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The [b]Axela[/b], or [b]Mazda3[/b] is a compact car manufactured by the Mazda Motor Corporation. The name "Mazda3" is used worldwide, but in Japan, Mazda's home market, it is the [b]Axela[/b]. The Axela was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Familia (323 or Protegé in export markets). The first car rolled off the assembly line on December 8, 2003. The Mazda3 is also the platform for the sport compact car called the Mazdaspeed 3. The Axela has been very well-received in all markets, and in 2006 was the second best-selling car in Canada. Mazda is increasing production of the Axela at its Hofu 1 and 2 factories to meet heavy worldwide demand of over 300,000 units per year. Design 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 United States and Japan. 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, USDM 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, and Sport models. All Axela models except the European diesel-powered model use the inline-4 Mazda MZR engine, with various displacements and outputs depending on model and market. Transmissions are a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission; for the 2006 model year, a five-speed automatic became 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. Engines The Axela uses the following engines; all except the European diesel are Mazda MZR engines. Japanese market (JIS ratings): * 1.5 L: 113 bhp (83 kW), 104 lbf·ft (141 N·m) * 2.0 L: 150 bhp (112 kW), 140 lbf·ft (190 N·m) * 2.3 L: 178 bhp (133 kW), 155 lbf·ft (210 N·m) European market (DIN ratings): * 1.4 L: 84 (62 kW), 90 lbf·ft (122 N·m) * 1.6 L: 105 bhp (77 kW), 107 lbf·ft (145 N·m) * 2.0 L: 150 bhp (110 kW) and 138 lbf·ft (187 N·m) * 1.6 L: Duratorq diesel: 109 bhp (80 kW), 177 lbf·ft (239 N·m) American & Canadian markets (SAE net ratings): * 2.0 L: 148 bhp (110 kW), 135 lbf·ft (183 N·m) * 2.3 L: 160 bhp (117 kW), 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m) * 2.3 L Turbo Mazdaspeed 3: 263 bhp (192 kW), 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m) Philippine market (DIN ratings): * 1.6 L: 110 bhp (78 kW), 107 lbf·ft (145 N·m) * 2.0 L: 148 bhp (110 kW) and 138 lbf·ft (187 N·m) Mazda changed the ratings for US Market 2007 2.3L naturally aspirated engine models only * 2.3 L: 156 bhp (116 kW), 150 lbf·ft (203 Nm) Australian market (ADR net ratings): * 2.0 L: 145 bhp (108 kW), 134 lbf·ft (182 N·m) * 2.3 L: 154 bhp (115 kW), 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m) * 2.3 L DISI MZR: 260 bhp (190 kW), 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m) Performance Acceleration The 0 to 60 mph or 0 to 100 km/h acceleration times depend on the type of transmission. In general, the manual transmission is faster in acceleration (not just because it is lighter in weight, but for the relative inefficiency of the torque converter in the automatic compared to the clutch in the manual). 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 a 8.7 0-100km/h time for the Australian 2.0 model in its May 2004 issue. The 1.6 CiTD 80 KW (as sold in the 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, [i]Car and Driver[/i] 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). Mazdaspeed3/Mazda3 MPS Mazda unveiled the [b]Mazda3 MPS[/b] at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model will be sold in North America as the [b]Mazdaspeed3[/b] and as the [b]Mazdaspeed Axela[/b] in Japan. Pricing starts at US$ 22,835 (including destination) and it competes with the latest generation of hot hatches and sport compacts, including the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Dodge Neon SRT-4, Subaru WRX (standard 230hp version), and the new Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI. The car is powered by a strengthened and turbocharged version of the standard 2.3L DISI MZR 4 cylinder (263hp, 280ft-lbs), backed by a 6 speed manual transmission featuring a Tochigi-Fuji Super LSD borrowed from the RX-8. Brakes are upgraded to 12.8 inch rotors with single piston calipers. Wheels are upgraded to 18 inch cast alloy wheels wrapped in 215/40-R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A max performance tires. Unofficial performance figures (magazine tests) average 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, and standing quarter mile in 14.3 seconds at 100mph. The car features torque limiting in first and second gear (to help deter the inevitable wheel spin in a FWD car with this much torque). Also features DSC (dynamic stability control) and ABS. Also many other features too numerous to list. 2007 Mazda 3/Axela The Axela received a minor cosmetic facelift for the 2007 model year. The exterior changes are minimal, but extend to revised bumpers with the lower air intake opening resembling the shape of the traditional Mazda five-point face, a revised range of alloy wheels and several new interior colour combinations. The interior also has an audio jack and an improved keyless entry system. The 2007 model also include less visible changes. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been retuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer, while the dampers of the multi-link rear suspension also have been retuned to match. The front fasica has been updated with a "floating" foglight design and slightly revised front grill for the "s" trim level. Also, for the 2007 "grand touring" trim level, the rear tail-lights have been enhanced with a "clear on clear" lens setting or a more "glass-like" appearance with the clear tail lenses also featuring red LED brake lights. The LED brake lights are added to compete with the growing trend of higher-end vehicles that include LED tail lamps for a more visible and responsive light output. Several new exterior colors are added as well, including different shades of blue and a purple color. The popular Titanium Gray color will also be replaced with a darker Galaxy Gray color. The bumper-to-bumper warranty will be reduced to 36 months / 36,000 miles, but there will be an increased powertrain warranty to 60 months / 60,000 miles (not in all markets). This is on par with other competitive manufacturers' warranty offerings. 2009 The Axela is reported to be up for a redesign for the 2009 model year. References * * Official Mazda website on the Axela * Official Mazda United States website * Official Mazda Canada website Sources *Official Mazda3 Site *Mazda3 page at AutoGuideWiki.com Axela Category:Compact cars Category:Hatchbacks Category:Sedans Category:Station wagons Category:Ford C1 platform Category:Front wheel drive vehicles Category:2000s automobiles Category:2003 introductions de:Mazda3 es:Mazda 3 nl:Mazda3 ja:???????? pl:Mazda 3 pt:Mazda 3 sv:Mazda Mazda3 zh:???3 The Wikipedia article is licensed under http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html and uses material from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda3. A preview of this article is available at http://www.blinkbits.com/en_wikifeeds/Mazda3.

The [b]Mazda Familia[/b] is Mazda's subcompact/compact car family, also known as the [b]Mazda 323[/b] in Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia, and later known as the [b]Mazda GLC[/b] then [b]Mazda Protegé[/b] in North America, produced in Japan between 1976 and 2003. The first Familias were styled by Italy's Giugiaro and shown in 1963 as the Mazda 1000 Berlina. The next generation (joined by the Wankel-powered R100 version) were among the first Mazda cars sold in the United States. 10,589,052 examples of this car were sold worldwide. Later Familias appeared with a succession of names around the world, including [b]1000[/b], [b]1200[/b], and [b]1300[/b], [b]800[/b], [b]808[/b], and [b]818[/b], [b]Mizer[/b], [b]GLC[/b], [b]323[/b] and [b]Protegé[/b] [i](sic)[/i]. In the United States it was originally known as the [b]GLC[/b], then the [b]323[/b], then finally from 1990 on as the [b]Protegé[/b]. In South Africa it was known as the [b]Etude[/b]. The Ford Focus-based [b]Mazda3[/b] replaced this platform for 2004, though Mazda still contributed much to the project. 323s were built in Hiroshima, Japan, although they were also assembled in Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia and New Zealand. In North America the 323/Protegé was typically more expensive than its entry-level competitors such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, partly due to its manufacture in Japan, which is perhaps one reason that it is not as ubiquitous as these cars. A perennial favorite of US car magazines, the model is well regarded for its spirited handling. It was also the first small Japanese car to cross over to the EPA "compact" class way back in 1986 (followed by the Mirage in 1989, Corolla in 1993, Civic in 1996, and Sentra in 2000). It formed the basis of the Ford Laser and Meteor in Asia, Australia and other markets, (known as the Mercury Tracer in the United States) and from 1991, the Ford Escort in North America. [i](This vehicle will be referred to as the ?Familia? throughout this article for consistency.)[/i] 1964 The first production Familia appeared in October, 1963, and was a commercial two-door wagon called the [b]Familia Van[/b]. It was joined in 1964 with a sedan, and was later sold in other markets as the [b]800[/b]. 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. See also: * '64 Familia * '65 Familia 1967 The new Familia appeared in 1967 with a 987 cc engine. It was sold as the [b]Mazda 1000[/b] 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 [b]Mazda 1200[/b] for export. The 1970 Familia featured a 1.3 L TC engine and new styling. It was exported as the [b]Mazda 1300[/b] and [b]Mazda 818[/b]. Engines: * 1968-1973 - 987 cc I4, 50 hp (37 kW)/56 ft·lbf (77 N·m) * 1968-1970 - 1.2 L (1169 cc) I4, 58 hp (43 kW)/69 ft·lbf (94 N·m) * 1970-1973 - 1.3 L (1272 cc) [i]TC[/i] I4, 2 barrel, 69 hp (51 kW)/67 ft·lbf (92 N·m) See also: * '67 Familia * '70 Familia 1200 (USA) 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: * 1971, 1973 - 1.2 L (1169 cc) I4, 58 hp (43 kW)/69 ft·lbf (94 N·m) 1973 The 1973 Familia [b]Preso[/b] featured a 1272 cc engine. It was sold as the [b]Mazda 808[/b] in some export markets such as New Zealand and Australia and [b]Mazda 818[/b] in many others (presumably due to the usage of numbers with a middle zero by Peugeot for its automotive models). 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: * 1973-1976 - 987 cc I4, 50 hp (37 kW)/56 ft·lbf (77 N·m) * 1970-1973 - 1.3 L (1272 cc) [i]TC[/i] I4, 2 barrel, 69 hp (51 kW)/67 ft·lbf (92 N·m) * 1973-1976 - 1.6 L (1586 cc) I4, 80 hp (60 kW)/91 ft·lbf (124 N·m) See also: * '73 Familia Mizer (USA) For 1976 and 1977, the 1.3 L version was sold as the [b]Mazda Mizer[/b] in the United States. Engines: * 1976-1977 - 1.3 L (1272 cc) [i]TC[/i] I4, 2 barrel, 69 hp (51 kW)/67 ft·lbf (92 N·m) 808 (USA) The [b]Mazda 808[/b] 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: * 1972-1977 - 1.6 L (1590 cc) [i]1600[/i] I4, 1-barrel, 70 hp (52 kW)/82 ft·lbf (111 N·m) 1977 The [b]Great Little Car[/b] or [b]GLC[/b] 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 [b]Mazda RX-3[/b]. In South Africa a 1600 cc model was available - however this model did not utilize a Mazda engine. In order to satisfy that country's local content regulations, a Mitsubishi Saturn 1.6 litre unit was utilized. 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 [b]Mazda 323[/b] name appeared for the first time on export models. Engines: * 1977-1980 - 1.0 L (985 cc) [i]PC[/i], 45 hp (33 kW)/51 ft·lbf (69 N·m) * 1977-1980 - 1.3 L (1272 cc) [i]TC[/i], 60 hp (44 kW) * 1977-1980 - 1.4 L (1415 cc) [i]UC[/i], 70 hp (52 kW) See also: * '77 Familia GLC (USA) For the United States, the GLC 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 [b]Mazda GLC[/b] (which stood for 'Great Little Car') and was a version of the fourth-generation Japan-market Mazda Familia. It was available in several body variants: *Five-door four-seat hatch. *Three-door four-seat hatch. *Five-door four-seat station wagon. *Three-door four-seat station wagon. *Three-door two-seat van with an extended roof profile. Several of these were available in several trim levels. Engines: * 1.0 L PC, 45 hp (33.6 kW)/51 ft·lbf (69 N·m) * 1.3 L TC (1977-1978) * 1.4 L UC (1979-1980) Still later, a five-speed manual gearbox was introduced as an alternative to the original four-speed manual gearbox, and 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. Production of the van variant only continued after 1980 (still with round headlights), as there was no front wheel drive replacement. 1980 The 1980 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: * 1980-1985 - 1.1 L (1071 cc) [i]E1[/i], 1 barrel, 55 hp (40 kW)/58 ft·lbf (79 N·m) * 1980-1985 - 1.3 L (1296 cc) [i]E3[/i], 2 barrel, 68 hp (50 kW)/70 ft·lbf (95 N·m) * 1980-1985 - 1.5 L (1490 cc) [i]E5[/i], 2 barrel, 75 hp (55 kW)/85 ft·lbf (116 N·m) * 1980-1985 - 1.5 L (1490 cc) [i]E5S[/i], 2x2 barrel, 85 hp (63 kW)/88 ft·lbf (120 N·m) See also: * '80 Familia GLC (USA) 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 [i]Wheels[/i] 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: * 1980-1987 - 1.1 L [i]E1[/i] I4, 55 hp (41 kW) and 79 N·m (58 ft·lbf) * 1980-1987 - 1.3 L [i]E3[/i] I4, 60 hp (44 kW) and 95 N·m (70 ft·lbf) * 1980-1987 - 1.5 L [i]E5[/i] I4, 75 hp (56 kW) and 116 N·m (86 ft·lbf) * 1981-1985 - 1.5 L (1490 cc) [i]E5[/i], 2 barrel, 75 hp (55 kW)/85 ft·lbf (116 N·m) 1985 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. The Familia/323 formed the basis of the 1991 Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer. 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: * 1985-1986 - 1.1 L (1071 cc) [i]E1[/i], 2 barrel, 8-valve, 55 hp (40 kW)/59 ft·lbf (80 N·m) * 1985-1986 - 1.3 L (1296 cc) [i]E3[/i], 2 barrel, 8-valve, 68 hp (50 kW)/71 ft·lbf (97 N·m) * 1987-1989 - 1.3 L (1324 cc) [i]B3[/i], 2 barrel, 66 hp (49 kW)/74 ft·lbf (101 N·m) * 1985-1989 - 1.5 L (1498 cc) [i]B5[/i], 2 barrel, 12-valve, 73 hp (54 kW)/81 ft·lbf (110 N·m) * 1985-1989 - 1.6 L (1597 cc) [i]B6[/i], 8-valve, 103 hp (76 kW)/98 ft·lbf (133 N·m) * 1985-1989 - 1.6 L (1597 cc) [i]B6T[/i], turbo, 16-valve, 143 hp (105 kW)/138 ft·lbf (187 N·m) * 1985-1989 - 1.7 L (1720 cc) [i]PN[/i], Diesel, 8-valve, 57 hp (42 kW)/79 ft·lbf (107 N·m) 1989 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 elsewhere. The 1989/1990 [b]BG[/b] 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 [b]GT[/b] 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 [b]JDM GTX[/b] model featured all wheel drive and a turbocharged 1.8 L BP engine. In the U.S. it came with a 1.6 L turbo, with the AWD. In 1992, the rare JDM [b]GT-R[/b] version was added featuring a number of performance enhancements over the GTX model: a stronger gearbox, sodium filled valve stems, an aggressive front bumper and bonnet vents, and an upgraded turbo. In Japan, the 5-door hatchback, featuring a distinct front end with pop-up headlights, was sold as the [b]Mazda Familia Astina[/b] and [b]Eunos 100[/b]. Trim lines in Japan included [i]Clair[/i], [i]Interplay[/i], [i]Supreme[/i], and [i]GT-X[/i]. 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. In America, the LX version of the Protegé became known for its vast 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: * 1989-1991 - 1.6 L (1598 cc) [i]B6[/i], 1 barrel, 16-valve, 87 hp (64 kW)/92 ft·lbf (125 N·m) * 1989-1994 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) [i]BP[/i], FI, 16-valve DOHC, 125 hp (96 kW)/118 ft·lbf (160 N·m) * 1989-1991 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) [i]BPT[/i], FI, 16-valve DOHC, turbo, 163 hp (120 kW)/159 ft·lbf (216 N·m) * 1991-1994 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) [i]Mazda B engine#B8[/i], FI, 16-valve SOHC, 165 hp * 1992-1993 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) [i]BPD[/i], FI, 16-valve DOHC, turbo, 210 hp (156 kW)/173 ft·lbf (235 N·m). Powered the Familia GT-R * 1990-1993 - 1.3 L (1324 cc) [i]B3[/i], 1 barrel, 75 hp (55 kW)/76 ft·lbf (104 N·m) * 1990-1993 - 1.7 L (1720 cc) [i]PN[/i], Diesel, 8-valve, 57 hp (42 kW)/79 ft·lbf (107 N·m) See also: * '89 Familia 1994 The 1995 [b]BH[/b] model was available internationally (The [b]BH[/b] 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 [b]Mazda Familia Van[/b] 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, 4-wheel disc brakes, and dual stabilizer bars. Engines: * 1994-1998 - 1.5 L (1489 cc) [i]Z5[/i], FI, 16-valve DOHC, 89 hp (66 kW)/97 ft·lbf (132 N·m) * 1994-1996 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) [i]B8[/i], 114 hp (84 kW)/115 ft·lbf (157 N·m) * 1994-1996 - 2.0 L (1995 cc) [i]KF[/i] V6, FI, 24-valve DOHC, 144 hp (106 kW)/132 ft·lbf (180 N·m) * 1995-1999 - 1.3 L (1324 cc) [i]B3[/i], 1 barrel, 74 hp (54 kW)/77 ft·lbf (105 N·m) * 1995-1999 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) [i]BP[/i], FI, 16-valve DOHC, 131 hp (96 kW)/118 ft·lbf (160 N·m) * 1995-1999 - 2.0 L (1998 cc) [i]RF[/i], Diesel, 8-valve, 71 hp (52 kW)/94 ft·lbf (128 N·m) Models: * 4-door sedan (called the Protegé in the US) * 3-door hatchback ([b]Familia Neo[/b] in Japan, [b]323c[/b] in Europe [b]Laser Lynx[/b]) * A tall wagon, called the [b]Familia Van[/b], was also available in Japan. In South Africa, this model was known as the [b]Mazda Etude[/b]. See also: * '94 Familia 323F/Astina/Lantis A five door hatchback and four door sedan, both featuring pillarless doors and distinct sheetmetal from other 323s was sold in Japan as the [b]Mazda Lantis[/b], in Australia and South Africa as the [b]Mazda 323 Astina[/b], in Colombia as the [b]Mazda Allegro[/b] and in Europe as the [b]Mazda 323f[/b]. They were built on platforms distinct from the other [b]323[/b]s. The bodyshape was designed by former Porsche designers. The [b]Lantis[/b] was on the CB, a minor update of the CA that underpinned the luxury Mazda Xedos 6 and Eunos 500. The European [b]323f[/b] 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. Familia Neo/323c/Laser Lynx The Familia Neo started production for the Japanese Domestic Market in 1994. Ford released a rebadged version which was mechanicly the same although different bumpers, headlights and bonnet were fitted, badged as the Ford Laser-Lynx in Japan and Australia. This model was only availble 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 [b]323 Neo GS[/b]. 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: 1999 A redesigned ninth-generation [i]BJ[/i] Familia was introduced on June 9, 1998 as a 1999 model. Body styles were the sedan, 5-door [b]S-Wagon[/b] (sold as the [b]Protegé5[/b] in the United States), 3-door hatchback, and traditional 5-door [i]Wagon[/i]. A [i]4EC[/i] automatic transmission and two 5-speed manual transmissions are available (the manual is better for the performance oriented person). 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 [b]Familia Van[/b] and [b]Familia Business Wagon[/b] 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. An tall wagon version of the Familia called the [b]Mazda Premacy[/b] was also available, and which was sold in Japan as the [b]Ford Ixion[/b]. 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 [b]Protegé MP3[/b] featuring a new sport-tuned suspension, 17 in wheels, 10 hp (7.5 kW) extra for a total of 140 hp (104 kW), and a 450-watt Kenwood MP3 stereo. Only 1500 were produced. 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. 2002 saw the introduction of a station wagon version called Protegé5. All Proteges got the 2.0 L engine this year. In 2003, Mazdaspeed introduced the [b]Mazdaspeed Protegé[/b], an update to the Protegé MP3 that had a 170 hp (127 kW)/160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) turbocharged engine, 17 in wheels, larger four-wheel disc brakes, and a Kenwood stereo system that included an amplifier, and 8 inch sub. Mazda then followed with a mid year change dubbed the "2003.5." This model included a different aero-kit, darker painted wheels, and custom interior pieces. In total, there were only 4,750 Mazdaspeed Protegé models produced. This was the last year for the production of the Protegé. ES models got a manumatic transmission. 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 [b]Ford Activa[/b], which, unlike the [b]Ford Laser[/b], 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 [b]Ford Lynx[/b].) This Generation is also still in production as at 2007, 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. 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. Engines: * 1.3 L B3-ME SOHC I4 * 1.5 L ZL-DE DOHC I4 * 1.5 L ZL-VE S-VT I4 * 1.8 L FP-DE DOHC I4 * 2.0 L FS, 130 hp (97 kW) and 135 ft·lbf (183 N·m) * 2.0 L FS-ZE (2001 [i]Sport 20[/i]) * 2.0 L RF Diesel See also: * '98 Familia 2004 The Familia was replaced by the new Axela/Mazda3 for 2004, sharing a platform with the current generation Volvo S40 and the second generation Ford Focus (not sold in North America). 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. Racing Like many other Mazdas, the Familia, 323, and Protegé are frequent entrants in the world of amateur and touring car auto racing. The Familia 4WD/323 GTX won World Rally Championship's Swedish Rally in 1987 and 1989, and the 323 GTR placed second there in 1994. Results: * 1986 RAC Rally - 1st (Group A) * 1987 Swedish Rally - 1st * 1989 Swedish Rally - 1st * 1989 1000 Lakes Rally - 2nd * 1988 RAC Rally - 2nd * 1989 Rally New Zealand - 1st, 2nd * 1990 Rally New Zealand - 2nd *Protege Tech (Philippines) *Russian club Mazda 323, Familia, Protege *1977-79 Mazda 323 *Used Car Safety Ratings - Mazda 323 Familia Category:Compact cars Category:Sedans Category:Hatchbacks Category:Station wagons Category:Coupes Category:Subcompact cars Category:Front wheel drive vehicles Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles Category:1964 introductions Category:1960s automobiles Category:1970s automobiles Category:1980s automobiles Category:1990s automobiles Category:2000s automobiles de:Mazda 323 hu:Mazda 323 nl:Mazda 323 ja:????????? pl:Mazda 323 sv:Mazda 323 zh:???323 ru:Mazda Familia The Wikipedia article is licensed under http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html and uses material from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Familia. A preview of this article is available at http://www.blinkbits.com/en_wikifeeds/Mazda_Familia.

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