Mazda Capella RX-2 First Generation
 | |
| Also called | Mazda 616 Mazda 618 Mazda RX-2 |
|---|---|
| Production | 1970—1977 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine | 1.6 L NA I4 1.8 L VB I4 2x573 cc 12A Wankel 2x573 cc 12B Wankel |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 97 in (2,464 mm) |
| Length | 163 in (4,140 mm) |
| Width | 62 in (1,575 mm) |
| Height | 56 in (1,422 mm) |
The first Capella was introduced in 1970 and lasted until 1974. It was powered by a 4-cylinder SOHC valve engine displacing 1.6 L (1,586cc). Bore was 78 mm and stroke was 83 mm. Output was 104 hp (77 kW) and 106 lb·ft (144 Nm).
This generation was sold in export markets as the Mazda 616 in sedan and, for some markets, coupé configurations.
An optional Mazda Wankel engine was offered and known as the Mazda RX-2 outside Japan.
The RX-2 was assembled under contract in New Zealand from 1972 for Mazda New Zealand by Motor Industries International in Otahuhu, South Auckland.
It was the first and only rotary-engined car ever to be assembled in the country and was made as both a sedan, with manual or automatic transmission and a manual-only coupé. The 616 was also built but was much less popular.
The Capella received a minor facelift in 1974.
616/618 (USA)
The 616 was a major component of Mazda's United States expansion in 1971, having been preceded by its rotary brother, the RX-2, the previous year. It featured the 1.6 L (1,586 cc) engine, which was later used in the 808. The American Capella was updated and renamed the next year. The 1972 618 had a larger 1.8 L (1,796 cc) engine. Lasting just one year, the 618 nameplate was not used again in the United States and the only Capella for 1973 was the RX-2.
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