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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Mazda 626
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| ALL-NEW 1998 MAZDA 626 SEDAN OFFERS MORE ROOM, POWER AND REFINEMENT - Newest Iteration of Best-Selling Model Goes on Sale in Fall - |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:13:02 |
| Rating |
 770 ( -62 -8.05% ) |
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Description:
One glance is all that's needed to see that the newest edition of the company's best-selling car line - the all-new 1998 Mazda 626 midsize sedan - bears a strong familial resemblance to the award-winning Millenia luxury sedan. The changes that Mazda has wrought beneath the 626's casually elegant skin also serve to bring it closer in feel and refinement to its luxurious sibling. The new 626, which will go on sale this fall, is larger, roomier and more powerful than the car it replaces.
The new 626 is available in four trim levels - DX, LX, LX V6 and ES V6. There are two engine choices: a smooth and economical 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 2.5-liter DOHC V6.
Designed exclusively for North America, the new Mazda 626 will be produced only at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Mich., a joint venture between Mazda and Ford. With more than 75 percent domestic content, the 626 is classified as a domestic car, a distinction it has held since 1992.
While the previous 626 was already among the most spacious import-brand cars in its class, the new 1998 626 features even more usable room inside - the result of Mazda's OptiSpace design. OptiSpace, which focuses design and engineering resources on maximizing useful interior space while minimizing the space required for mechanical components, was first employed in the development of the award-winning Protege compact sedan. Interior volume of the new 626 is 97.1 cubic feet - larger than most import-brand competitors - while trunk volume has expanded to 14.2 cubic feet. A large trunk opening makes loading and unloading cargo easy.
Externally, the new 626 is larger in nearly every dimension, yet it remains "just the right size." Wheelbase is increased to 105.1 inches for a smoother, more luxurious ride. Overall length increases by 2.4 inches, to 186.8, while width increases slightly to 69.3 inches. Despite its larger dimensions, the new 626 remains one of the lightest cars in its class, which benefits fuel economy, handling and performance.
The larger exterior and roomier interior of the new Mazda 626 is clothed in an elegantly styled body. The front end features a chrome-accented grille that echoes that of Mazda's Millenia luxury sport sedan. Aerodynamics around the cabin have been fine-tuned to reduce wind noise. The lines of the body sweep gently upward from nose to tail, ending in a sculpted lip on the rear decklid and giving the 626 an aggressive look while simultaneously increasing the trunk volume.
The body of the 626 has also been made stiffer, which improves safety, ride, handling and reduces noise, vibration and harshness. Through careful tuning and extensive computer-aided design, the 1998 Mazda 626 has 32 percent better bending rigidity and 43 percent greater torsional rigidity.
The two engines that power the 1998 Mazda 626 lineup have received numerous refinements that give them more power and improved drivability. The 2.0-liter, 125-horsepower four-cylinder engine offers a 10 percent increase in output over the previous engine, yet it is quieter and features a new knock sensor. The 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower V6 receives a higher compression ratio (to 9.5:1) and a new air-flow sensor which provides quicker throttle response. All 626 models benefit from a larger 16.9-gallon fuel tank that extends maximum cruising range.
Two transmissions will be offered for the 1998 626 - a smooth-shifting five-speed manual or an improved electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The automatic transmission has been significantly re-programmed for smoother shifts. Unlike many of its competitors, the new 626 offers the driving enjoyment of a five-speed manual mated to the potent V6 engine.
Every 1998 Mazda 626 will come with a full complement of safety features, starting with dual air bags. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes will be available on the LX model and standard on all LX V6 and ES V6 models. A sophisticated electronic traction control system will be available for the first time and is standard on V6-equipped 626 models. This system uses wheel-speed sensors to detect wheelspin and automatically reduces engine output by adjusting fuel delivery and spark timing. The traction control system may be overridden by pushing a button on the instrument panel. To further improve safety, the center passenger in the rear seat now receives a three-point lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the new 626 meets 1999 Federal crash standards, the result of careful tuning of the vehicle's crush zones and strategically placed reinforcements throughout the body structure.
In addition to the larger interior, driver and passengers will enjoy an AM/FM/CD player which is standard on all LX, LX V6 and ES V6 models. For audiophile sound quality, a Bose audio system will be available. A cassette deck is available as an accessory to complement the CD tuner.
There is more storage space inside the new 626, due to a larger glove box, larger center console and a covered storage bin at the junction of the center console and the instrument panel.Convenience features abound in the new 626, including a 15-second fade-out on interior lights, auto-offheadlights, an electric trunk lid release mounted on the driver's door (except DX), a two-stage remote door lock system that first activates the driver's door then the remaining doors (std on V6 models, opt on LX models) and Mazda's unique oscillating swing vents incorporated in the ventilation system (except DX).
A sophisticated alarm system with a vehicle immobilizer circuit is standard on the LX V6 and ES V6 models and is part of the LX Luxury Package. This system flashes the headlights and honks the horn if any door or the hood is opened by something other than the key or the keyless remote. A protective plate within the doors shield the lock mechanisms from use of a slimjim tool. If an attempt is made to start the engine with anything other than the proper vehicle keys (which contain a microchip with one million possible code combinations), the fuel and ignition systems are disabled.
The suspension of the 1998 ME 626 features McPherson struts in front and Mazda's innovative Twin-Trapezoidal Link design in the rear. The suspension of the new 626 has been thoroughly reworked for improved ride comfort and reduced transmission of noise, vibration and harshness into the cabin. Both the front and rear stabilizer bars are thicker for improved handling. Ventilated disc/drum brakes are standard on the DX and LX models, while four-wheel discs are standard on the LX V6 and ES V6 models. Steering is engine-speed-sensitive power assisted rack-and-pinion on all 626 models.
The 1998 Mazda 626 is covered by a comprehensive three-year/S0,000-mile warranty that covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear. In addition, the 626 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.
Mazda North American Operations, formerly known as Mazda Motor of America, is responsible for the research and development, sales and marketing, and customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has approximately 850 dealerships nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan. |
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