Mazda Lantis

The Mazda Lantis (Japanese: マツダ・ランティス) is a series of two sports compact cars sold in Japan from 1993 to 1998. In the rest of the world it was also known as 323F, Astina, 323 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 a transversely mounted engine and either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed 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. He was the Chief of the Porsche Design Office and also assisted in the design of the Porsche 944, which has been referenced as an artistic inspiration for the design of the Lantis. The Mazda 323F weighs in at just 1,210 kg (2,668 lbs) and came standard with a naturally aspirated DOHC 1.5L, 1.6L or 1.8L inline-four engine with VICS paired with a 55-litre fuel tank. It features a single driver airbag, power steering, disk-brakes all-round although the front were ventilated, electrically adjustable mirrors, central locking and power windows. Standard suspension had independent wish-bone springs at the front and rear as well as 14-inch rims with a tyre offset of 185/65. Another noticeable feature are the frameless windows, similar to the Nissan Presea. Additionally, there existed optional factory upgrades such as the sportier...