Relentlessly stable in the fast lane, the 323 4WD shows impeccable road manners with zip and grip
Not just master of tight cornering, but superbly stable in high-speed driving on the straightaway. Because each of the four wheels holds its track, changing lanes will not cause fish-tailing, nor will those sudden gusts of wind unsettle you or your car. Featuring advanced, high-power engine and optimum torque balance, it also boasts lightning-fast getaway with little tire-screech and superb acceleration in the fast lane.
The driving force is the powerful 1600cc DOHC 16-valve, Electronic Gasoline Injection engine with intercooled turbo that boosts a maximum torque of 195 Nm/5000 rpm (DIN). All-wheel disc braking equipped with 8-inch vacuum booster adds to the superb safety of the 323 4WD.
Master tight cornering, the superb handling of the 323 4WD puts you in complete control
That's because its planetary geared center differential distributes acceleration force evenly to the front and rear wheels, reducing the acceleration force per wheel to half that of two wheel drive.
This ensures an unprecedented level of rigidity against lateral-G. Furthermore, the center differential makes the 323 4WD braking-free during tight cornering-unlike the conventional part-time 4WD. Because the four-wheel-drive system of the 323 4WD is at work full-time, the unexpected wet patches or loose gravel that lie in wait around a bend will never surprise you. Zip and grip, a great curve performer without inhibiting safety.

Gliding through in style, the 323 4WD is always in step, always in control Winding mountain roads usually mean constant changes in road surfaces and vehicle posture. The surface still frozen in the shade might be quickly followed by slushy patches in the sun. The dry asphalt uphill can turn into a slippery, wet surface downhill. With the 323 4WD, balanced distribution of torque ensures steering that keeps you in control. Also frequent changes in posture are not a problem as the 323 4WD features neutral steering characteristics, The exclusive Mazda Twin Trapezoidal Link rear suspension plus the negative camber setting add to a steadier grip on curves and uneven surfaces. Whether you're going up or down, the 323 4WD always accompanies you

Anywhere you go, the all-round performance of the 323 4WD remains constant
The Mazda 323 4WD is equally at home in the city or the country. Bumpy surfaces, muddy lanes, or graveled country roads, this car takes them all in its stride. The built-in-height control makes possible the ideal setting of road clearance against any driving condition,
and the auto-leveling mechanism helps to maintain the suspension geometry, further ensuring a smooth and stable drive off the tramac. Of course, you don't need bad conditions to find out how good a 323 4WD is, but isn't it comforting to know you can ignore them? From the snowbelt to the sunbelt, the 323 4WD is always in step

Whatever the weather , wherever you go, the sure-footedness of the 323 4WD never lets you down
The 323 4WD never minds the weather or season. On slippery slush or hardpacked snow, its handling stays steadfast and never lets you down. The 323 4WD is also at home even away from the city. Sandy beaches or dusty country roads, this sure-footed vehicle takes them as they come,
expanding the scope of your motoring activities on weekends or vacations. That's because driving the four-wheels substantially increases the total tire traction, making the slippery surface less slippery. And even if a tire were trapped, the differential lock would pull the car through with ease. Whatever the weather and road condition, the 323 4WD makes driving safer and more reliable

Besides a wide range of standard and optional equipment, special rally parts and components especially designed for rallies and rally-like driving are yours for the choosing. Meeting the standards for Group A rallies, these parts include clutches, transmission and differential gears. Gear up your 323 4WD for more fun and excitement
With the full-time 4WD, however, the center differential absorbs such differences, ensuring smooth and reliable cornering. Previously, center differentials took up too much space in the chassis layout, added much to the weight, absorbed interior accommodation and interfered with driveability. Featuring a new planetary gear system, however, the differential of the 323 4WD is more compact and lighter. Furthermore, Mazda has located the center differential on the same axle as the front differential which saves space, giving more passenger and cargo room. The torque distribution is set at 50:50 to cover use on any type of road surface.
Differential lock-up mechanism Even when a wheel has momentarily lost traction, and would otherwise immobilize the car, the 323 4WD's electric lock-up mechanism, built into the center differential, will instantly allocate the torque to the remaining wheels, thus eliminating such a problem. The lock-up button is located on the instrument panel in easy reach, with an adjacent illuminated indicator showing whether the lock-up mechanism is on or off