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Mazda Mx-5

The Mazda Atenza or Mazda 6 is a mid-size car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda since 2002. The name Atenza is used only in Japan with the Mazda 6 moniker used everywhere else in the world. The Atenza/Mazda 6 replaced the Capella/626, and has sold over one million units worldwide since its introduction, meaning it reached the one million mark faster than any previous Mazda.
The Mazda Atenza was the first of the new generation of ‘Stylish’, ‘Insightful’, and ‘Spirited’ range from Mazda. It was followed by the Mazda 2 in December 2002, RX-8 in August 2003, Mazda3 in January 2004, MX-5 in October 2005, and Mazda CX-7 in November 2006.
The Mazda Atenza is currently raced in the SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer’s championship standings. Mazda Atenza/6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points.
The model lineup consists of a four-door sedan, a five-door liftback and a five-door station wagon, marketed in North America as the “Sport Sedan”, “5-Door” and “Sport Wagon”. In Australia, the lineup starts with Limited, available only as a sedan. Then comes the Classic, available in sedan, hatch or wagon. The Luxury model is next available in sedan and hatch versions. Topping the range is the Luxury Sports model, available only as a hatch. When it arrived in North America, it was first sold as a 2003 model in the United States and as a 2004 model in Canada.
Drivetrain combinations include the Mazda Z engine in configurations of 1.8 L(L8 European Model), 2.0 L(LF European Model) and 2.3 L(L3 European Model), initially with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the “Four-Speed Sport AT”). In the US domestic market a 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine is also available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the “5-Speed Sport AT”). European and Australian versions also feature a four-cylinder turbodiesel that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and produces significantly more torque than the V6 with much improved fuel economy.
In North America, the 5-speed automatic optional on the V6 models is replaced by a 6-speed automatic from Ford for 2005 model year. The four-cylinder model receives a five-speed automatic in the following year. Power is directed to the front wheels only in most markets, although full-time all wheel drive models are available in Japan, Europe and Australia. Not all configurations are available in all areas - for example, the Mazda 6 as released in Australia is available in 2.3L four-cylinder guise only, while the 626 which it replaced was available with a choice of four or six-cylinder engines. This was due to the Australian Mazda6 being sourced from Japan where the V6 engine was not available. The Duratec 30 V6 engine fitted to vehicles manufactured at Flat Rock, Michigan is only available in the US domestic market.
Like the 626 before it, Ford is using the Atenza’s CD3 platform as the basis for a number of other vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, Lincoln MKX, and a range of SUVs and minivans. Ford also plans to offer a hybrid powertrain on the platform. For its part, Mazda themselves refer to this chassis as either the GG (sedan/hatch) or GY (wagon) series - following the previous 626/Capella in its GF/GW series.
North American Mazda 6 production is handled at the AutoAlliance International plant which is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda. The first Mazda 6 rolled off this Flat Rock, Michigan assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after 626 production ended. Hofu plants in Hiroshima produce the Mazda 6 for Europe and some Asian markets, including Australia. There are also satellite plants building Mazda 6 models in China and Thailand for their respective local markets. (Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda.)
In September 2005, all Australian Mazda 6’s received a facelift which included a feature upgrade, 5 speed auto and 6 speed manual transmissions, standard 16″ or 17″ alloy wheels and minor bodywork upgrades.
In China, the Mazda Atenza is used as the base for the Hongqi Benteng, also known as Besturn or Hongqi C301, an upscale model in the Red Flag range manufactured by the First Automobile Works in Jilin Province.
The 2006 Mazdaspeed Atenza (known as MAZDASPEED6 in North America and Mazda 6 MPS in Europe and Australia) is a high-performance version of the Mazda 6. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 272 PS (200 kW) (European version is detuned to 260 PS (191 kW); the North American version, at 274 hp (204 kW), revised to 270 hp for 2007). This 2.3 L DISI turbocharged engine features direct fuel injection and conforms to the new Euro 5 emissions standards. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed transmission, and four-wheel drive. The all wheel drive system uses Mazda’s Active Torque Split computer-based control which routes up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels depending on driving conditions. The Mazdaspeed Atenza competed with the Subaru Legacy GT and less directly with the compact Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed Atenza was delayed until November. In North America, the MAZDASPEED 6 comes in two trim levels; the “Sport” trim with cloth interior and standard key entry and ignition; and the “Grand Touring” trim with leather interior, keyless entry/ignition, and an optional DVD navigation. Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 W Bose stereo system featuring seven speakers and a 9 inch subwoofer in addition to an in-dash six-disc CD changer. A sunroof with moonroof feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.
Car and Driver magazine has achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds for this vehicle.
The Mazda 6 was second place European Car of the Year and made Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best list for 2003. The Sport Wagon won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Station Wagon award, while the Sport sedan won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Family Car award for 2005. The Atenza Wagon also won What Car?’s Best Estate award in 2004.
The Mazda 6 won the ‘Best Mid-size Car (over $28,000)’ title in Australia’s Best Cars in 2002 and 2003. It came second in 2004, behind the Subaru Liberty, and fifth in 2005 (the Honda Accord Euro was first in 2005). Wheels magazine also awarded the Mazda 6 winner of its Active Safety Program in July 2005. In December 2007 in Australia the Mazda6 won the Carsales Peoples Choice award for it class.
The Mazda6 second generation made its premiere at the Frankfurt auto show in September 2007 . US version will be redesigned for the 2009 model year. It will be bigger and more luxurious and will strengthen the brand significantly. Engine choices include a new 2.5 liter 4-cylinder and a 3.7 liter V6 sourced from the CX-9.
The new Atenza continues to provide 3 bodies, including 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback and wagon. Despite its increase in dimensions, weight is not increased significantly and dynamics and fun of driving it could still retain. A number of journalists even praised its electrically assisted steering wheels for being considerably improved compared to the last generation, providing more feedback to the driver. The hatchback model even has a boot space with rear seats down beating the larger rival Ford Mondeo (hatchback) by 200 liters.

The Mazda Axela is a compact car manufactured by the Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan. Outside of its home market, it is marketed as the Mazda3. The Axela was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Familia (323 or Protegé in export markets). A more “performance-oriented” version of the Mazda3 is marketed as Mazdaspeed3 in North America and Mazda3 MPS in Europe.
The Mazda3 has been generally well-received by the automotive press. In 2006 the 3 was the second best-selling car in Canada and the best selling car in Israel during 2005-2007. Mazda is increasing production of the 3 at its Hofu 1 and 2 factories to meet heavy worldwide demand of over 300,000 units per year.
The Axela is based on Ford’s global C1 platform, which was developed by Volvo and is shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Chassis development was carried out by Mazda and suspension designed by Ford. Based on the styling of the MX-Sportif concept car, the Axela is available in two body styles, a four-door sedan, marketed as “coupé style” in Europe, and a five-door hatchback, branded the Sport version in Canada, Japan, and the United States.
Front suspension is by MacPherson struts, with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. Rear suspension is a Ford-designed “E-link” multi-link suspension, with four locating links per wheel and an anti-roll bar, suspended on coil springs that are mounted inboard of the shock absorbers to reduce suspension intrusion into the cargo area. Disc brakes are standard at all four wheels, with 300 mm (11.8 in) discs front and 279 mm (11 in) discs rear; ABS and electronic brake force distribution are available or standard, depending on the model. Wheel and tire sizes vary with model, from 15 in on base models to option 17 in wheels on upper-level models.
When first introduced, United States-market Mazda3 models were available in only two trim levels, i and s, with the 2.0 L and 2.3 L engines, respectively. Since then Mazda has introduced a proliferation of additional models under the Touring and Grand Touring labels. UK Mazda3s are offered in S, TS, TS2, Sport, and a top end 2.3ltr turbocharged Mazda3 MPS (Mazda Performance System) models.
All 3 models use the inline-4 Mazda MZR engine, with various types, displacements and outputs including the MZ-CD turbodiesel, depending on model and market. Transmissions are a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission; since the 2006 model year, a five-speed automatic is optional on models with the 2.3 L engine. This transmission has now been made standard on the 2.0 L engine in Japan (FWD models only), as part of a minor facelift which includes different front/rear bumper designs, new wheel designs and bodycolors, stiffened chassis, and better interior materials. It will be gradually released all over the globe as part of an effort to better match the new Honda Civic.
The 3 uses the following engines:
Japanese market (JIS ratings):
European market (DIN ratings):
American & Canadian markets (SAE net ratings):
Mazda changed the rating for US & Canadian markets 2007 2.3 L naturally aspirated engine:
Philippine market (DIN ratings):
Australian market (ADR net ratings):
The 0 to 60 mph or 0 to 100 km/h acceleration times depend on the type of transmission, engine and other options that add weight to the car. Generally a vehicle with a manual transmission accelerates faster because it is more lightweight and its clutch transmits power more efficiently than the torque converter in an automatic transmission.
Official performance figures for the European Mazda3 1.4 S, the lowest-powered model, are 0-100 km/h in 14.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). Wheels magazine reported an 8.7 second 0-100km/h time for the Australian 2.0 model in its May 2004 issue. The 1.6 CiTD 80 KW diesel (as sold in Europe) with a five-speed manual does 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds and has top of 182 km/h (113 mph) according to the spec’s.
In its test results for the 2004 Mazda3 5-door with the 2.3 litre engine, Car and Driver magazine reported a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of 7.4 seconds and a governor-limited top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).
The Mazdaspeed3 is a high-performance car based on the standard Mazda3. This model was first displayed at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. This model was introduced in the North American market in 2007. In Japan this model is named the Mazdaspeed Axela and in the EU market the Mazda3 MPS. The Mazdaspeed3 competes with the latest generation of hot hatches and sport compacts. The car is powered turbocharged by a 2.3L DISI MZR 4 cylinder engine, has a 6 speed manual transmission, limited slip differential, upgraded brakes, suspension, tires, chassis and other performance enhancements.
For the 2006 model year, Mazda added variable valve timing and variable-length intake runners to the 2.0 L engine resulting in a power increase to 150 bhp. The automatic transmission used in Mazda3 s trim with the 2.3 L engine was changed from a four-speed to a five-speed design. The larger engine, the 2.3 L, was PZEV-certified (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) for vehicles sold in California and other states that have adopted California automotive emission standards. The 2.0 L engine had already been PZEV-certified.
The 3 received a minor cosmetic facelift for the 2007 model year with minimal exterior, interior and mechanical changes. The front fascia and bumper were changed with a floating foglight design and the lower air intake opening was reshaped to better resemble the typical “Mazda five-point face.” Mazda3 sedans and five-doors equipped with the Grand Touring trim level have new rear tail-lights have been enhanced with a “clear on clear” lens setting or a more “glass-like” appearance with the clear tail lenses featuring red LED brake lights. The LED brake lights were added to compete with the growing trend of higher-end vehicles using LED tail lamps for a more visible and responsive light output. The range of alloy wheels were redesigned. The rear fascia was slightly changed adding a notch on the bumper cover of the sedan. Several new exterior colors were added, a lighter shade of blue and a purple color. The Titanium Gray color was replaced with a darker Galaxy Gray color.
The interior of the Mazda3 was offered in several new interior color combinations. An audio jack, allowing the use of digital music players, was added in the center console.
The 2007 model also includes less visible mechanical changes. The keyless entry system was improved. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been re-tuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer. The hydraulic dampers of the multi-link rear suspension were also re-tuned to match the front suspension changes. Mazda engineers and designers addressed concerns regarding cabin noise level by redesigning or changing multiple systems and adding sound-deadening material to the roof lining and hood panel.
The bumper-to-bumper warranty was reduced to 36 months / 36,000 miles while the powertrain warranty was increased to 60 months / 60,000 miles in most markets.
Canadian Mazda3s received standard seat mounted side-airbags and body shell mounted side curtain airbags across the model range. Previously both airbag types were not available.
The 3 had been reported to be up for a redesign for the 2009 model year. More recent news reports have shown the 2009 model year will just be a facelift with minor changes to the car and the full redesign will debut later.
Whenever the full redesign of the Mazda3 debuts, the new model will be more aggressive and sporty than the current model. Mazda has not confirmed if the new design will be based on the current C1 platform or the C2 platform. The new model is expected to be wider and longer than the current Mazda3. Spy photographs of a development mule showed the use of a dual exhaust system. The North American market’s base 2.0L engine is expected to receive a modest boost in horsepower. The 2.3L engine may be replaced with a 2.5L DISI engine that should produce at least 167 bhp (125 kW/169 PS). Both engines will be direct injected.

The Mazda Familia is a long-running nameplate used by Mazda for their small family cars manufactured between 1964 and 2003, with 10,589,052 sold worldwide. The Familia was marketed under various names, including 1000, 1200, and 1300, 800, 808, and 818. In many markets, however, the more recent Familias were known as Mazda 323. In North America, the names Mazda GLC and then Mazda Protegé were used. In South Africa, it was known as the Etude. The Familia formed the basis of the Ford Laser and Meteor in Asia, Australia and from 1991, the Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer in North America.
Familias were built in Hiroshima, Japan, although they were also assembled in Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia and New Zealand. The Familia line was replaced by the Mazda Axela in 2004.
(This vehicle will be referred to as the “Familia” throughout this article for consistency.)
The first production Familia appeared in October 1963, and was a commercial two-door wagon called the Familia Van. It was joined in 1964 with a sedan, styled by Giugiaro, and was later sold in other markets as the 800. Both were powered by a 782 cc aluminum inline 4 engine.
The Familia received a larger 985 cc engine for 1965, and a coupe variant was introduced as well.
The new Familia appeared in 1967 with a 987 cc engine. It was sold as the Mazda 1000 in some markets. It also formed the basis for the Mazda R100 rotary car. A larger 1169 cc I4 engine came along later, becoming the Mazda 1200 for export.
The 1970 Familia featured a 1.3 L TC engine and new styling. It was exported as the Mazda 1300 and Mazda 818.
Engines:
The “1200″ was offered in the United States in 1971 and again in 1973. The 1971 version was the first piston-powered Familia sold in the United States and arrived alongside its rotary R100 in 2- and 4-door forms. It was replaced by the 808 the next year. The name returned for 1973 as the base-model economy Mazda. The company focused on performance for two more years, dropping the economy car, then returned with the Mizer in 1976.
Engines:
The 1973 Familia Preso featured a 1272 cc engine. It was sold as the Mazda 808 in some export markets such as New Zealand and Australia and Asia Pacific markets and Mazda 818 in many others (presumably due to the usage of numbers with a middle zero by Peugeot for its automotive models). In Japan this model is also known as the Mazda Grand Familia and its top line model is a 2 door coupe with twin round headlamp and a rotary powered engine known as the RX3.
This generation was available in coupe, sedan, and station wagon forms. Engines were inline 4 cylinders and included a 1272 cc, a 1490 cc, and a 1586 cc option.
Engines:
For 1976 and 1977, the 1.3 L version was sold as the Mazda Mizer in the United States.
Engines:
The Mazda 808 was sold in 1972 and 1973 (on the previous platform), then updated and sold through 1977. This name was given only to the 1.6 L version of the Familia.
The 808 cost $2997, which was some $200 above the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The car came with a “pleasant” 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.
Engines:
The Great Little Car or GLC debuted for 1977 as a standout in the rear wheel drive subcompact crowd, replacing the 818/Mizer. There was a choice of hatchbacks and station wagon bodies, both available with a 3 or 5 door bodystyle. Three Mazda engines were on offer, the 985 cc PC, 1272 cc TC, or 1416 cc UC. It shared many parts with the older Mazda RX-3.
In South Africa a 1600 cc model was available - however this model did not have a Mazda engine. In order to satisfy that country’s local content regulations, a Mitsubishi Saturn 1.6 litre unit was used.
The range was replaced in 1980, however the station wagon models continued in production until 1985. In 1981 a facelift was given to the wagon range, to give a front end treatment similar to Mazda’s front-wheel drive 323/Familia range.
The Mazda 323 name appeared for the first time on export models.
Engines:
For the United States, the GLC, advertised as the Great Little Car, was only offered with one engine at a time. The new GLC overlapped with the old-style Mizer for part of 1977 and was produced through 1980 before being replaced by the next-generation GLC.
The first Mazda GLC was a version of the fourth-generation Japan-market Mazda Familia.
It was available in several body variants:
Several of these were available in several trim levels.
Engines:
Later, a five-speed manual gearbox was introduced as an alternative to the original four-speed manual gearbox. At the same time the original 7 in (17.8 cm) round sealed beam headlights were replaced with square sealed beam units on all models except the van, together with a general styling and mechanical upgrade. A three-speed automatic gearbox was also available throughout the model run.
When the next generation front-wheel-drive Familia/323/GLC models were released in 1980, the wagon and van models continued unchanged, due to Mazda not developing wagon models for the newer range. A facelift however was given to the wagons in 1981, which gave the models the front clip (albeit with different bumpers) of the front-wheel-drive models. Production of the wagons continued to 1985, when a new front-wheel-drive model was introduced.
The 1980 BD 1051 Familia was entirely new - it was Mazda’s first front-engine, front wheel drive subcompact car. It had been developed with some input from Ford, and had a twin called the Ford Laser (and Ford Meteor, for its four-door model in Australia). The 1.4 L UC engine was dropped, and offered the newer 1.3 L E3 and 1.5 L E5 as options.
Engines:
For the Japanese market 2 other top end models were offered, the 2 door Familia XGI with a 1500cc single cam, single point fuel injected engine and an XGI Turbo R with a turbo added in. Its twin the Ford Laser S were also offered with the same specifications but in limited numbers.
The second-generation American GLC appeared in 1981. It was only offered with a single engine (the 2 barrel 1.5 L) and lasted through 1985, after which it was replaced by the next-generation Mazda 323.
The 1980 323 featured a 1.5 L engine, and was front wheel drive. It was available as a hatchback and sedan. The 1980 Carol/323 was the first front-engine, front-wheel drive vehicle from Mazda since the rare R130. A station wagon version, which was simply a facelifted version of the previous rear-drive model, was also sold. The 323 was Wheels magazine’s Car of the Year for 1980.
The 1980 Mazda GLC Manufactured 04/1980 was rear wheel drive. It was not the 323 model.
Engine options:
The 1985 Familia featured many updates. It was available as a hatchback or sedan only for the first year, a wagon being added for 1986.
As before, it spawned a Ford Laser twin sold in the Asia-Pacific. The Laser sedan and wagon were nearly identical to the Familia but with a Ford grille. By contrast the Laser hatchback models used panels completely different to the Familia’s, yet was styled similar.
In 1991, the South African-made model was exported to the United Kingdom as the Sao Penza. For many years, it continued in South Africa in hatchback and pickup truck (Branded Ford Bantam and Mazda Rustler)forms under the Mazda and Ford brands as entry-level models. This generation was sold through the 1989 model year in the United States. The wagon continued alongside the succeeding generation in most markets until 1995, with a new grille and lights.
The model remained in production in South Africa until 2003, as an entry level model, also being sold as the Ford Tonic, and was briefly sold in the UK as the Sao Penza. A locally designed pick-up called the Rustler was also produced, and sold as the Ford Bantam.
A rare cabriolet version was also produced in both Mazda 323 and Ford Laser (323 panels from firewall back) forms. This was not a conversion, as it was actually a factory built model designed to be a cabriolet from the outset.
Engines:
Mazda 323 Sedan (USDM)
USDM Mazda 323 hatchback (6th Generation)
This generation of Familia had hatchback, sedan and wagon (carried over from 1985) variants, which shared no body panels — a policy that may have led to Mazda’s financial difficulties in the 1990s. The Familia Astina was a 5-door fastback version of this Familia, sold as the 323F or 323 Astina elsewhere.
The 1989/1990 BG Familia was available in hatchback or sedan formats, with front- or all-wheel drive and a 1.3 L, 1.5 L, 1.6 L, or 1.8 L gas or 1.7 L diesel engine. In North America, the 323 sedan became the Protegé, while the 323 hatchback remained the same name. The Protegé was in competition with the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, while the 323 hatchback competed with the Geo Metro and Toyota Tercel.
The GT model, only sold in Canada in 1990, 1991 and 1993, came with the 1.8 BP engine also found on the 1994-97 Mazda Miata. It borrowed the interior from the GTX model, and had all factory options including a rear trunk spoiler not available in America. Ford also had a twin called the Laser in the Asian Pacific for this generation, but sold it in the United States as the Escort. It no longer resembled the Mazda versions externally.
The JDM GTX model featured all wheel drive, Limited slip differentials and a turbocharged 1.8 L BP engine. In the U.S. the Protege came with a 1.8 L non-turbo, with the AWD. In 1992, the rare JDM GT-R rally version was added featuring a number of performance enhancements over the GTX model: a stronger gearbox (G5M-R), sodium filled exhaust valve stems, an aggressive front bumper and bonnet vents, stronger engine internals, larger upgraded roller-bearing turbo and homologated five stud wheel hubs.
In Japan, the 5-door hatchback, featuring a distinct front end with pop-up headlights, was sold as the Mazda Familia Astina and Eunos 100. Trim lines in Japan included Clair, Interplay, Supreme, and GT-X.
The car donated its mechanicals/Unibody to the 1991-1996 Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer and 1994-1997 Kia Sephia in North America, as well as the Ford Laser in Australia and South Africa.
In America, the LX version of the Protegé became known for its interior room (for its class), sporty handling, and revvy 125 horsepower engine. LX models also had 14-inch wheels, front and rear disc brakes, and dual stabilizer bars.
Production of the 1994 model ended on May 24, 1994.
Engines:
1990-1992 Mazda Protegé DX sedan (US)
Mazda 323 hatch (US)
The 1995 BH model was available internationally (The BH model was released for the Japanese Domestic Market the previous year, in 1994) with both front wheel drive and all wheel drive. Production of this generation started on August 8, 1994, and ceased on June 18, 1998.
However, Japan did see an unusual model with this generation after 1995, with the cancellation of the 1985-generation station wagon. The Mazda Familia Van offered after this year was a rebadged Nissan Sunny California, which was essentially the station wagon version of the Nissan Sunny.
This generation of Familia grew considerably, with the four-door sedan’s wheelbase only a few millimetres short of the then-current Toyota Camry, a mid-size car.
The rare North American ES model is the only Protegé that came with the Miata’s 1.8-liter twin-cam engine (though the internals were not the same), 4-wheel disc brakes, and dual stabilizer bars.
Engines:
Models:
A five door hatchback and four door sedan, both featuring pillarless doors and distinct sheetmetal from other 323s was sold in Japan as the Mazda Lantis, in Australia and South Africa as the Mazda 323 Astina, in Colombia as the Mazda Allegro and in Europe as the Mazda 323f. They were built on platforms distinct from the other 323s. The bodyshape was designed by former Porsche designers. The Lantis was on the CB, a minor update of the CA that underpinned the luxury Mazda Xedos 6 and Eunos 500. The European 323f was designated BA, but was actually almost identical to the CB, and had little to do with other B platforms. These models were sold with the 1.5 L and 1.8 L engines seen in the rest of the 323 range, as well as a 2.0 L V6 shared with the Eunos 500.
The Familia Neo started production for the Japanese Domestic Market in 1994. Ford released a rebadged version which was mechanically the same although different bumpers, headlights and bonnet were fitted, badged as the Ford Laser-Lynx in Japan and Australia. This model was only available as the Ford Laser-Lynx in the Australian market, as Mazda already had the 323 Astina Hatch filling the gap for a hatchback in the Mazda range. Oddly enough to contradict this, Mazda Australia also offered two 323 sedans, the Astina/Lantis hardtop and the 323 Protege until production of both models ceased in 1998. This was released new in New Zealand as the Mazda 323 Neo. It featured a glass rear hatch, much like the Honda CR-X. Aesthetically the Familia Neo was very close in looks to a Mazda Lantis/323F and equated to a 2 door version and also shared the Lantis suspension. The top spec Mazda Neo was fitted with a DOHC 1800 cc BP engine which produced around 100kw, this was the same engine fitted to the base model Mazda Lantis. It was also sold for a single year (1995) in Canada as 323 Neo GS. In Europe it was named Mazda 323 C (stand for coupe) and it was equipped with 1.3 L SOHC (75 PS), 1.5 L DOHC 16V (88 PS), and 1.8 L DOHC 16V (115 PS) engine.
There was a MAZDASPEED touring kit released in Asia for Familia 96-98:
1995-1996 Mazda Protege LX (US)
1997 Mazda Protege
Mazda 323F
1995 Mazda 323 (Canada)
1.5 L ZL-DE DOHC I4
1.5 L ZL-VE S-VT I4
1.6 L ? DOHC ?
1.8 L FP-DE DOHC I4
2.0 L RF Diesel I4
A redesigned ninth-generation BJ Familia was introduced on June 9, 1998 as a 1999 model. Body styles were the sedan, 5-door S-Wagon (sold as the Protegé5 in the United States and Canada, and Astina NU in some Asian countries), 3-door hatchback, and traditional 5-door Wagon. A 4EC automatic transmission and two 5-speed manual transmissions are available. All wheel drive is optional.
The 1999 BJ platform was updated with a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback chassis based on the larger Mazda 626 and more engine choices. The Japanese Mazda Familia again got all wheel drive as an option. In America, the ES’s engine was still 1.8 liters large but was a shrunken version of the 626’s engine rather than the Miata’s more exciting motor. Disc brakes on the ES were also lost.
The Familia Van and Familia Business Wagon were introduced for 2000, and continued to be supplied by Nissan under an OEM deal, based on the Wingroad.
The entire line was updated for 2001 with sharper styling, a revised suspension, and a new audio system.
A 2.0 L gas engine appeared in 2001 on the Japanese market Sport 20. A tall wagon version of the Familia called the Mazda Premacy was also available, and which was sold in Japan as the Ford Ixion. In 1999, Ford of Japan ceased to market Mazda-based models, and the Ford Laser, along with the Ixion, Telstar and Festiva, was dropped.
For the 2001 model year in North America, Mazda introduced the limited-edition Protegé MP3 featuring a new sport-tuned suspension, 17 inch Racing Hart wheels, and a 10 hp (7.5 kW) gain for a total of 140 hp (104 kW), which was achieved through a tuned factory ECU which advances ignition timing and requires Premium Pump Gasoline, cat-back exhaust by Racing Beat, and removal of the Mazda VTCS system which hindered air velocity in the intake manifold. As the name suggests, the MP3 also came from the factory with a complete 450-watt Kenwood powered MP3 stereo with 10 inch powered subwoofer.
Only 1500 were produced - 1000 of the blue, and 500 yellows. 2001 also saw Protegés getting a sharper face lift, the ES getting its rear disc brakes back and a stiffer suspension, and the 1.8 L engine growing to 2.0 L in the ES models, and also an option on the LX model, becoming the 2.0LX. All 2001 Protege LX’s with no 2.0 distinction came with the 1.6 L ZM-DE engine offered previously.
2002 saw the introduction of a station wagon version called Protegé5. All Proteges (including the 5) got the 2.0 L engine this year and a slightly revised interior.
A Protegé 5 was introduced as another limited edition, having a revised 2.0 L engine, offering 130 hp (127 kW)/135 ft·lbf (180 N·m)
In 2003, Mazdaspeed introduced the Mazdaspeed Protegé, an update to the Protegé MP3 that had a 170 hp (127 kW)/160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) turbocharged engine, shared the MP3’s full Racing Beat suspension, redesigned 17 inch wheels, larger four-wheel disc brakes, and a Kenwood stereo system that included an amplifier along with a rear-deck mounted 8 inch sub. Mazda then followed with a mid year change dubbed the “2003.5.” This model included a different aero-kit, the same 17 inch Racing Beat wheels, but with a darker color, and custom interior pieces. In total, there were only 4,500 Mazdaspeed Protegé models ever produced. (1,750 Black/Orange (2003) and 2,750 Yellow/Titanium/Blue/Silver (2003.5/7))
Also of note in the 2003 model is that the ES model received a tiptronic Automatic transmission as an option, as well as a new wheel design refresh appearing on models with the 15 inch alloy rim option. This was also the last year of production for the Protegé.
This generation went into production on September 29, 1998, and the very last model rolled off the assembly line on October 2, 2003. It remains in production in Taiwan, where it is also badged as the Ford Activa, which, unlike the Ford Laser, has no styling changes from the 323, except for the badges. (In Southeast Asia, a version of the last Laser is still assembled in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines as the Ford Lynx).
This Generation is also still in production as at 2008, in Asia (Taiwan) As the Mazda Genki (sold as hatch and sedan and with little or no styling differences to the original 1998 production model), and in some South American countries (Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela), badged as The Mazda Allegro. Each Allegro keep in the styling of the last generation 323/Protege/Astina/Familia.
In Colombia, production of the Mazda 323 continued well until 2003, built by its local subsidiary, the Compañía Colombiana Automotriz. The 323 remains to this day one of the most successful cars made in the country and many models made across the years can still be seen in the streets of most Colombian and Andean cities.[citation needed] Oddly enough, the “boxy” look that characterized the vehicle during the 1980s and the early 1990s remained until production’s end due to the demand of the local market for the car’s lines.
Chinese company FAW Haima Automobile Co., Ltd. produces a restyled version of 323 called Haima Family. It is equipped with a 1.6 L gasoline engine mated with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Engines:
BJ Mazda Familia wagon
2001-2003 Mazda Protege DX sedan (US)
The Familia was replaced by the new BK model known as Axela/Mazda3 for 2004. The Axela/Mazda3 comes in both 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback varieties, with a 2.0 litre engine on the 3i sedan and a 2.3 litre engine on the 3s sedan and the hatchback. It shares a platform with the current generation Volvo S40 and the second generation Ford Focus (not sold in North America).
A Protege is currently used in the Speed Touring Car Championship.

The Mazda Premacy is a compact MPV built by the Japanese manufacturer Mazda since 1999. The first generation Premacy was built in Japan and exported to Europe and Asia. A re-badged version was sold by Ford in a few Asian markets (including Japan) as the Ford Ixion or Ford MAV. The second generation is sold outside of Japan as the Mazda5. Ford Lio Ho in Taiwan, which assembles Mazda 5 for the local market, adapted a re-badged version as the Ford i-MAX in 2007. As of March 31, 2005, 285,258 Premacy and Mazda5 models had been sold worldwide.
The first generation Premacy was a 2 or 3-row, 5 or 7-passenger vehicle, while the second generation adds a third row of seats for up to 6 passengers in American form, and 7 passengers outside the United States. Both generations were true vans with near-flat floors, folding or removable 2nd row, and fold-flat rear seats.
When released in 1999, the Mazda Premacy was one of the cheapest 7-seaters available on market. The 1999 Premacy used Mazda’s CP platform. It was available with either front or all wheel drive and was equipped with 4-speed automatic transmission. As the Premacy was based on a sedan platform, it was less modular than some if its adversaries such as the Opel Zafira and Toyota Ipsum and was therefore relatively easy to maneuver. The second and third row seats could be folded and removed as on many other minivans.
This generation Premacy was also sold in some Asian markets as the Ford Ixion.
The first generation Premacy is still yet manufactured by China’s FAW Haima Automobile Co., Ltd. as where it is called the Haima Freema.
It was powered by a number of engines:
The new model has been for sale since summer 2005. It is now sold as the MAZDA5 in all markets and is considered a much better car than the old Premacy model. While actually classified by Mazda and the EPA as a mid-sized wagon, it is generally perceived as a mini-minivan in the United States because of its car-like size and sliding doors. It is based on Ford’s global C1 platform, meaning it shares many parts with the Mazda3. Its closest relative is the European compact MPV Ford Focus C-MAX, though the MAZDA5 uses minivan-style sliding doors in the rear while the Ford has four conventional front-hinged doors. This version of the vehicle was also introduced for sale in the United States, making it the first compact minivan in that market since the 1994 Mitsubishi Expo (in the United States) and 1995 Nissan Axxess (in Canada). The Mazda5 is marginally larger than the 1984–1989 Toyota Van.
In the U.S. market the MAZDA5 fits six passengers using three rows of seats, with 2 seats per row. In the European market it is sold as a seven seater using Mazda’s “Karakuri Seating System”, which means the car has three rows of two seats, with the seventh seat a clever fold away jump seat in the centre of the middle row. Mazda has managed to use proper three-point seat belts on all seven seats and avoided resorting to a lap only belt on the seventh seat.
The middle row of seats recline and slide front-to-rear, and fold flat to ease cargo loading. The rear row also folds flat.
Mazda gambled on how popular a “mini-minivan” platform might fare in the U.S. and in Canada. For the 2006 model year Mazda chose to keep things simple and sporty for North American customers, offering fewer MAZDA5 options than in other markets. The North American version lacked the front-to-back roof rails (common to most all minivans) that were included as standard in other markets. Other notable MAZDA5 options not offered in North America included a back-up camera, power-assist side doors and even a choice of engine (2.3 L only). A second-row DVD entertainment system was eventually offered as a dealer installed add-on. Mazda produced a limited number of Mazda 5 units featuring all-wheel-drive but this version was not made available outside of Japan for the 2006 model year.
For 2008, the Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 received a mid-cycle refresh. For the exterior, the Premacy received an updated front bumper, wheels, and rear led lights for touring and grand touring trim levels. The automatic gearbox is updated to 5-speed. The interior received a few changes to the dash including luminescent gauges, an updated radio control layout with auxiliary input, a rear A/C vent, and center console, and a full set of armrests for the first and second seating rows on North American models. Mazda first released the 2008 Mazda Premacy in Japan, with other markets to follow.
The wheelbase is 2750 mm (108.3 in) with an overall length of 4610 mm (181.5 in) [ JDM: C model/F model - 4505 mm (177.4 in) / S model - 4555 mm (179.3 in) ].
Engine options:
Mazda was forced to recall the MAZDA5 in the United States shortly after production began due to a risk of exhaust system fires. Owners that were not made aware of the manual shifting mode (”sport mode”) of the 4-speed automatic transmission would mistakenly leave the shifter in that position, resulting in high temperatures as the car would remain in second gear. Mazda’s solution was to add a heat shield around the muffler and to alter the vehicle’s software to not allow excessively high RPMs beyond a short period of time when in “sport mode”. Although the 5-speed manual transmission equipped cars would seemingly not need to be recalled, Mazda chose to retrofit all MAZDA5 versions with the new parts and software. The company also gave customers US$500 (for Canadian owners, it is C$500) plus a loaner car while the problem was mitigated. 2,700 vehicles were affected.
The MAZDA5 was named “Best New Multipurpose Family Vehicle” in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. Consumer Reports ranked the MAZDA5 as the best “tall wagon” in their test, though the car failed to gain a “recommended” rating due to unknown reliability.
In April, 2006, the Japan New Car Assessment Program (J-NCAP) awarded the MAZDA5 a maximum 6-star rating for front-occupant crash worthiness. In Europe, the MAZDA5 was awarded a maximum 5-star “adult occupant” safety rating in September 2005 by the Euro-NCAP.