Mazda Capella Third Generation (1978)

Overview

Mazda introduced the third-generation Capella in October 1978. Intended as a family car for international markets, it succeeded the 1974 generation. Mazda’s corporate chronology explicitly identifies the new car as the third-generation Capella and associates it with the export 626 name. The date describes its introduction, rather than a universal export model year. Mazda corporate chronology.

Capella and 626 generation numbering

This record follows Mazda’s domestic Capella chronology. Export histories can use a different count: Mazda’s European retrospective starts the 626 story in 1978 and calls the 1982 replacement its second generation. Thus the first export 626 corresponds to the third-generation Capella used in this catalogue. Generation numbers should always be read alongside the name and introduction date. Mazda’s European family-car history, page 2.

The car retained the Capella name in Japan, was known as the 626 in many export markets, and was sold as the Montrose in Britain. These names identify market versions of the same underlying generation. Japanese Car Spotters Guide: 1979.

Body styles and development

The export range initially comprised a four-door sedan and a coupé. Mazda’s European retrospective places the five-door body and diesel option with the subsequent front-wheel-drive generation. Mazda’s European family-car history, page 2.

Mazda’s account emphasizes a low bonnet descending towards the grille and continued attention to aerodynamics. It gives the hardtop a drag coefficient of 0.38; that figure belongs to the hardtop, rather than every body or market specification. The company describes the development approach as balancing several competing functions without sacrificing one to improve another. Mazda Capella history, Part 1.

Engineering and export engines

The 626 retained a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Its suspension combined independent front struts with a coil-sprung live rear axle located by links and a Panhard rod. Export engine choices included 1.6- and 2.0-litre overhead-camshaft four-cylinder units, with equipment and transmission combinations varying by market and body style. Japanese Car Spotters Guide: 1979.

For the United States, ImportArchive identifies the 1979–1982 sedan and coupé as CB models with the MA 2.0-litre inline-four engine. This is a market-specific identification, not a complete Japanese engine catalogue. Engine outputs, emissions equipment and trim availability should be checked against documentation for the individual market and model year. ImportArchive’s US-market 626 record.

Chronology and replacement

The principal chronology runs from the October 1978 introduction to the arrival of the fourth-generation Capella in September 1982. Mazda’s corporate timeline records the replacement sedan and coupé under that month. This establishes a Japanese generation change, rather than an exact worldwide production-stop date for every derivative. Mazda corporate chronology, 1982.

The export 626 is separately catalogued for US model years 1979–1982. Those model-year labels should not replace Mazda’s October 1978 introduction date. ImportArchive’s US-market record.

Historical significance

Mazda credits this Capella with strengthening its international position and raising awareness of the brand in Europe. Its significance lies in establishing a broadly appealing family-car identity that the subsequent 626 generations could develop. Mazda Capella history, Part 1.

Scope of the record

The introduction and replacement dates follow Mazda’s Japanese corporate chronology. Export model years and generation numbering are identified separately. The cited material does not establish a complete assembly-location history or the final production date of every domestic and overseas derivative; no plant attribution, generation production total or universal specification is asserted here.