BBC Topgear Road Test - March 01 2002 Mazda - 323 1.6 Gxi - test notes

A funny thing happened at Mazda. After years of making really funky cars like the RX-7, MX-5 and last generation 323, the company seemed to sack its designers and turned out uninspiring lookers like the 626 and this 323. Thankfully, they have rehired the design team and will produce more fun stuff in the future. Not that that helps 323 buyers today. The five-door lies between hatch and estate in styling, which makes it roomy and practical, if bland. The drive is hampered by overlight steering and a general flighty feel, but the 1.6-litre engine isn’t bad at all.