November 22^nd, 1999                     

626 gets a ‘fresh face’ makeover

Mazda has applied a "fresh face" to its popular mid-sized 626 Sedans and Hatchbacks, refined the steering, suspension and transmission to improve NVH and restructured the range to provide two model grades.

The re-styling has given the vehicles Mazda’s new and refined ‘family’ appearance which features the striking five point grille, distinctive bonnet sculpturing, lower and wider headlamps, as well as restyled bumper and lower air intake.

Rear lamp clusters, bumper and garnish have also been revised and a newly designed side protection moulding fitted.

All models are now fitted with a power operated radio aerial, remote central locking with a "double lock" function to prevent the doors being opened in the event of a ‘break-in’, an illuminated entry system with delayed fade, as well as glove-box illumination.

The best selling "Classic" models are also fitted with fog lamps in the air dam and a distinctive set of 15 inch alloy wheels.

Mazda has also restructured the 626 range to provide two specification levels – "Limited" and "Classic."

A significant equipment upgrade has been applied to the "Classic" which includes automatic air-conditioning, in-dash CD player, leather steering wheel and gearshift knob and wood-grain finish on the lower centre console.

The power windows now have an ‘automatic return’ mechanism to prevent injury – especially to children – if the movement of the window is obstructed.

In both model grades the instruments feature new meter graphics and in-dash indicators where automatic transmission is fitted and the interior is finished in two ‘warmer’ grey tones which are enhanced by chrome finished door handles.

In line with changing preferences, new colours have been introduced which include the soft metallic Seychelles Green, striking Innocent Blue and vibrant Passion Red.

Transmission changes have also been made with automatic models now fitted with the FN4A-EL transmission as used in the 323 range. Gear ratios are: 1^st, 2.816; 2^nd, 1,497; 3^rd, 1.000; 4^th, 0.725. Rev, 2.648; FDR, 3.904.

In manual transmission models the ratio of second gear has been changed from 1.833:1 to 1.842:1 to improve acceleration.

All models in the range are powered by Mazda’s fuel efficient 2.0 litre DOHC engine which produces 93 kW of power at 5500 rpm and 178 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm.

National sales manager Doug Dickson said Mazda Australia was planning to sell 4000 of the new models in the year 2000, a 20 percent lift over the current sales rate.

"The re-style coupled with the additional equipment makes the 626 a particularly attractive proposition," he said.

"As well as this the exceptionally fuel efficient 2.0 litre engine which can take the car between Sydney and Melbourne on one tank of fuel, gives special appeal to the private buyer who is facing a higher fuel price regime," he said.

Since its launch in August 1997, the current 626 range has sold more than 10,000 units in the Medium Segment (VFACTS) and currently accounts for 8 percent of this segment. The range has averaged 385 units per month and 65 percent of 626’s are sold with automatic transmissions.

Over the period, Sedans have outsold Hatchbacks by more than 2:1 with the most popular variant being the "Classic" Sedan, followed by the Limited Sedan, then the Classic Hatchback.

All 626’s are protected by Mazda’s 3 Year/Unlimited Kilometre warranty.

Mazda 626 Range and Pricing

*Available February 2000