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The gear change is quite adequate for an economy sedan as well. The gearshift is relatively smooth, albeit a bit rubbery when engaging from a lower to a higher gear. However, the 323 exhibits some problems when being engaged to lower gears especially from second to first. It's a shame, because Mazda can make great stick shifts, like the RX7 and the MX5 Miata, and their others cars just doesn't exhibit the same qualities. The biggest, most positive aspect of the 323 is its steering. Though the steering feels a bit somewhat numb, it has a great, weighty feel to it. The steering also seems to be geared to twisty roads, because this car handles great. In fact, I have come to notice that this car exhibits a lot less understeer than other cars such as the Honda Accord. It's fun to drive this car around in small, twisty bits. Confidence in highway overtaking is also assured, because almost no correction and little body roll is detected when shifting from one lane to the next, even at speeds close to 110 km/h. The suspension seems to compliment the steering by providing a firm, sporty ride. The car's front MacPherson strut and rear Dual-strut seem to work well, a sign that Mazda is indeed using their performance car expertise on the road. However, if you are the person looking for a highly comfortable ride to absorb Araneta Avenue road holes, then this car is not for you. Speaking of road holes, the 323 exhibited adequate body rigidity. Not much squeaks and shakes, except maybe for the mysterious sound near the rear seat. Of course, given the fact that the car is 32,500 kilometers old, it's still good and tight. We tested the 1997 version of the Mazda 323 GLX. The more recent version has added features such as a driver's side airbag. Even this '97 version already had remote-control locking, front fog lamps, dual glove box, CD changer, and four-wheel, four-channel ABS. All for less than the price of a Civic which has none of those! It also has the roomiest interior in the 1.6 class. Now that's value! However, if given the chance, we'd like Columbia Motors Inc., to sell the all-new Mazda 323 straight from Europe and Japan. Why? Well, this new car delivers relatively the same performance but with a more refined feel and better road connection than the current model. It looks sharper and sportier as well. |
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