WHO TO CALL: Auto Editor A.P. McCredie 985-2131 (113) / iazda 323 retains its thrifty style Greg Wilson TEST DRIVE WHILE SOME vehicle man- ufacturers have abandoned the hatchback, Mazda has decided to keep its thrifty, fun-to-drive subcompact hatchback, the 323. Both the two-door 323 and the four-door Protege sedan (which is based on the 323 platform) have been completely redesigned for the wg 1995 model year. The Protege offers enhanced styling, more interior room and more safety features, while the 323 hatchback offers a new, smaller base engine that is both more fvel- efficient and more powerful than pre- vious models. In an unusual! marketing move, Mazda has decided not to drop the current 1994 323. It remains in the 1995 lineup as a low-priced, entry- level model for 1995, starting at $10,500. The sparsely equipped 323 S is expected to be popular with both fleet companies and entry-level buy- ers looking for a reliable, fuel-effi- cient hatchback for delivery and commuting chores. The new, restyled 323 will be offered in mid-level GS trim and top- of-the-line LS trim. The GS, starting at $14,000, includes such standard features as power steering, split rear seats, and a radio/cassetie player. The $18.000 LS is fully equipped with such features as dual airbags, sunroof, power door-locks and a larger 1.8-litre dual overhead cam four-cvtinder engine. The 323's new styling incorpo- rates a low, stoping nose, high rear deck, and a stubby rear-end with an extra vertical glass window, much like the Honda CRX. The new 323 is about the same length as the previous model, but it's slightly wider and taller, and the wheelbase is 5.5 cm (2.2 in.) longer. The wider track, longer wheelbase, and stiffer body structure contribute to more stable handling, an improved ride, and less noise and vibration. However, the skinny 175/70R-13 radial tires on the GS model limit handling considerably. The LS is equipped with larger, grippier 185/65 14 radials, which do a better job. A new 1.5-litre dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine replaces the base 1.6-litre single overhead cam engine. The free-revving 92 horsepower 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine has 10 more horsepower than the 1.6 motor, and is more fuel-effi- cient, averaging 6.7 L/}00 km (ver- aus 7.4 L/100 kim with the manual transmission). Fuei economy is par- ticularly good on the highway: an impressive 5.7 litres pez 100 kilome- tres (50 m.p.g.). However, the new 323 GS is slower ina straight line than the 323 5, taking 12.1 seconds to go from zero to 100 km-h (62 m.p.h.), com- pared to 11.0 secands for the base model. This is probably because the new 323 is at least 70 kg (154 Ibs.) heavier than the old one. Zero to 100 km-h figures don’t really tell the whole story, chough. The new 323 is still a peppy per- former, and hus plenty of power for everyday needs. ‘The standard manuat five-speed shifter is easy to shift from one gear to the next but the throws are rather long. U didn't test the optional four- speed automatic. but performance Ngures show that the 323 GS with an automatic transmission is more than two seconds slower to 100 kra-h, and fuel consumption suffers by about 10%. Despite the 323's high rear deck. From $76.95 P165/80R13 From $112.95 P195/70R14 GOODFVEAR outward visibility in all directions is excellent. The short hood is almost invisible through the large froit windscreen and extra large rear side windows make lane-changing easy. The 323’s trunk is big for a small car though it is slightly smaller than the previous model's, It’s easily accessible through the large. low liftover hatch opening, and split 60/40 rear seats are standard equip- ment, increasing usable cargo-carry- ing capacity almost two-fold. The simple. modem interior includes easy-to-read round gauges including a tachometer, well- designed column stalks for wipers and lights, console controls within casy reach, AM/FM cassette player with four speakers, pull-out cuphold- ers, and numerous open storage bins and pockets. Dual airbags are option- al on the GS and standard on the LS. The new 323 GS is a practical. economical, fun-to-drive car that offers Mazda's excellent three year/80,000 km basic warranty and a five year/100,000 km major compo- nents warranty. ¢g Earn Bonus Air Miles. Purchase 4 Goodyear tires and get 45 bonus Air Miles travel miles. Purchase 2 Goodyear tires and get 20 Bonus Ai Miles travel miles. Mega Miles offers expire November 30, 1994. * On selected products. ri Corsa GE." Site Price Size 145/213, $29.95 155/R!12 44.95 175/70R13 $4.95 195/70R13 58.95 185/70R14 60.95 P165/80R13 PIG5/75R14 P195/75R14 P205/75R15 We re out. a. nrisacan here 529.239" Corsa “Décatblon P15S/80R13 $39.95 — Price $99.95 108.95 129.95 129.95 139.00 P235/75R15 235/75R15 31X1050R15 235/B5R16 245/75R16 48.95 57.95 58.95 68.95 Eoin AIR MILES on all Goodyecr-tites and service at participating Goodyear retailers, sail uni a Lith Tire sole offers available until Nov 5, 1974. Wey po V Rotation included v Installation Included NORTH VANCOUVER 880 West 15th Street 985-973 | Open 7:30 a.ni. - 6:00 p.m. Mon. to Fri, Sat: 7:20am.-5:000.m, Sun i0am -4 pm. : a NS ay NEWS photo Neil Lucente THE REDESIGNED Mazda 323 hatchback has all-new styling, a more fuel-efficient 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, a roomy interi- ET or and the convenience of a hatchback. Inquire about the 323 germ i IR CARE at Wolfe Mazda, 1595 Boundary Rd., Vancouver. Wiirrerme “Repair Centre 1595 Boundary Rd. Vancouver, B.C. 294-4299 SALES ° SERVICE « PARTS ‘94 MAZDA 626 CRONOS ES Top of the line, leather, CD, Moon Root. Was $30,190 now $25,995 | ‘94 MAZDA 323 2 door, auto, P/S, P/B, AM/FM cassette ‘94 MAZDA MX6 MYSTERE LS Top Model with leather, CD player & Moor Rool. was $30,695 now $26,195 ‘O4 MAZDA PROTEGE DX 4 door, auto, P/S, P/B, AM/FM casselte $12,495 Wt AVG $9,995