Mazda 323 GTR Review

The Mazda 323 or Familia GTR came with a 1.8 litre 'Big Turbo' 16v DOHC engine. This in a car a little larger than a Fiesta. Packing 25.5kgm @ 4500rpm and 210bhp @ 6000rpm through a 4wd system with a viscous LSD sorting the traction out.

The 15" alloy wheels help firm up the handling as it powers 0-62 in 7.4 seconds, as does the standard front strut brace. This car is another subtle Japmobile, just a few louvres on the bonnet feeding cold air into the intercooler, fogs in the bumper and boot spoiler give it away.

These cars are rare, with 2200 produced in the 323 GTRs lifetime. There was also a rally model produced in a quantity of 300 for gravel racing. These had a larger front brace, a rear strut brace and a lack of electrical goodness.