Hatch Heaven

The 1977 Mazda Familia was the first year of the third generation vehicle. It was known as the 323 in most of the world and GLC or Great Little Car in North America. While the image below is a 5-door hatchback, it was also available as a 3-door hatchback, among other body styles.

Mazda launched the fifth-generation Familia (Mazda 323) 1300/1500 in 1980. The hatchback went on sale in June (followed by the sedan in September). Although employing a front-engine front-wheel-drive (FF) configuration for the first time in the Familia Series, Mazda wanted the fifth-generation model to attain the direct shift feel of a FR car.

The ingenious SS suspension assured exceptional handling stability, and the highly functional rear seats featured reclining angle adjustment, as well as a two-way split configuration that enabled either side to be folded forward.

With the hatchback, Mazda focused on the growing interest in outdoor pursuits amongst the younger generation, which was the Familia’s targeted customer base. Based on the sharp ride for which the Familia had built a reputation, Mazda used the catchphrase “Sporting heart” and signed actor Kinya Kitaouji to appear in its commercials.

This strategy definitely paid off. With a power sunroof fitted as standard equipment, the “Red XG” was well received by the market. Often pictured with a surfboard mounted on the roof rack, the Familia’s angular wedge-shaped design and sporty appearance proved to be extremely popular, and earned it the nickname “land surfer.” The “Red Familia” quickly became a symbol of the age.

The fifth-generation Familia was the first to be named Japan Car of the Year, and it won many more awards in the US and Australia. In Japan, the Familia often topped the monthly sales results over such formidable rivals as the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sunny, sometimes selling over 13,000 units per month.

In 1982, only 27 months after the start of production, cumulative sales of the Familia reached one million units. The achievement set a new record, beating the Chevrolet Citation (GM), which took 29 months to reach unit sales of one million, and the VW Golf, which took 31 months. (source: Mazda)

In 1977, the Mazda GLC 5-door hatchback had a $3,694 MSRP. GLC stood for “Great Little Car” and was capable of 46 MPG highway and 35 City. It had split rear seats, a standard four speed manual but also had an option of a five speed manual and an automatic transmission.

The 1981 Mazda GLC was conceived, engineered and built to be nothing less than the new state of the art in front-wheel-drive technology. Among its refinements was a more powerful yet more economical 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine. Advanced 4-wheel independent suspension and a redesigned rack-and-pinion steering system which was alot of fun to drive. The shift was quick and positive and had one of the shortest turning radius around. The interior was one of the roomiest in its class, with reclining front bucket seats, split fold-down rear seat backs, electric rear window defroster and remote control driver’s door mirror. It offered an impressive 43 MPG highway and 35 MPG city. The GLC Custom had an MSRP of just $5,295.

Like the Mazda2 Antares, the 2004 Mazda2 Capella the same comfortable surroundings, but with a bit more sophistication and style. An already high level of equipment was increased even further with electric front and rear windows, and for those winter mornings, the electric exterior mirrors are heated as well. Outside, distinctive 15″ alloy wheels give the Mazda2 Capella a unique look with a confidence stance that alludes to the excellent driving dynamics. The chrome tailpipe added the perfect finishing touch. More on Mazda.

Two classics from Mazda, with the 5-door Mazda GLC in white and the 3-door Mazda GLC hatchback in blue.

This 1978 Mazda GLC Hatchback is quite a rare find. And one in this condition with just 7,391 miles is just unheard of. Or is it? While this is not a particularly collectible, special or even desirable car, it has a unique place (as every car has) in the history of cars. I think this is a cool little ride, and for those of you who love hatchbacks of every kind, as I do, you have just four days to bid on Joaquin Vargas’ car on eBay. get the whole scoop of this car on Cartype.

For the first time in North America, Mazda is introducing its own affordable, fun-sized creation – the 2011 MAZDA2. A stylish, eco-friendly, fun-to-drive five-door hatchback, the MAZDA2 is Zoom-Zoom in its most concentrated form – compact and efficient, yet packed with style and substance. It will launch into the North American market in late summer, 2010.

MAZDA2 is the latest in a line of stylish, insightful and hugely fun-to-drive small cars from Mazda, and will bring an all-new level of refinement to the segment, as MAZDA3 did for the compact C-Car market. Read the rest of this story on Cartype.