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Mazda BH/BA & Ford KJ (1994-1998)
Feb 13, 2008 at 10:07 PM
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The 1995 BH model was available internationally (The BH 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 Mazda Familia Van 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 (though the internals were not the same), 4-wheel disc brakes, and dual stabilizer bars.
Engines:
1994-1998 - 1.5 L (1489 cc) Z5, FI, 16-valve DOHC, 89 hp (66 kW)/97 ft·lbf (132 N·m)
1994-1996 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) B8, 114 hp (84 kW)/115 ft·lbf (157 N·m)
1994-1996 - 2.0 L (1995 cc) KF V6, FI, 24-valve DOHC, 144 hp (106 kW)/132 ft·lbf (180 N·m)
1995-1999 - 1.3 L (1324 cc) B3, 74 hp (54 kW)/77 ft·lbf (105 N·m)
1995-1999 - 1.8 L (1840 cc) BP, FI, 16-valve DOHC, 131 hp (96 kW)/118 ft·lbf (160 N·m)
1995-1999 - 2.0 L (1998 cc) RF, 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 (Familia Neo in Japan, 323c in Europe Laser Lynx)
A tall wagon, called the Familia Van, was also available in Japan. In South Africa, this model was known as the Mazda Etude.
Ford KJ Laser/TX3 Lynx
Mazda BH 323/Familia
Mazdaspeed BH
T14
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 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.
800px-Mazda_323_II_V6_Red
Mazdaspeed BA
LantisFamilia Neo/323c/Laser Lynx
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 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 323 Neo GS. 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.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Mazda BJ & Ford KN/KQ (1998-2003)
A redesigned ninth-generation BJ Familia was introduced on June 9, 1998 as a 1999 model. Body styles were the 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 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 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 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. A tall wagon version of the Familia called the Mazda Premacy was also available, and which 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 (7.5 kW) gain for a total of 140 hp (104 kW), which was achieved through a tuned factory ECU which advances ignition timing and requires Premium Pump Gasoline, cat-back exhaust by Racing Beat, and removal of the Mazda VTCS system which hindered air velocity in the intake manifold. As the name suggests, the MP3 also came from the factory with a complete 450-watt Kenwood powered MP3 stereo with 10 inch powered subwoofer.
Only 1500 were produced - 1000 of the blue, and 500 yellows. 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 in the ES models, and also an option on the LX model, becoming the 2.0LX. All 2001 Protege LX's with no 2.0 distinction came with the 1.6 L ZM-DE engine offered previously.
2002 saw the introduction of a station wagon version called Protegé5. All Proteges (including the 5) got the 2.0 L engine this year and a slightly revised interior.
A Protegé 5 was introduced as another limited edition, having a revised 2.0 L engine, offering 170 hp (127 kW)/133 ft·lbf (180 N·m)
In 2003, Mazdaspeed introduced the Mazdaspeed Protegé, an update to the Protegé MP3 that had a 170 hp (127 kW)/160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) turbocharged engine, shared the MP3's full Racing Beat suspension, redesigned 17 inch wheels, larger four-wheel disc brakes, and a Kenwood stereo system that included an amplifier along with a rear-deck mounted 8 inch sub. Mazda then followed with a mid year change dubbed the "2003.5." This model included a different aero-kit, the same 17 inch Racing Beat wheels, but with a darker color, and custom interior pieces. In total, there were only 4,500 Mazdaspeed Protegé models ever produced. (1,750 Black/Orange (2003) and 2,750 Yellow/Titanium/Blue/Silver (2003.5/7))
Also of note in the 2003 model is that the ES model received a triptronic Automatic transmission as an option, as well as a new wheel design refresh appearing on models with the 15 inch alloy rim option. This was also the last year of production for the Protegé.
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 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 as at 2008, in Asia (Taiwan) As the Mazda Isamu Genki (sold as hatch and sedan and with little or no styling differences to the original 1998 production model), and 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.
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.
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 Sport 20)
2.0 L RF Diesel
FORD KN/KQ
Mazda 323/Familia BJ
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 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 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. A tall wagon version of the Familia called the Mazda Premacy was also available, and which 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 (7.5 kW) gain for a total of 140 hp (104 kW), which was achieved through a tuned factory ECU which advances ignition timing and requires Premium Pump Gasoline, cat-back exhaust by Racing Beat, and removal of the Mazda VTCS system which hindered air velocity in the intake manifold. As the name suggests, the MP3 also came from the factory with a complete 450-watt Kenwood powered MP3 stereo with 10 inch powered subwoofer.
Only 1500 were produced - 1000 of the blue, and 500 yellows. 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 in the ES models, and also an option on the LX model, becoming the 2.0LX. All 2001 Protege LX's with no 2.0 distinction came with the 1.6 L ZM-DE engine offered previously.
2002 saw the introduction of a station wagon version called Protegé5. All Proteges (including the 5) got the 2.0 L engine this year and a slightly revised interior.
A Protegé 5 was introduced as another limited edition, having a revised 2.0 L engine, offering 170 hp (127 kW)/133 ft·lbf (180 N·m)
In 2003, Mazdaspeed introduced the Mazdaspeed Protegé, an update to the Protegé MP3 that had a 170 hp (127 kW)/160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) turbocharged engine, shared the MP3's full Racing Beat suspension, redesigned 17 inch wheels, larger four-wheel disc brakes, and a Kenwood stereo system that included an amplifier along with a rear-deck mounted 8 inch sub. Mazda then followed with a mid year change dubbed the "2003.5." This model included a different aero-kit, the same 17 inch Racing Beat wheels, but with a darker color, and custom interior pieces. In total, there were only 4,500 Mazdaspeed Protegé models ever produced. (1,750 Black/Orange (2003) and 2,750 Yellow/Titanium/Blue/Silver (2003.5/7))
Also of note in the 2003 model is that the ES model received a triptronic Automatic transmission as an option, as well as a new wheel design refresh appearing on models with the 15 inch alloy rim option. This was also the last year of production for the Protegé.
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 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 as at 2008, in Asia (Taiwan) As the Mazda Isamu Genki (sold as hatch and sedan and with little or no styling differences to the original 1998 production model), and 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.
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.
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 Sport 20)
2.0 L RF Diesel
FORD KN/KQ
Mazda 323/Familia BJ
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