Mazda 323

"Mazda Familia" redirects here. For the 1963-1968 car sold as Familia in Japan, see Mazda 800. For the 1968-1977 Familia model, see Mazda 1000.

Mazda 323

1999–2000 Mazda Protegé ES sedan (US)
Manufacturer	Mazda
Also called	Mazda Familia Mazda GLC Mazda Protegé
Production	1977–2003
Successor	Mazda3/Axela
Class	Small family car Subcompact (1977–1994) Compact (1995–2003)

The Mazda 323, marketed as Mazda GLC in North America and Mazda Familia in Japan, is a series of small family/compact cars that was manufactured by Mazda between 1977 and 2003 and marketed in several body styles and under numerous other brands and nameplates.

Sold as Mazda Familia in Japan, it continued the same name as the Mazda 800 and Mazda 1000. In North America, nameplates included GLC, 323, and Protegé for later models. In South Africa, it was marketed as the Sting. In Colombia the 6th generation was called Allegro.

The 323 was also rebranded as the Ford Laser and Meteor in Asia, Australasia some Latin American countries and (from 1991) as the Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer in North America.

323s were manufactured in Hiroshima, Japan as well as Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia, and New Zealand.

The 323 line was replaced by the Mazda Axela in 2004.

First generation (1977–1980)

First generation

Also called	Mazda Familia AP Mazda GLC Mazda MR90, Baby Boomers Mazda Vantrend
Production	January 1977–1980 (hatchback) June 1978–1986 (wagon)
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 3-door station wagon/van 5-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Engine	985 cc PC I4 1,272 cc TC I4 1,415 cc UC I4 1,597 cc 4G32 I4 (SA)
Wheelbase	2,311 mm (91.0 in)
Length	3,820 mm (150.4 in)
Width	1,595 mm (62.8 in)
Curb weight	812 kg (1,790 lb)

1979–1980 Mazda 323 1.4 5-dr (FA4US, Australia)

The 323 (Familia AP in Japan, GLC or Great Little Car in North America) debuted in January 1977 as a rear-wheel-drive subcompact, replacing both the Grand Familia (818) and the preceding Familia, known in North America as Mazda 1000 and 1300. There was a choice of hatchbacks and station wagon bodies, both available with a 3- or 5-door bodystyle. The Station Wagon/Van version was a bit later, first being introduced in June 1978, which also meant that the commercial versions based on the 1970 323 could finally be retired. Three Mazda engines were available, the 985 cc PC, 1,272 cc TC, or 1,415 cc UC. It shared many parts with the older Mazda Grand Familia.

In June 1979 the 323 underwent a facelift, replacing the previous round headlights with rectangular units which were designed as a single unit along with the grille. Other minor differences occurred along with the facelift. In South Africa a 1,600 cc model was available – however this model did not have a Mazda engine, unlike the rest of the range. 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 1986. In 1981 a facelift was given to the wagon range, to give a front end treatment similar to Mazda's front-wheel drive 323 range.

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 PS (33 kW; 44 hp) / 51 ft·lb (69 N·m) – export only
• 1.3 L TC (1977.01–1978) 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) / 72 PS (53 kW) in Japan
• 1.4 L UC (1978.03–1980) 83 PS (61 kW) in Japan

A five-speed manual gearbox was introduced later as an alternative to the original four-speed manual gearbox. At the same time the original 7-inch (178 mm) 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.

Late Mazda 323 Wagon (UK)

When the next generation front-wheel-drive 323/GLC/Familia 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 1986, when a new front-wheel-drive model was introduced.

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 marketing campaign in the U.S. had the words "Great Little Car" set to the tune of Spanish Flea.

Indonesia

Indonesian Mazda MR90

Indonesian Mazda Baby Boomers

Indonesian Mazda Vantrend

In Indonesia the 323 was marketed by IndoMobil Group as the Mazda MR90 (hatchback) between 1990 and 1992, Baby Boomers (hatchback) between 1993 and 1995, and as the Vantrend (station wagon) between 1993 and 1997. The versions built by Mazda Motor Indonesia used the larger Mazda 626's "GC" platform, and later versions had modernized headlights (same as on the North American market GC 626) and bumpers. Only the UC 1.4-litre engine was offered, in combination with a five-speed transmission.

Second generation (BD; 1980–1984)

Second generation (BD)

Also called	Mazda BD Familia Mazda GLC Ford Laser
Production	1980–1984 1984–1986 (Colombia)
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan Hofu, Japan Bogotá, Colombia
Body style	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Engine	1.1 L E1 I4 1.3 L E3 I4 1.5 L E5 I4
Related	Ford Laser Ford Meteor

Mazda 323 sedan

1980–1982 Mazda 323 (BD) 5-door hatchback (Australia)

The third generation 323, called BD Familia in Japan, first shown on 2 June 1980, was entirely new – it was Mazda's first front-engine, front-wheel drive subcompact car. It was available as a hatchback and sedan. It was developed with input from Ford, which in 1979 had acquired a stake in the Japanese manufacturer, and had a twin called the Ford Laser (and Ford Meteor, for its four-door model in Australia). The all new Mazda E engine-series was developed expressly for the BD and was offered in three different displacements. The smallest 1.1-liter E1 unit was reserved for certain export markets where the tax structures suited it. Chassis codes were BD1011/BD1031/BD1051 depending on the engine installed.

Engines:

• 1.1 L (1,100 cc) E1, 1 barrel, 55 hp (41 kW; 56 PS) / 58 ft·lb (79 N·m)
• 1.3 L (1,300 cc) E3, 2 barrel, 68 hp (51 kW; 69 PS) / 70 ft·lb (95 N·m)
• 1.5 L (1,500 cc) E5, 2 barrel, 75 hp (56 kW; 76 PS) / 85 ft·lb (115 N·m)
• 1.5 L (1,500 cc) E5S, 2x2 barrel, 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS) / 88 ft·lb (119 N·m)

For the Japanese market two other top end models were offered, the 2-door Familia XGI with a 1,500 cc single cam, multi-point fuel-injected engine and an XGI Turbo R with a turbo added. Its twin the Ford Laser S were also offered with the same specifications but in limited numbers.

This particular 323 was a strong comeback for Mazda in the Japanese market, even outselling the Toyota Corolla on several occasions.

Mazda Familia 1500 XG (Japan)

The 1980 323 was the first front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicle from Mazda since the R130. This generation of 323 was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1980. A station wagon version, which was simply a facelifted version of the previous rear-drive model (with square headlights), was sold in parallel with the BD. The wagon was available with either three or five doors and was equipped either with the old 1,272 cc TC engine or the newly developed 1,490 cc E5 engine, producing 60 PS (44 kW) and 70 PS (51 kW) respectively.

The equivalent 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 and the GLC nameplate was retired. It was the only front-wheel drive Mazda vehicle using the GLC name.

Third generation (BF; 1985–1989)

Third generation (BF)

Also called	Mazda Familia Ford Tonic Sao Penza
Production	1985–1989,1986–2004 in Colombia
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan Hofu, Japan Bogotá, Colombia Silverton, South Africa Rayong, Thailand
Body style	2-door cabriolet 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon 2-door pickup (South Africa)
Layout	FF layout four-wheel drive
Engine	1.5 L E5 I4 1.6 L B6 I4 1.6 L B6T I4 turbo 1.7 L PN I4 diesel
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4 or 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4,110 mm (161.8 in) Sedan & Wagon: 4,310 mm (169.7 in)
Width	1,645 mm (64.8 in)
Height	Sedan & Hatchback: 1,390 mm (54.7 in) Wagon: 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb weight	936 kg (2,064 lb)
Related	Mazda Étude Ford Laser Mercury Tracer

In January 1985, the third generation appeared, and the 323 featured many updates. It was available as a hatchback or sedan only for the first year, a wagon being added in November 1985. In January 1987 a personal coupé version with its own bodywork, the Étude, was added. In February 1987 the 323 range underwent a light facelift that included replacing the old E engines with the more modern B series.

The 1985 323 spawned a Ford Laser twin sold in the Asia-Pacific. The Laser sedan and wagon were nearly identical to the 323 but with a Ford grille. By contrast the Laser hatchback model, which was sold in the U.S. as the Mercury Tracer used completely different panels from the 323's.

This generation of the 323 was also available in a version with a turbocharged DOHC engine, with either front- or four-wheel drive. The 4WD version, introduced in October 1985, saw some success in rally's Group A category. Regular GTX's (GT-X in Japan) produced 140 PS (103 kW). A limited production homologation special, the GT-Ae, appeared in May 1988 and offered an additional ten horsepower. There was also a 1.7-litre diesel version available with 58 PS (43 kW) at 4,300 rpm and 112 N·m (83 ft·lb) at 2,800 rpm. It is an indirect injection engine, naturally aspirated.

This generation was sold through the 1989 model year in the United States. The wagon continued alongside the succeeding generation in most markets until 1994/95, later updated with a new grille and lights.

The model remained in production in South Africa, as an entry-level model, also being sold as the Ford Tonic until 2003. A locally designed pick-up based on the 323 front end, called the Rustler was also produced, and sold as the Ford Bantam. From 1991 to 1994 Samcor also produced and sold the 323 with the 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC FE engine from the Mazda 626 and badged it 200i. Along with the 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC engine there were upgrades to the suspension and braking system. Still, the 1.6-litre GT-Ae homologation car was more powerful.

In 1991, the South African-made model was exported to the United Kingdom as the Sao Penza and fitted with a 1.3 L fuel-injected engine. This South African built model was also sold in Australia between 1989 and 1991 with minor changes, the most noticeable one being the front indicators having a clear color rather than the normal amber. These models where labeled BF as opposed to the next generation's BG.

A factory-built convertible body was introduced in March 1986 in both Mazda 323 and Ford Laser (323 panels from firewall back) versions.

Engines:

• 1985–1987 – 1.1 L (1,100 cc) E1, 2 barrel, 8-valve, 55 hp (41 kW; 56 PS) / 59 ft·lb (80 N·m)
• 1985–1987 – 1.3 L (1,300 cc) E3, 2 barrel, 8-valve, 68 hp (51 kW; 69 PS) / 71 ft·lb (96 N·m)
• 1987–1989 – 1.3 L (1,300 cc) B3, 2 barrel, 8-valve, 66 PS (49 kW; 65 hp) / 74 ft·lb (100 N·m)
• 1985–1987 – 1.5 L (1,500 cc) E5, 2 barrel or EGi, 8-valve, 85 PS (63 kW)/12.3 kg·m (121 N·m) (JDM EGi)
• 1985–1987 – 1.5 L (1,500 cc) E5T, turbo EGi, 8-valve, 115 PS (85 kW)/16.5 kg·m (162 N·m) (JDM only)
• 1987–1989 – 1.5 L (1,500 cc) B5, 2 barrel, 12-valve, 73 hp (54 kW; 74 PS) / 81 ft·lb (110 N·m)
• 1985–1989 – 1.6 L (1,600 cc) B6, 8-valve, 103 hp (77 kW; 104 PS) / 98 ft·lb (133 N·m)
• 1985–1989 – 1.6 L (1,600 cc) B6T, turbo, 16-valve, 143 hp (107 kW; 145 PS) / 138 ft·lb (187 N·m)
• 1985–1989 – 1.7 L (1,700 cc) PN, Diesel, 8-valve, 57 hp (43 kW; 58 PS) / 107 ft·lb (145 N·m)
• 1991–1994 – 2.0 L (2,000 cc) FE-DOHC, EFi, 16-valve, 146 hp (109 kW; 148 PS) (South Africa only)

• 

  Heck des 323 hatchback

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  Mazda 323 sedan (1985–1987)

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  Mazda 323 hatchback (1987–1989)

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  Hatchback

• 

  Mazda 323 sedan (1987–1989)

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  Mazda 323 station wagon (1987–1989)

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  1988–1989 Mazda 323 sedan (North America)

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  Mazda 323 hatchback (US)

Fourth generation (BG; 1989–1994)

Fourth generation (BG)

Top: European 1989-1992 model Bottom: European 1992-1994 model
Also called	Mazda BG Familia Mazda Protegé
Production	1989–1994
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan Hofu, Japan Rayong, Thailand
Body style	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive / All-wheel drive
Engine	1.3 L B3 I4 1.5 L B5 I4 1.6 L B6 I4 1.8 L SOHCB8 I4 1.8 L DOHC BP I4 1.8 L DOHC turbo BPT I4 1.7 L PN I4 Diesel
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed F-4EAT automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	Hatchback: 2,450 mm (96.5 in) Sedan: 2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4,155 mm (163.6 in) Sedan: 4,355 mm (171.5 in)
Width	Sedan & 1993–94 Hatchback: 1,675 mm (65.9 in) 1990–92 Hatchback: 1,670 mm (65.7 in)
Height	1993–94 Hatchback: 1,345 mm (53.0 in) 1993–94 Sedan: 1,340 mm (52.8 in) 1990–92 Hatchback: 1,380 mm (54.3 in) 1990–92 Sedan: 1,375 mm (54.1 in) AWD Sedan: 1,385 mm (54.5 in)
Curb weight	1,070 kg (2,359 lb)
Related	Mazda Familia Astina Eunos 100 Ford Laser Ford Escort/Ford Escort ZX2 Mercury Tracer Kia Sephia

The fourth generation of the 323 (BG Familia in Japan) was introduced in 1989, and included a 3-door hatchback, 5-door fastback, and 4-door sedan variants, none of which shared any body panels. The new 5-door fastback version was called the Familia Astina in Japan and was sold as the 323F or 323 Astina elsewhere. The BF wagon (originally introduced in 1985) was carried over in facelifted form, although Ford marketed a wagon on the new platform as part of the North American Escort line.

The 1989/1990 323 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 kept its name.

1991–1994 Mazda 323 (BG) sedan (Australia)

The GT model, only sold in Canada in 1990, 1991, and 1993, came with the 1.8 BP engine also found on the 1991–94 Ford Escort GT. It borrowed the interior from the GTX model, and had all factory options including a rear trunk spoiler that not available in the U.S. 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 Kia Sephia also used the hardware of this generation 323.

In Japan, the 5-door hatchback, featuring a distinct front end with pop-up headlights, was sold as the Mazda Familia Astina and (Japanese: Eunos 100). Trim lines in Japan included Clair, Interplay, Supreme, "Pepper", and GT-X. In Europe, this model variant was badged as Mazda 323F. It was available with the 1.6 or the 16-valve 1.8-litre engines.

In America, the LX version of the Protegé included a 125 horsepower (93 kW) engine.^{[citation needed]} LX models also had 14-inch (360 mm) wheels, front and rear disc brakes, and dual stabilizer bars.

In New Zealand, all BG models that were manufactured in New Zealand came with glass headlights instead of plastic, and a 240 km/h speedometer.

Production of the 1994 model ended on May 24, 1994.

Engines:

• 1989–1991 – 1.6 L (1,600 cc) B6, 1 barrel, 8-valve, 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS) / 92 ft·lb (125 N·m)
• 1989–1994 – 1.8 L (1,800 cc) B8, FI, 16-valve SOHC, 103 hp (77 kW; 104 PS) / 108 ft·lb (146 N·m)
• 1989–1994 – 1.8 L (1,800 cc) BP, FI, 16-valve DOHC, 125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS) / 118 ft·lb (160 N·m)
• 1989–1994 – 1.8 L (1,800 cc) BPT, FI, 16-valve DOHC, turbo, 185 hp (138 kW; 188 PS) / 235 N·m (173 ft·lb) (Familia GTX)
• 1991–1994 – 1.8 L (1,800 cc) B8, FI, 16-valve SOHC, 103 hp (77 kW)
• 1992–1993 – 1.8 L (1,800 cc) BPD, FI, 16-valve DOHC, turbo, 209 hp (156 kW)(255 N·m) Powered the Familia GT-R & GT-Ae
• 1990–1993 – 1.3 L (1,300 cc) B3, 1 barrel, 75 hp (56 kW; 76 PS) / 76 ft·lb (103 N·m)
• 1990–1993 – 1.7 L (1,700 cc) PN, Diesel, 8-valve, 57 hp (43 kW; 58 PS) / 79 ft·lb (107 N·m)

• 

  1990–1992 Mazda 323 hatchback (US)

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  1993–1994 Mazda Protegé sedan (US)

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  1991–1994 Mazda 323 (BG Series 2) Astina 5-door hatchback (Australia)

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  1990 Mazda Familia GTX (Japan) - non standard wheels.

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  1990–1992 Mazda Protegé sedan (US)

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  1992 hatchback (Europe)

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  1992 hatchback (Europe)

Familia Infini

The Mazda Familia Infini was produced from 1989 to 1990 as a special Japan only special sport trim line of the 4-door Familia. Much of the Infini trim is similar to the American LX version, equipped with the 1.8 DOHC BP-ZE engine and 5-speed manual. The Infini was upgraded with a viscous limited slip differential, tightened suspension package, and bonnet/headlight style similar to the 323 hatchbacks. In 1994, these were facelifts were adopted to all Familia sedan models. The Infini came only in dark green color with unique Infini trim grille, rear spoiler, "lightweight" carpet, without sound deadener, and with Infini (∞) logos on horn button, front grille, wheel caps, and bootlid. There were also unique factory front clear indicators, a Momo steering wheel, BBS 15" rims, suede interior with GTX style seat trim, leather gearboot & knob, front and rear strut braces, 22 mm sway bars front fron rear, rear tie bar, 180 kmh speedometer and 7100 rpm redline tachometer, as well as 250 mm 4-wheel disc brakes. Around 1,000 Infinis were produced.

Familia GTX, GTR and GT-Ae

The JDM GTX model featured four-wheel drive, viscous limited slip differentials and a turbocharged 1.8 L BP engine. In the U.S. the Protegé came with a 1.8 L non-turbocharged engine, along with 4WD. The JDM GT-R rally homologation version was added in 1992, featuring a number of enhancements over the GTX model: a stronger gearbox (G5M-R), an aggressive front bumper, grill and bonnet vents, updated rear bumper, wheel flares, stiffer suspension and anti-roll bars with thicker cross members, and homologated five-stud wheel hubs with larger brakes. The interior was fitted with leather and suede seats, and had the option of replacing the cupholder with a 3 gauge cluster. In addition, the GTR has stronger connecting rods and pistons, larger oil squirters, larger nose crank, larger oil cooler, sodium filled valves, a baffled inlet manifold, larger injectors (from 330cc (black) to 440cc (orange)), removed boost cut, front-mounted intercooler, and a IHI VJ-23 ball bearing watercooled turbocharger. Both the GTX and GTR models were limited to a top speed of 180kph. However, removing a screw on the back of the instrument cluster, labeled 180kph, meant that the speed limiter was removed.

The GT-R produced 210 PS (154 kW) compared to the GTX with 185 PS (136 kW). 300 special version GT-R's were produced known as GT-Ae's. These shared the power output of the GT-R, but were 30 kg (66 lb) lighter, fitted with closer ratio gearboxes, and featured a larger top spoiler with a gap between the hatch and the spoiler to direct air to the new lower spoiler. The wiring for ABS, A/C, power mirrors, power windows, power locks, and sunroof was removed. Instead of using the GTR's leather interior, the lighter cloth interior of the GTX was used.

323F

A sport version, 323F, was also sold.

• 

  1989-1994 323F

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  1989-1994 323F

Fifth generation (BH; 1994–1998)

Fifth generation (BH, BA)

Also called	Mazda BH Familia Mazda Allegro Mazda Protegé Mazda Étude
Production	1994–1998, 1995–1999 in Colombia, 1996–2000 in the Philippines
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan Hofu, Japan Bogotá, Colombia Pretoria, South Africa, Paranaque, Philippines (Columbian Autocar Corporation) Rayong, Thailand
Body style	3-door hatchback (Neo) 4-door sedan (Protegé/Familia) 4-door hardtop sedan (Lantis) 5-door hatchback (Lantis/Astina)
Layout	FF layout
Engine	1.3 L B3 I4 1.5 L Z5 I4 1.5 L B5 I4 1.8 L BP I4 1.7 L 4EE1 I4 Diesel
Transmission	4-speed F-4EAT automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	Hatchback: 2,450 mm (96 in) 1997–98 Sedan: 2,607 mm (102.6 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4,155 mm (163.6 in) 1997–98 Sedan: 4,440 mm (175 in) 1995–96 Sedan: 4,435 mm (174.6 in)
Width	1997–98 Sedan: 1,710 mm (67 in) 1995–96 Sedan: 1,694 mm (66.7 in) Hatchback: 1,670 mm (66 in)
Height	1995–96 ES Sedan: 1,381 mm (54.4 in) 1997–98 Sedan: 1,420 mm (56 in) 1995–96 Sedan: 1,386 mm (54.6 in) Hatchback: 1,380 mm (54 in)
Related	Mazda 323F/Lantis/Allegro Ford Laser Ford Escort Mercury Tracer

1998 Mazda Protegé LX (US)

1996–99 Mazda Familia Wagon (rebadged Nissan Sunny California)

The fifth generation 323 was called BH Familia in Japan and was released for the Japanese Domestic Market 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.

An unusual JDM model appeared in 1994, with the cancellation of the 1985-generation station wagon. The Mazda Familia Van offered after this year was a rebadged Nissan Wingroad/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 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. The same car went on sale in Australia in second half of 1994. with fully featured BP-ZE engine. The Protegé became a "compact car" for the 1995 model year in North America.

Engines

• 1994–1998 – 1.5 L (1,500 cc) Z5, FI, 16-valve DOHC, 89 hp (66 kW; 90 PS) / 97 ft·lb (132 N·m)
• 1994–1996 – 1.8 L (1,800 cc) B8, 114 hp (85 kW; 116 PS) / 115 ft·lb (156 N·m)
• 1994–1996 – 2.0 L (2,000 cc) KF V6, FI, 24-valve DOHC, 144 hp (107 kW; 146 PS) / 132 ft·lb (179 N·m)
• 1995–1999 – 1.3 L (1,300 cc) B3, 74 hp (55 kW; 75 PS) / 77 ft·lb (104 N·m)
• 1995–1999 – 1.8 L (1,800 cc) BP, FI, 16-valve DOHC, 131 hp (98 kW; 133 PS) / 118 ft·lb (160 N·m)
• 1995–1999 – 2.0 L (2,000 cc) RF, Diesel, 8-valve, 71 hp (53 kW; 72 PS) / 94 ft·lb (127 N·m)

Models

• 4-door sedan (called the Protegé in North America, 323S in Europe, 323-Protegé in Australia and Étude in South Africa)
• 3-door hatchback (Familia Neo in Japan, 323C and 323P (323P being a hatchback version of 323S) in Europe, Laser Lynx as a Ford)
• A tall wagon, called the Familia Van, was also available in Japan.

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  Mazda 323C (1994–1998)

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  Mazda 323S (1994–1998)

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  Mazda 323P (1997–2000)

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  323C

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  323S

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  323P

Familia Neo

1995 Mazda 323 (Canada)

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 Protegé until production of both models ceased in 1998. This was released new in New Zealand as the Mazda Familia Neo. It featured a rear hatch with a divided glass, 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 112 PS (82 kW), and 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 323C (for coupé) and it was equipped with 1.3 L SOHC (75 HP), 1.5 L DOHC 16V (88 HP), and 1.8 L DOHC 16V (112 HP) engine.

Lantis/Astina/323F

Main article: Mazda Lantis

1994-1998 Mazda 323F (Europe)

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.

Sixth generation (BJ; 1998–2003)

Sixth generation (BJ)

Also called	Mazda BJ Familia Mazda Protegé MazdaSpeed Protegé Mazda Isamu Genki (Taiwan) Mazda Allegro Ford Activa Ford Lynx Ford Laser Ford Tierra
Production	1998–2003, 2003–present in, Taiwan, Philippines, China, and Colombia.
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan Hofu, Japan Pretoria, South Africa Bogotá, Colombia Tehran, Iran Rayong, Thailand
Body style	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door wagon (Nissan Wingroad based)
Layout	Front-wheel drive Four-wheel drive (Sport 20)
Engine	1.3 L B3-ME SOHC I4 1.5 L ZL-DE DOHC I4 1.5 L ZL-VE S-VT I4 1.6 L ZM-DE DOHC I4 1.8 L FP-DE DOHC I4 2.0 L RF Diesel I4 2.0 L FS-DE DOHC I4 2.0 L FS-DET Turbo DOHC I4
Transmission	4-speed F-4EAT 4-speed 4F27E automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,610 mm (103 in)
Length	1999–2000 Protegé: 174.0 in (4,420 mm) 2001–03 Protegé: 175.3 in (4,453 mm) Protegé5: 170.5 in (4,331 mm) 2001–03 Wagon: 4,265 mm (167.9 in) 1999–2000 Wagon: 4,215 mm (165.9 in) 2001–03 Sedan: 4,365 mm (171.9 in) 1999–2000 Sedan: 4,315 mm (169.9 in) Mazdaspeed & MP3: 4,435 mm (174.6 in)
Width	1,705 mm (67.1 in)
Height	Sedan: 1,410 mm (56 in) Wagon: 1,470 mm (58 in) Mazdaspeed & MP3: 55.3 in (1,405 mm)
Related	Mazda Premacy Ford Ixion FAW Haima Family

A redesigned sixth generation 323 was introduced on June 9, 1998, marketed as BJ Familia in Japan. Body styles included a 4-door 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 were 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 offered with more engine choices. The Japanese Mazda Familia had all-wheel drive as an option. In America, the ES's engine was still 1.8 liters, but for the sixth generation it was a smaller version of the 626's engine (the FP) rather than the sportier engine shared with the Miata which had been used previously. The rear disc brakes of the ES were downgraded to drums.

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 new 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 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 kW; 10 PS) gain for a total of 140 hp (104 kW; 142 PS), which was achieved through a tuned factory ECU which advances ignition timing requiring high octane rating gasoline, cat-back exhaust by Racing Beat, and removal of the Mazda VTCS system. The MP3 also came from the factory with a complete 450-watt Kenwood powered MP3 stereo with 10-inch (250 mm) powered subwoofer. A total of 1,500 were produced – 1,000 finished in blue, and 500 painted yellow.

The 2001 Protegé were face lifted, with the ES models receiving rear disc brakes and a stiffer suspension. The 1.8 L engine was increased to 2.0 L for the ES models, and was optional on the LX model, becoming the 2.0LX. The standard 2001 Protegé LX engine was the carryover 1.6 L ZM-DE.

2001 saw the introduction of a station wagon version called Protegé5 with the same 2.0 L engine offering 130 hp (97 kW; 132 PS) / 135 ft·lb (183 N·m) this year and a slightly revised interior.

In 2002, most Protegés (including the 5) received the 2.0 L engine, although the SE in Canada had the 1.6 L.

In 2003, Mazdaspeed introduced the Mazdaspeed Protegé, an update to the Protegé MP3 that had a 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) / 160 ft·lb (217 N·m) turbocharged engine, shared the MP3's full Racing Beat suspension, redesigned 17-inch (430 mm) wheels, larger four-wheel disc brakes, and a Kenwood stereo system that included an amplifier along with a rear-deck mounted 8-inch (200 mm) sub. Mazda then followed with a mid year change dubbed the "2003.5." This model included a different aero-kit, the same 17-inch (430 mm) Racing Hart wheels, but with a darker color, and custom interior pieces. In total, there were 4,500 Mazdaspeed Protegé models produced of which 1,750 were painted Black/Orange for first version and 2,750 of the mid-year model that were finished in Yellow/Titanium/Blue/Silver.

The 2003 ES model received a tiptronic automatic transmission as an option, as well as a new wheel design appearing on models with the 15-inch (380 mm) alloy rim option. This was also the last year of production for the Protegé.

The sixth generation went into production on September 29, 1998, and ended on October 2, 2003. However, this version remains in production in Taiwan as the Mazda Genki (sold as hatch and sedan and with little or no styling differences to the original 1998 production model). 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 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/Protegé/Astina/Familia. In Colombia, production of the Mazda 323 continued until 2003, built by its local subsidiary, the Compañía Colombiana Automotriz.

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.

The 323 was replaced by the new model known as Mazda3/Axela for 2004. The Mazda3/Mazda Axela 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.

Engines:

• 1.3 L B3-ME SOHC I4
• 1.5 L ZL-DE DOHC I4
• 1.5 L ZL-VE S-VT I4
• 1.6 L ZM-DE DOHC I4
• 1.8 L FP-DE DOHC I4
• 2.0 L FS, 130 hp (97 kW; 132 PS) / 135 ft·lb (183 N·m)
• 2.0 L FS-ZE (2001 Sport 20)
• 2.0 L RF Diesel

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  BJ Mazda 323 wagon

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  2002–2003 Mazda 323 (BJ) Protegé SP20 sedan (Australia)

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  2003 Mazda Astina Shades hatchback (Australia)

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  2002–2003 Mazda Protegé5 (US)

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  2002–2003 Mazda Protegé5 (US)

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  2003.5 MazdaSpeed Protegé

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  2008 Haima Family