The GD-chassis Mazda MX6 (MX-6) was the 2-door version of Mazda's 626. This replaced the GC 626-coupe (pre MX6 name) in 1987, and lasting until it was (not surprisingly) replaced by the GE MX6 in 1991.
Along with being the basis of Mazda's 626; this chassis was used as Ford's Telstar/TX5 equivalents, as well as the Ford Probe of the same generation. As such, this basic architecture was sold as sedan, coupe, wagon, 5dr and 3dr hatches; fitted with an assortment of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines, most commonly driving the front wheels (with the odd exception of some four wheel drive variants).
The car above is a very late production GD MX6, being a 1991. It is a lower-spec 2WS car, with the alternative being the 4WS (four wheel steering) model. All Australian-delivered cars were fitted with Mazda's F2T 2.2Litre SOHC four. This undersquare, 12valve (3 per cyl) unit was fitted with an intercooled IHI Turbo, producing 108kw and a strong 258nm of torque.
Shifting was done with either a 5spd manual, or 4speed auto.
The interiors of the 626/MX6/Telstar/TX5 used quality materials, have aged nicely, and definitely seem to hold up well. This lower spec'ed car has a solid roof, but there was a sliding glass sunroof available.
I have a soft spot for these cars after owning a later model MX6 years ago. These earlier cars were faster, very easy and cheap to make even faster (not surprisingly the downfall of these in older age), and look great with mature lines and E30 M3-esque box flares..
Unfortunately its getting very hard to find good GD MX6's nowadays though, and I cant find a single Capella C2 (the Japanese market equivalent) for sale in Japan for comparison photos.
Its sad to see these cars at wreckers, and this particular car (which looks more than decent) is currently for sale for a shameful $599.
Other than a small devoted fan-base; people just aren't buying, restoring, or modifying MX6 Turbo's these days. As a result, they just quietly disappear from Australia's roads.. :(
Anyway, I'll have to find a GD Mazda 626 Turbo Hatch to post, as they're real sleepers! Cool stuff..