1997 Mazda 323 Estoril review from UK and Ireland

Nothing.

Mine's in metallic blue and looks fantastic. Don't see many about and most people think it's a sports car or a coupe (not a 5 door small family hatchback). Very desirable.

Hardly depreciates and I could easily get well above market value for it - if I wanted to sell it ;)

Solid build quality. Great to have frameless doors as you don't see them on any other car in this class, though the driver's window does tend to rattle a little when the car's been sitting in the sun. Excellent equipment levels including low profile alloys, CD changer, electric mirrors and sunroof, etc, etc.

Handling is superb and can be chucked around corners without any problems. Great performance for a 1.5. Could do with better brakes and the engine needs to be kept over 3000 rpm to get good acceleration out of it.

Group 9 insurance is a bit higher and pricier than rivals (though it's worth every penny). Great on fuel even when driven hard.

Parts apparently are a bit expensive, but it doesn't break down so it doesn't bother me! Servicing charges are a bit expensive (but then aren't all main dealers) so I go to a local mechanic instead.

Why, oh why, did they change the styling of the latest model to look like every other car??? They were onto a winner with the 94-98 model!