SAVE THE ASTINA
Rumours out of Japan hint that Mazda under Henry Wallace's direction will prolong the length of the current Astina's life past the usual, for Japan, four years. But its future outside of this is uncertain at best. Rumours state that the next 323/Protege will be built off the next Ford Escort platform, whether the Astina will also be spawned off this platform is unknown. Wallace is on the record saying that Mazda will built less sports (including sportily inclined) cars in the future and will strengthen its core model range, meaning 121, 323/Protege and 626. This may mean the following cars may die: RX-7, MX-6, MX-3 (Eunos 30X/Presso), Eunos 500/Xedos 6 and even the Astina range. Some have already been pulled from major markets, like the USA. If you believe that Mazda should continue making (and designing) new models which, like the Eunos 500 and Astina, stretch the styling envelope, and drive pretty well too, please mail me. Hopefully if there's enough support we can send a message, or something, to Mazda to tell them what we think.
Latest news!
According to the Sydney Morning Herald Mazda will release a single model to replace two slow selling models, namely the MX-6 and RX-7. It will be rear wheel drive, probably with 4WS, and come with a range of V6 and rotary engines. It is rumoured to be a two seater. This ties in nicely to earlier rumours concerning the production of the RX-01 show car, which was based on a stretched MX-5 platform.
Also in the news... From the Jan 97 edition of Wheels magazine:
In an effort to cut costs and remain technically independent of new owner Ford, Mazda plans to develop the next 323 and 626 on the same platform. This would give Mazda enough volume (200,000 626s and 300,000 323s a year) to justify a massive spend on the new platform.
Martin says...
I can only hope that Mazda continues doing a great job in design and
manufacturing of great cars! I'm driving my 2nd Mazda now (323 F), my
father had 4(!) 323's, my girlfriends family also only drives Mazda cars
and my girlfriends brother's sister works at a Mazda dealer. Chiefs of
Mazda, DON'T STOP making models like the Astina (323 F), the Miata (MX-5),
the RX-7, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc., etc...
Kelvin says, "Mr Mazda, don't stop!
I must stress that Mazda is doing a great job in the looks of their cars
of EVERY model (especially the Astina/Lantis of course) and the almighty
RX7 is among the fastest productions cars in the world with the style to
suit too. (I'm drooling)
Here is my support towards Mazda Corporation to keep up their already
great work in world quality cars (please do not do what Honda did....they
made their cars uglier!!! Yuck!) and please Mr Mazda, do not stop your
sports line of cars....they are icons of Mazda.....remember the older RX
series? They are icons here in Australia! They are collectors' items in
every way.
Jamie says...
Those Ford guys are idiots. Mazda build the most beautiful cars in the
world. I have always said that Ford know how to wreck a good design (aka
Laser/Telstart etc) now they know how to wreck a great car company!
Ed says...
I am about to purchase an Astina, I couldn't if they when no longer
around!
To add your comments to this page just click here to mail me and I'll quote your message on this page.
