2.0-liter V6 engine were offered, which in most cases produced 144 hp. There were two diesel engines. Atmospheric volume of 2.0 liters. Most of the fifth-generation Mazda 323 are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, although there are cars with automatic transmissions.
Both gearboxes are reliable. There are no complaints about the braking system (there are wheels on the front, and there are usually drums on the back, although on 2-liter models there are wheels everywhere). In 2001, the 1998 model underwent some technical and cosmetic changes, in other words, restyling. The new Mazda 323 has acquired a pretty and proportionate look. The front part began to look more predatory and expressive, thanks to the accented ribs on the hood, smoothly turning into the framing of the false radiator grille, and a relief bumper with an integrated spoiler. The exterior is decorated with "crystal" headlights, fog lights, a chrome cross member and a large branded emblem.
The cabin is light and spacious. Applied materials of light shades are pleasant to the touch and look quite expensive. The interior without any frills, but made very high quality and on the materials and fitting panels, which gives it solidity, creating a feeling of a higher class. It is reinforced with ebony-like inserts on the center console and in the doors, chrome door handles, as well as a steering wheel and a gearbox lever trimmed with perforated leather. All controls at hand. The dashboard is not overloaded with unnecessary information and is well read.
The driver's seat has four mechanical adjustments: in length, angle of inclination of the back, angle and height of the pillow, which allows you to quickly select the optimal fit. Comfort was also taken care of, for example, the back of the front passenger seat folds forward, forming a comfortable table with two profiled cup holders, between the seats there is a comfortable armrest box, two cup holders, a roomy glove compartment, full-time “music”. The trunk is not particularly large - 415 liters, but the spare tire is placed there full-size. The range of engines also changes. In place of the 1.5-liter 88-strong unit came the 1.6-liter 98-horsepower engine.
And instead of the 1.8-liter engine, the 323rd was equipped with a 2-liter 131-horsepower, which was previously only available for the 626th model. I gained some horsepower and a 2-liter turbodiesel - now there are 101 of them, 11 more. And from the atmospheric diesel refused altogether. Only the smallest 72-horsepower 1.3-liter engine remained unchanged. The Mazda 323 confidently follows a direct trajectory, even at speeds close to maximum.
Brakes are quite effective. The ABS works in conjunction with a brake-force distribution system (EBD) and an electronic stabilization system (TCS). In short, the model 323 will provide you with comfort, ease of operation, a spacious and comfortable interior, a fairly spacious trunk, will provide a confident ride. It is well planned, responsive to controls, easily manageable and equipped with high-quality and efficient engines.
