The Mazda Luce Legato is the fourth generation of the Mazda Luce, which was introduced in 1977. The term “Legato” was used specifically in Japan, signifying a shift towards a more luxurious and refined design, intended to appeal to the executive car market.
Overview of the Mazda Luce Legato (4th Generation):
- Manufacturer: Mazda
- Model: Luce Legato
- Debut: 1977
- Body Styles: The Luce Legato was available as a sedan, coupé, and a rare wagon variant.
- Design: The Luce Legato featured a more modern and elegant design, with smoother lines and a more aerodynamic profile compared to its predecessors. The styling was influenced by contemporary European luxury sedans, giving it a sophisticated and upscale appearance.
Engine and Performance:
- Engine Options:
- 1.8-Liter Inline-4: A standard engine option for the entry-level models.
- 2.0-Liter Inline-4: A more powerful option, providing better performance.
- 2.0-Liter V6: The first Mazda V6 engine, introduced later in the model’s life, offering a balance of power and smoothness.
- 13B Rotary Engine: Continuing Mazda’s tradition of rotary power, the 13B rotary engine was available in higher trims, offering a unique driving experience with smooth power delivery.
- 12A Rotary Engine: A smaller rotary engine was also offered in some variants.
- Power Output: Ranged from around 90 to 135 horsepower, depending on the engine choice.
- Transmission: Available with a 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, or 3-speed automatic transmission.
- Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR layout).
Design and Features:
- Exterior Design: The Luce Legato had a sleek, elongated profile with a long hood and a more streamlined body. The front end featured a large, prominent grille with quad headlights, while the rear had a clean and simple design with horizontal tail lights.
- Interior: The interior was designed to be luxurious, with high-quality materials, wood trim, and advanced features for the time, such as climate control, power accessories, and plush seating. The focus was on providing a comfortable and refined driving experience.
- Suspension: Independent front suspension with a live rear axle, providing a smooth ride suitable for executive-class comfort.
Market Position:
- The Mazda Luce Legato was aimed at the executive and luxury car market, competing with other high-end sedans like the Toyota Crown, Nissan Cedric, and imported European models. It was positioned as a flagship model in Mazda’s lineup, reflecting the company’s aspirations to offer a sophisticated and premium vehicle.
Legacy:
- The Luce Legato played a crucial role in Mazda’s efforts to establish itself in the luxury car market. It was a well-regarded model in Japan for its combination of style, luxury, and advanced technology, especially with the continued availability of rotary engines.
- The introduction of a V6 engine also marked an important development in Mazda’s engineering capabilities, as it represented the company’s first foray into multi-cylinder engines beyond four-cylinder and rotary designs.
