A redesigned eighth generation BJ Familia was introduced on 9 June 1998 and released on 29 September 1998 as a 1999 model.
Body styles included a four-door sedan, five-door S-Wagon (sold as the Protegé5 in the United States and Canada, and Astina NU in some Asian countries) and a three-door hatchback.
In Japan there was also a traditional five-door Wagon sold, but this car is simply a rebadged Nissan.
A 4EC automatic transmission and two five-speed manual transmissions were available.
All-wheel drive is optional.

The 1999 BJ platform was updated with a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback chassis based on the larger Mazda Capella and offered with more engine choices.
The Japanese Mazda Familia had all-wheel drive as an option.
In North America, the ES's engine was still 1.8 liters, but for the eighth generation it was a smaller version of the 626's engine (the FP) rather than the sportier engine shared with the Miata which had been used previously.
The rear disc brakes of the ES were downgraded to drums.

Mazda 323s were used as police cars by some police departments such as the Singapore Police Force under Fast Response Car (FRCs) where the Mazda 323 police cars were partially retired as of 2016.

The Familia Van and Familia Business Wagon were introduced for 2000, and continued to be supplied by Nissan under an OEM deal, based on the Wingroad.
A redesigned eighth generation BJ Familia was introduced on 9 June 1998 and released on 29 September 1998 as a 1999 model. Body styles included a four-door sedan, five-door S-Wagon (sold as the Protegé5 in the United States and Canada, and Astina NU in some Asian countries) and a three-door hatchback. In Japan there was also a traditional five-door Wagon sold, but this car is simply a rebadged Nissan. A 4EC automatic transmission and two five-speed manual transmissions were available. All-wheel drive is optional.
The 1999 BJ platform was updated with a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback chassis based on the larger Mazda Capella and offered with more engine choices. The Japanese Mazda Familia had all-wheel drive as an option. In North America, the ES's engine was still 1.8 liters, but for the eighth generation it was a smaller version of the 626's engine (the FP) rather than the sportier engine shared with the Miata which had been used previously. The rear disc brakes of the ES were downgraded to drums.
Mazda 323s were used as police cars by some police departments such as the Singapore Police Force under Fast Response Car (FRCs) where the Mazda 323 police cars were partially retired as of 2016.
The Familia Van and Familia Business Wagon were introduced for 2000, and continued to be supplied by Nissan under an OEM deal, based on the Wingroad.
Mazda Familia