Mazda 323
Though there had been other hatchbacks before it (such as the Renault 16TS), the Mazda 323 which was introduced in South Africa in 1977 was the car that popularised hatchbacks here. It was a sensation.
I remember people with large cars selling them and buying 323s which were also known for their fuel economy in those days of the 70s fuel crisis. The first 323s had horrible tartan-esque fabric insets in the seats, visible in this picture.
Thank you Graham Sonnenberg for the use of his article and image
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