Mazda Lantis
Encyclopedia
The Mazda
Lantis was a series of two cars sold in Japan from 1993 to 1996. In the rest of the world it was also known as 323F, Astina, Allegro Hatchback or Artis Hatchback.
The Mazda Lantis used Mazda's CB platform, which means close relations to the Eunos 500
/Xedos 6
and the 1994-1997 Mazda Capella
. It was an FF layout car with either a manual
or automatic transmission
.
The body variant is what Mazda called a "4-door coupé", which in common terminology is a 5-door hatchback. In Europe the 5-door hatchback was designated BA, but was actually almost identical to the CB, and had little to do with other B platforms
.
The 5-door was sold as the Mazda 323F
in Europe, Artis in Chile and Allegro Hatchback (HB) in Colombia and a few other countries of Latin America. This model was penned by Ginger (Arnold) Ostle, who worked for Porsche
before arriving at Mazda
, and thus fans consider the 5-door to be closely related to the 4-door Panamera
.
The Mazda 323F features power steering, electrically adjustable mirrors, central locking and power windows. Another noticeable feature are the frameless windows, similar to the Nissan NX
.
By the time the cars premiered in August 1993, Mazda's multi-brand strategy had become difficult to sustain, so both Lantis variants were released to Mazda, Efini and Eunos dealerships. Sales in Japan were lacklustre throughout the Lantis' production run, but the 323F proved to be immensely popular in Europe and some Latin America countries, where it sold in reasonable numbers right until it was discontinued.
The rare Type-R version of the Mazda Lantis was sold in Japan only and could be obtained in Europe and other parts of the world through import. The Type-R features a front lip, side skirts, a whale-tail spoiler (also featured on the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
and Ford Escort RS Cosworth
), coloured front indicators and other modifications.
The name Lantis is created from the Latin phrase "Latens Curtis", which roughly translates as "To secretly shorten".
The "Astina" has been selected for "Jackie Chan" trophy in 1995 and 1996 Macau Grand Prix driven by the Hong Kong actor with a professional racing driver sitting beside him to assist.
Although the 323F lacks a badge indicating which engine is fitted, the V6 version is easily recognizable since it is the only 323F with 5 wheelnuts per wheel.
The regular 1.5 and 1.8 litre injection engines are very suitable to fit an LPG installation.
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
Lantis was a series of two cars sold in Japan from 1993 to 1996. In the rest of the world it was also known as 323F, Astina, Allegro Hatchback or Artis Hatchback.
Eunos 500
The Eunos 500 was a luxury car from Mazda's Eunos marque. The 500 was first shown to the public at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, and Japanest launch followed soon in early 1992....
/Xedos 6
Xedos 6
The Mazda Xedos 6 was a European-market luxury car based on the Mazda CA platform also used by the Mazda Capella. Identical to the Japan-market Eunos 500, it was produced for model years 1993 through 1999 and was available in two versions, the 1.6i and 2.0 V6.Despite the very similar appearance to...
and the 1994-1997 Mazda Capella
Mazda Capella
The second generation rear-wheel drive Capella was available between 1978 and 1982, in both sedan and coupe forms. It was known on export markets as the Mazda 626, with the exception of the United Kingdom, where it was called the Mazda Montrose, the name was changed to honour the local Mazda...
. It was an FF layout car with either a manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
or automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
.
The body variant is what Mazda called a "4-door coupé", which in common terminology is a 5-door hatchback. In Europe the 5-door hatchback was designated BA, but was actually almost identical to the CB, and had little to do with other B platforms
Mazda B platform
The Mazda B platform is an automobile platform for compact cars. It has been used by a number of vehicles from Mazda and Ford Motor Company in Japan and abroad.-BD:...
.
The 5-door was sold as the Mazda 323F
Mazda 323F
The Mazda 323F name was used for several different export models of Mazda cars, shown below by their Japanese market names:*1989: Mazda Familia Astina*1993: Mazda Lantis*1999: Mazda Familia S-Wagon...
in Europe, Artis in Chile and Allegro Hatchback (HB) in Colombia and a few other countries of Latin America. This model was penned by Ginger (Arnold) Ostle, who worked for Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
before arriving at Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
, and thus fans consider the 5-door to be closely related to the 4-door Panamera
Porsche Panamera
The Porsche Panamera is a four-door a coupe. It is front-engined with rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive versions also available....
.
The Mazda 323F features power steering, electrically adjustable mirrors, central locking and power windows. Another noticeable feature are the frameless windows, similar to the Nissan NX
Nissan NX
The Nissan NX is a car produced by Nissan Motors. The Nissan NX was essentially a B13 platform Nissan Sentra or Sunny with a different body shell...
.
By the time the cars premiered in August 1993, Mazda's multi-brand strategy had become difficult to sustain, so both Lantis variants were released to Mazda, Efini and Eunos dealerships. Sales in Japan were lacklustre throughout the Lantis' production run, but the 323F proved to be immensely popular in Europe and some Latin America countries, where it sold in reasonable numbers right until it was discontinued.
The rare Type-R version of the Mazda Lantis was sold in Japan only and could be obtained in Europe and other parts of the world through import. The Type-R features a front lip, side skirts, a whale-tail spoiler (also featured on the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was a high-performance version of the Ford Sierra. It was the result of a Ford Motorsport project with the purpose of producing an outright winner for Group A racing in Europe.- Development :...
and Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Ford Escort RS Cosworth
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth was a sports derivative of the Ford Escort. It was available from 1992-96 in very limited numbers.It was instantly recognisable due to its large "whale tail" rear spoiler...
), coloured front indicators and other modifications.
The name Lantis is created from the Latin phrase "Latens Curtis", which roughly translates as "To secretly shorten".
The "Astina" has been selected for "Jackie Chan" trophy in 1995 and 1996 Macau Grand Prix driven by the Hong Kong actor with a professional racing driver sitting beside him to assist.
Although the 323F lacks a badge indicating which engine is fitted, the V6 version is easily recognizable since it is the only 323F with 5 wheelnuts per wheel.
The regular 1.5 and 1.8 litre injection engines are very suitable to fit an LPG installation.
External links
- Hungarian Mazda club - Hungarian Mazda Society
- Dutch 323F club
- CLUB323F UK
- CZ 323F club
- Astina GT club
- Croatian Mazda forum
- Mazda Club Serbia
- Portuguese Mazda forum - Clube MazdaPT
- Probe Store - 323F specialist, UK based.
- http://www.mazdaspeed.pl/ - Polish Mazda Club
- Malaysian Lantis Club
- Lithuanian 323F Club
- Bulgarian Mazda Forum - Bulgarian Mazda Society
- Moo Engine Shop Thailand
- Mazdaclub Thailand