Mazda Efini MS-6/MS-8

[smxi]

Mazda Efini MS-6

[smxi]

Mazda Efini MS-8

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Thanks a Bunch SMXI.

[smxi]

Thanks a Bunch SMXI.

No problem.

[carweb]

What makes the first car of these (MS-6) different from a normal 626 Hatchback? (Except the badges which i noticed)

[smxi]

What makes the first car of these (MS-6) different from a normal 626 Hatchback? (Except the badges which i noticed)

Japanese were always weird about naming domestic market cars. 626 is Capella there.

[ilya]

Japanese were always weird about naming domestic market cars. 626 is Capella there.

well, if to be more precise,
626 Sedan 1991-1996 == Cronos
626 Hatchback 1991-1996 == Efini MS-6
626 1997-2002 == Capella
6 2002-.. == Atenza

one more pic

[smxi]

well, if to be more precise,
626 Sedan 1991-1996 == Cronos
626 Hatchback 1991-1996 == Efini MS-6
626 1997-2002 == Capella
6 2002-.. == Atenza

one more pic

See, that's what I meant, it's complicated.

[dracu777]

I thought Efini was what some "luxurious" Mazda models were marketed under in Japan...sort of like Acura/Honda or Lexus/Toyota.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Efini was one of 3 Created Mazda Brands (Eunos and Autozam being the others) During the late 80's/early 90's, as part of Mazdas huge expansion. Following the collapse of the Yen, these brands proved a liability - at one time Mazda was manufacturing 4 different versions of the same car - the 626 - as either the MS-6, Capella, Clef or 626 - and were losing buckets of money.

A thoroughly interesting tale of an overconfident manufacturer aiming for the moon but kissing the dirt.

[carweb]

What then about the Xedos name (Xedos 6 & 9), I thought that also was a failed luxury brand of Mazda?

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Xedos was the European equivalent of Eunos.

[carweb]

This just seems totally messed up, fortunatly it's not that complicated to understand today's Mazda brand.