GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Mazda - 323

Latest articles for Mazda 323

Mazda 323 (BA (Mk5) 323)

BA (Mk5) 323

Make: Mazda

Model: 323

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Sep 1998

Mazda logo1 Jul 1994

By THE GOAUTO TEAM

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 and Astina 4-door Hardtop), a pretty new 5-door Astina hatchback, and four engines – 64kW 1.6L (323 base), 80kW 1.6L EFI (base Protégé), 92kW 1.8L (Protégé, Astina hatch and, from late ’96, Astina Hardtop) and an all-new 104kW 2.0L V6 powerplant reserved for the top line Astina V6 hatchback and Hardtop.

And while refinement, features and handling improved, Astina buyers had less headroom to enjoy – a corollary of the model’s sporty aspirations.

Sales were not strong, so the old Shades special edition was rolled out in April ’96, available across the range.

Meanwhile, the ageing entry-level BF 323 sedan had finally vanished by then.

From November '96 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 1.6L was now the base 323 model.

Reviews

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here