Mazda used the Luce (pronounced lu-che) name on its largest sedan in Japan from 1969 until 1990. It was exported under a variety of names, including RX-4,929, and Cosmo. The Luce nameplate was replaced by the Mazda Sentia name in 1991. The name "Luce" was taken from the Italian word for "light".
The vehicle identified as the Luce remained in compliance with Japanese regulations concerning engine displacement and exterior dimensions for vehicles classified as a compact.
| Mazda Luce | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Also called | Mazda 929 |
| Production | 1966–1990 |
| Assembly | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | luxury car |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Mazda Sentia |
1965[edit]
| Mark 1 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Luce 1500/1800/R130 Mazda 1500 Mazda 1800 |
| Production | 1966–1972 (1500) 1968–1973 (1800) 1969–1972 (R130) R130: <1,000 built [1] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupé 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5 L UB I4 (1500, "SUA") 1.8 L VB I4 (1800, "SVA") 1.3 L 13A Wankel engine (R130) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm (98 in) sedan |
| Length | 4,370 mm (172 in) sedan |
| Width | 1,630 mm (64 in) sedan |
| Height | 1,430 mm (56 in) sedan |
| Curb weight | 1,070 kg (2,359 lb) sedan |
Following an agreement signed with Bertone in April 1962, the 1965 Luce 1500 show car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italy. It was low and sharp, looking more like a contemporary BMW Bavaria than any of its smaller Mazda brothers.
The production version, launched in August 1966 (SUA), had a higher roofline but retained the BMW look. It was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive 4-door sedan, and featured a square 1.5 L (1490 cc) 1500 SOHC engine, producing 78 PS (57 kW) at 5500 rpm and 84.5 lb·ft (114.6 N·m). It sold poorly at ¥ 695,000 (US$1,930). The 1500 SS version with twin carburettors was later introduced, producing 86 PS (63 kW) at 5500 rpm and 86.9 lb·ft (117.8 N·m) at 5500 rpm. A stroked 1.8 L (1796 cc) 1800 engine was added for 1968. This new model, the Luce 1800, produced 104 PS (76 kW) at 5500 rpm and 112 lb ft at 2500 rpm. To accommodate the taller 1800 engine the bonnet on this model has a slight bump in the middle with an air inlet on the leading edge.
An estate (station wagon) was also added. It was introduced two years before the Toyota Corona Mark II and the Nissan Laurel in Japan. The Luce Mark I was sold in Australia and most other export markets under the names "Mazda 1500" and "Mazda 1800".
1800 (USA)
The Mazda brand entered the United States market in 1970 with just the small R100, but expanded to a full line in 1971. This included all three of the company's piston-powered models, the compact 1200, mid-size 616, and full-size 1800.[4]
The US-market 1800 produced 98 hp (99 PS; 73 kW) and 108 lb·ft (146 N·m) and cost US$2,280. Performance was sluggish, with a 0-60 mph time of 17.5 seconds and a 20.5 seconds and 65 mph (105 km/h) quarter mile. Unlike therotary cars, the 1800 was a flop. Road & Track magazine said it was solid to the point of being overly heavy, with pleasant handling but poor performance. It was gone from the market for 1972.
Opposite to what happened in the U.S., in Europe the 1800 had a better performance with 104 PS (76 kW) at 5500 rpm (SAE) and maximum torque of 109 lb·ft (148 N·m) at 3000 rpm (SAE), for a 0-60 mph time of 13.4 seconds. The poor performance of this engine in USA was probably due to fact that in USA the petrol had an octane index of only 85 r.o.n. while in Europe the petrol at the time had an octane index of 95 r.o.n (up to 100 r.o.n. today). Also the manual transmission with four gears used in Europe contributed to a much better performance than the three-speed automatic transmission usually used in the US. The 1800 (fitted with a manual transmission) also sold in small numbers in Australia.
The number of Mazda 1800 automobiles imported into the U.S. are as follows.
- 1970 - 1,058 Sedan - 937 Estate
- 1971 - 1,020 Sedan - 1,639 Estate
- 1972 - 100 Sedan - 0 Estate
The 1800 saloon (model SVA, four-door) was producedn from 1968 through 1973 where a reported 39,401 units were made. An 1800 estate version (model SVAV - station wagon) was added in 1970.
R130[edit]
A rotary-powered Luce appeared in 1969. The Luce R130 was produced from October 1969 to 1972. It used a 1.3 L 13A engine, which produced 126 hp (94 kW) and 127 lb·ft (172 Nm). Quarter-mile (400 m) performance was 16.9 seconds. This model designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, then working for Bertone, was a front-wheel-drive two-door coupé with front disc brakes. This model, Mazda's only front-wheel-drive rotary, is now a collector's item and very rare.
1972[edit]
| Mark 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Mazda 929 Mazda RX-4 |
| Production | 1972 – 1977 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupé 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,510 mm (99 in) sedan |
| Length | 4,240 mm (167 in) sedan |
| Width | 1,660 mm (65 in) sedan |
| Height | 1,410 mm (56 in) sedan |
| Curb weight | 1,060 kg (2,337 lb) sedan |
The 1972 rotary Luce was also known as the Mazda RX-4 in export markets. It was available as a coupé, sedan, and "custom" (station wagon). Two rotary engines were offered, the regular 12A and low-emission AP 13B. There were also piston models available, and van models for the Japanese market. The original version carried LA2 chassis codes, after a rather thorough facelift of a much more square design it became the LA3.
Engines:
- 1973–1976 1.8 L (1769 cc) 1800 I4, 2-barrel, 83 hp (61 kW)/101 lb·ft (137 N·m) (export), 110 and 105 PS (81 and 77 kW) (1973 LA2VV van and 1975 LA2V Van, Japan)
- 1975–1976 2.0 L (1970 cc) F/MA I4, 2-barrel, 103 hp (76 kW)/123 lb·ft (167 N·m)
- 1972–1976 13B (1308 cc), 127 hp (93 kW)/138 lb·ft (188 N·m)
RX-4[edit]
The Mazda RX-4 (called the Luce Rotary in Japan) is an automobile sold in the 1970s. It was a larger car than its rotary-powered contemporaries, theCapella-based RX-2 and Grand Familia-based RX-3. It shared the Luce chassis, replacing the R130 in October 1972, and was produced through October 1977. Its predecessor (the R130) and replacement (the rotaryLuce Legato) were not sold in the United States. Mazda marketed the RX-4 as being sporty and luxurious "personal luxury car" with the RX-4 having the best of both worlds. This gave Mazda a well needed boost in the popularity of the Wankel engine unique to Mazda.
The RX-4 was initially available as a hardtop coupé and sedan, with a station wagon launched in 1973 to replace the Savanna Wagon. Under the hood at first was a 130 hp (97 kW) 12A engine, but this was replaced by the larger 13B in 1974 producing 125 hp (93 kW), for export. This engine was Mazda's new "AP" (for "anti-pollution") version, with much-improved emissions and fuel economy, but somewhat worse cold-starting behavior.
In South Africa it was produced until 1979, all years only with the 12A engine.
The car used an strut-type independent suspension in front with a live axle in the rear. Brakes were discs in front and drums in the rear.Curb weight was low at 2,620 lb (1,188 kg) and the wheelbase fairly short at 99 in (2510 mm). The body was freshened in 1976.
United States RX-4[edit]
For the United States market, the RX-4 was sold from 1974 through 1978, when the RX-7 debuted. The 13B produced 110 hp (82 kW) and 117 lb·ft (159 N·m) in United States emissions form. Base pricing was $4295, with the automatic transmission ($270) and air conditioning ($395) the only expensive options.
Road & Track magazine was impressed, noting the car's improved fuel economy and price compared to the RX-3. This was notable, as the Wankel engine had suffered by the mid 1970s with a reputation as a gas-guzzler. Performance was good in a 1974 comparison test of six wagons, with an 11.7 s sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) and an 18 s/77.5 mph quarter-mile. The magazine noted that the wagon's brakes suffered from the extra 300 lb (136 kg) weight compared to the coupé.
The RX-4 was on Road & Track magazine's Ten Best list for "Best Sports Sedan, $3500-6500" in 1975.
1977[edit]
| Mark 3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called |
|
| Production | 1977 – 1981 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door hardtop 5-door station wagon/van |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Mazda Cosmo |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm (103 in) sedan |
| Length | 4,625 mm (182 in) sedan |
| Width | 1,690 mm (67 in) sedan |
| Height | 1,385 mm (55 in) sedan |
| Curb weight | 1,235 kg (2,723 lb) sedan |
The 1978 Luce Legato (introduced as the LA4 in October 1977) was a large and luxurious sedan, still powered by Mazda's piston or rotary engines. It was also available as a four-door pillarless hardtop that looked like a huge, square coupé, and a wagon, which had more of a utilitarian role than the sedans. The coupé was renamed the second generation Mazda Cosmo.
This generation sedan was not sold in North America. It was originally designed Luce Legato, but the Japanese automobile industry authorities would not allow for what they considered a name change and so it was officially sold as simply the Luce.[6] The "L" portion hung on though, with export models receiving the new car as the "929L".
Aside from the regular piston-engined variants, the 12A or 13B rotary engines were on offer. The piston-engined variants were exported as the Mazda 929. A rotary-engined version was exported to "general issue" countries and sold as an RX-9. Most RX-9's were sold with the smaller 12A engine.
A facelift was given to the range in 1980, giving the car a more 'European' styled front. When the range was replaced in 1981, the wagon models continued, due to there being no wagon model of the new range developed.
Engines:
- 1977–1980 1.8 L (1,769 cc) I4, 2-barrel, 83 hp (61 kW)/101 lb·ft (137 N·m)
- 1977–1980 2.0 L F/MA (1,970 cc) I4, 1-barrel, 90 hp (66 kW)
- 1977–1980 13B, 127 hp (93 kW)/138 lb·ft (188 N·m)
- 1980–1980 2.2 L diesel, 66 hp (49 kW)/104 lb·ft (142 N·m)
1981[edit]
| Mark 4 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Mazda Cosmo Mazda 929 |
| Production | 1981 – 1986 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L F/MA I4 2.0 L FE I4 1.2 L 12A Wankel 1.3 L 13B Wankel |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,615 mm (103 in) sedan |
| Length | 4,665 mm (184 in) sedan |
| Width | 1,690 mm (67 in) sedan |
| Height | 1,360 mm (54 in) sedan |
| Curb weight | 1,215 kg (2,679 lb) sedan |
For 1981, Mazda brought back the Cosmo name for the HB platform Luce coupé. The sedan was also exported as the Mazda 929. The wagon was essentially the same as the last one from the A-pillar back. Production of the Cosmo continued after the Luce was replaced in 1986.
This generation vehicle was not sold in North America.
Engines:
- 1981–1986 2.0 L (1970 cc) MA I4, 1-barrel, 90 hp (66 kW)/118 lb·ft (160 N·m)
- 1981–1986 2.0 L (1998 cc) FE I4, 2-barrel, 101 hp (74 kW)/115 lb·ft (156 N·m)
- 1981–1986 2.0 L (1998 cc) FE I4, FI, 118 hp (87 kW)/126 lb·ft (171 N·m)
1986[edit]
| Mark 5 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Mazda 929 Kia Potentia |
| Production | 1986 – 1991 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L FE I4 2.2 L F2 I4 2.0 L JF V6 3.0 L JE V6 1.3 L 13B turbocharged Wankel |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,710 mm (106.7 in) |
| Length | 4,690–4,930 mm (184.6–194.1 in) |
| Width | 1,695–1,725 mm (66.7–67.9 in) |
| Height | 1,440–1,450 mm (56.7–57.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,390 kg (3,064.4 lb) |
The 1986 Luce was large and luxurious on the HC platform, now with the 13B turbo engine as one of many engine options. It was still exported as the 929, and differed from the (continued) Cosmo. In the 1990s Mazda sold the body stampings to Kia where it was reproduced until the early first decade of the 21st century in piston form and sold in Korea only as the Kia Potentia.
This generation vehicle was sold in North America after the arrival of the Acura Legend in 1988 in sedan bodystyle only; the hardtop was not available, nor were the rotary engines. Actor James Garner was used as a spokesman introducing the929 to North America
1991 was the last year of the Luce nameplate. The Eunos Cosmo was already on sale (JC), and the HD platform spawned the Mazda Sentia (now exported as the 929), and the Efini MS-9, making 1991 the last year for a 4-door rotary powered sedan prior to the RX-8.
Engines:
- 1986–1991 2.0 L (1,998 cc) FE I4, FI, 116 hp (85 kW)/121 lb·ft (164 N·m)
- 1986–1991 2.2 L (2,184 cc) F2 I4, 1-barrel, 115 hp (85 kW)/129 lb·ft (175 N·m)
- 1986–1991 2.2 L (2,184 cc) F2 I4, FI, 127 hp (93 kW)/141 lb·ft (192 N·m)
- 2.0 L JF V6
- 2.0 L JFT V6 FI, 150 hp (112 kW)
- 1986–1991 3.0 L (2,954 cc) JE V6, FI, 165 hp (121 kW)/182 lb·ft (247 N·m)
- 13B turbo
Kia Potentia
When the HC series Luce was replaced with the Mazda Sentia, it continued to be manufactured in South Korea as the Kia Potentia. That vehicle was in production from 1992 until 2001 using the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder Mazda FE-DOHC engine, which was the same as the first generation Kia Sportage's gasoline version, 2.2 liter 4-cylinder and a 3.0 liter V6. The Potentia was replaced by the Kia Enterprise, which was based on the Mazda Sentia and introduced in 1997 after the Sentia was cancelled.
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