Bojan Vrbnjak
In the section "Do you remember that?” we present cars from the past that are almost here now forgotten. What about the models that are still on the road in large numbers? The guys that everyone knows, who are already good on the road 20 let, and in some cases much less. They will become one day antiques? This is an occasion for controversial discussions. We want to present some of these models in the series "Classic cars of the future?".
The period around the year 1990 was for the stamp Mazda especially creative. It has produced original cars such as the legendary ones mx-5 miata, xedo 6, the last one RX-7 or extravagant Autozam AZ-1 with gullwing doors to Japan. Even bourgeois model series such as 323, suddenly caused a stir. In the form of a model 323 F at the fair IAA in 1989, in the year of the MX-5 model premiere. The five-door model didn't just have some coupe features. Low front with folding headlights was particularly surprising. Those "dreamy eyes", which we previously knew better from sports cars such as RX-7 ali Porsche 924.
Mazda is in its press release for IAA 1989 wrote: “When developing the new 323 series, the goal was to find an independent body line and achieve a high level of space saving with compact dimensions. Wind tunnel tests and analysis of specific body shapes resulted in flowing contours of the outer shell, which are reflected in good drag coefficients of between 0,31 (323 F), 0,34 (notchback) and 0,35 (hatchback), depending on the model . The designers managed a special feat with the five-door model, which is available in Germany under the designation F. Designers in Japan call it the five-door coupe, and not without reason. This model is actually flatter than its two brothers; the goal was to achieve a coupé style without having to give up the advantages of a sedan. Mazda already had positive experience in this field, as the Mazda 626 hatchback model was based on the 626 Coupe model and not on the sedan. Compared to previous 323 models, the body is even more rigid without having to accept the extra weight. At higher speeds, possible vibrations and noisy sounds have been reduced. The body has also been improved in terms of wind noise."
In the field engines was model F available with petrol engines s 84, 103 ali 128 BAM, and prices in Germany started at 22.950 marks. No wonder the F model represented the do 40 percent of all 323 registrations. Years 1990 is also ADAC praised the good workmanship and decent amount of space in the 4,26 meters long model 323 F. They also liked the engine's pulling power and torque 16V with 103 hp, which brought the car up to 100 km/h in 10,7 seconds. Top model 1.9i 16V GT, who stood 28.670 German marks, was barely any faster, by exactly 10 seconds.
Reviews German authority ADAC in the magazine "Car 91 Special” then they were: “The front brakes brake quickly, but the rear brakes tend to roll in corners.” On the other hand, there was reliability Mazda 323 F no criticism. Almost all established automotive media at the time covered the car endurance test. Defects and complaints? Nothing. And also those few vehicles 323 F, which are still in use today, is in surprisingly good condition. We may welcome them through soon sleepy eyes.
