Mazda 626 - GD (1988-1992)

GD (1988-1992)

The 626 was updated in 1987 for the 1988 model year. Now on the GD platform as used by the Capella, it was available as a sedan, Station Wagon (Estate) and five-door hatchback while the coupé was renamed MX-6 for the North American market. The MX-6 was built in Michigan alongside its platform-mate, the Ford Probe at AutoAlliance International, while the 626 was still a Japanese import.

Consumer response was strong, and Car and Driver magazine named the 626 and MX-6 in their Ten Best list for 1988.

Engines were new, though still emphasized torque rather than power. The base model now used Mazda's 110-horsepower 2.2 L 3-valve SOHC F2 producing just 6 hp (4.5 kW) shy of the old Turbo, and the new Turbo was up to 145 hp (108 kW). European versions used 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 (non-turbo) engines. The GT model had a 2.0-liter FE-DOHC engine that produced 148 (non-cat) or 140 hp (cat).

4-wheel-steering was introduced to the 626 Turbo in 1988 (to mixed reviews) and was transferred to the MX-6 Turbo a year later. Mazda's system was electronic and more complex than the 4WS system introduced by Honda on the 1988 Prelude; these two marked the first 4WS systems for the American market. This system was still available in Japanese markets for some time after.

It came in 3 bodies: Sedan (Saloon), Hatchback and Station Wagon (Estate). The Station Wagon had a 7-seat option. All of the bodies also had an ABS option. The final face lift made a driver's side airbag an option for the buyer.

The 626 line was face-lifted for 1990 and gained motorized seat-belts in the USA market. 626 hatchbacks disappeared after 1991 from the US Mazda model range. The Station Wagon (Estate) was still available up until 1997.

UK trim levels were LX (1.8-litre), GLX (1.8/2.0) and GT (2.0/2.2). There was also an estate model with either the 2.0i 8v or 16v engine, or the 2.2 12v.