Quality As Standard

The Age

Wednesday July 16, 2008

David Morley

It's hard for small-car buyers to go wrong with the Mazda 323, writes David Morley.

EVER since Mazda switched its 323 small car to front-wheel-drive in the early 1980s, the model hasn't really put a foot wrong.

The original front-drive hatchback version (of which the hot-selling Ford Laser of the same time was a close relation) was a revelation after generations of ill-handling fare from most manufacturers.

Of course, the Mazda 3 of 2004 raised the bar even further in the small-car market but even it rode on the back of the model that preceded it, the last to bear the 323 moniker.

Launched in 1998, there was outwardly nothing too radical about the BJ (Mazda's in-house code for the model) 323.

But when you looked closer, the quality started to shine through.

There was a five-door hatchback, which took the Astina tag, and the four-door sedan which Mazda badged Protege.

While the sedan was a pretty inoffensive looker, the hatchback

was more attractive but still conservative enough not to frighten the horses.

That was important because the 323 had long been a favourite of retirees and empty-nesters and that in itself is good for those thinking of a second-hand 323, because that sort of previous owner is likely to have serviced the car by the book and never thrashed it.

Standard equipment in even the base model was pretty good with a driver's air-bag, central locking and air-conditioning, but no standard anti-lock brakes, which is a shame because the car is otherwise such a good learner's car.

Moving up the spec ladder got you a second air-bag and more convenience gear but if you wanted anti-lock brakes you needed to wait until the 2001 facelift and then opt for the version with the bigger engine.

Speaking of engines, there's really not too much to choose between the base 1.6 and the high-spec 1.8-litre four cylinders.

The smaller engine made 78kW which was pretty good and 143Nm of torque, so it could easily get out of its own way.

It was also powerful enough for highway cruising, even with a decent load on board.

The 1.8-litre, meanwhile, got you 90kW and 160Nm of torque and while it felt a bit fitter, you'd never really accuse the 1.6 of being underdone.

The big difference became apparent if you chose the automatic option over the standard five-speed manual gearbox.

With just four forward ratios, the automatic transmission really appreciates the extra tug of the 1.8-litre engine, so if an automatic gearbox is on your must-have list, find a 1.8.

Another version is called the SP20, available in both hatchback and sedan variants. It turned the 323 into something rather more sporty.

Aside from the decals, alloy wheels and different colours, the SP20 package was based on a two-litre engine that delivered 98kW of power and 174Nm of torque for more straight-line performance.

Again, the difference between the 2.0-litre and the 1.8 wasn't a vast gulf but there's sufficient extra urge in the SP20 for it to be worth the extra money sellers will be asking now.

The bigger wheels and tyres gave the car more grip and it was a lot of fun to drive.

As small hatches and sedans go, the last of the 323s stands as one of the better ones in the class for its age.

It's also a great way to get into a relatively new car that won't be outgrown by the owner the moment he or she throws away their P-plates.

WHAT TO PAY

Prices for an early (1999 or so) base model with the smaller engine start at about $7000 which seems reasonable value for a car that was so well built.

Beware really cheap cars, though, as they've probably covered more than 160,000km, although that's not necessarily a huge problem if they've been well serviced. The SP20 can be found for low-to-mid teens and, again, you will be buying an early example at that price.

THE COMPETITION

This is a hot market segment and it's no surprise that there are plenty of alternatives. Mitsubishi's Lancer is a popular choice with young drivers, as are Honda Civics, Nissan Pulsars and Toyota Corollas. Just be aware, though, that small-car safety has moved on extensively since these cars were new and we'd always recommend you buy the newest small car with the best safety rating you can afford.

© 2008 The Age

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