In this blog entry, I'm reviewing my sister's Previous car, a white 1992 Mazda 323 Astina 1.6 (Manual). She owned the car from April 2003 to August 2007. My dad bought this "Kuching no. Plate" Astina from a dealer (Soon Meng Auto) which used to located at Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya for RM21,000 Cash.
The Mileage when we sold off the Astina stood at 217,521km.
What's so special about the car?
This car's AHEAD of its times... Firstly, it's the "Unique" Pop-up headlights, then the 60:40 split seats coupled with Hatchback body = Versatile.
Also, 4 Disc brakes (not bad for a 1990 technology), 4 power windows, Semi-bucket seats (see photo below), CD (Coefficient of Drag): 0.32 (Again, note that this is 1990 technology).
Of course, there's downside, namely the REAR HEADROOM's VERY POOR. I'm only 5 feet 9 and my head touched the "ceiling" of the car. Also, the SPARE PART'S Difficult to find (eg. Rear Brake discs mechanism). Maintenence higher than say, a Corolla SE-G. It Drinks petrol (for a Manual car).
The Suspension setup is "High-technology" 4x Independent MacPherson struts suspensions with fr and rr anti-roll bars, Like the Ford Laser TX3, the rear suspension is Ford patented "twin trapezoidal dual-linkage (TTL). The improved version is seen in Today's Ford FOCUS...
What happened over the 4 years under the hands of my sister. Let's see... 4x Absorbers changed once, tyres changed twice (front) and once (back) to Goodyear Ducaro GA, 2x battery change, 4x brake pad changed, serviced rear brake discs + rear wheel bearings, Cooling system changed TWICE (Radiator, water-pump etc...), Air-conditioning's faulty (Not cold, 4x trip to workshop), Minor Accident 3 times, twice almost at same spot, bumper "remoulded back to original shape", front nose (knocked back). Thank God the "Pop up headlight" mechanism not affected, if not $$$.
REAR BUMPER's TOUGH. At the 2nd time accident, a Proton Iswara crashed into the Bumper of our Astina, the Proton's front 1/3 gone, (bonnet became "A" shape) while the Astina's bumper just paintwork peeled off and minor scratches.
Oh! As for the fuel consumption, it averaged 8.7km/L (best 10km/L, worst 7.9km/L), . Note that this car's SOHC 16-valve Carby car (NOT Fuel injection). Also, performance: 0-100km/h in 11 seconds flat. Top speed unknown, but at 110km/h, the tachometer shows 2400rpm only. I guess it's around 180km/h.
For your information We sold it back to the same dealer we bought from in September 2007 for RM5,000 only.
Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words, here's some photos...
Nice Dashboard Layout. The Air-cond is special, comes with "Economy" mode...
Above: The engine bay. Code: B6. Cylinder 4-in-line, 1.6 SOHC 16-valve Single Carb FWD. 5 speed manual. It generates 64kw@6000rpm of max power, Torque: 125Nm@3100rpm.
Above: Unique Pop-up headlights. BELOW: Nicely sculpted Dashboard.
Before I sign off, here's a Parting shot... (Side profile)
An Original Jeff Lim's Production (My Original Work). Thanks for having the time and patience to read this...
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