Eunos Eunos Presso History

Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991, the Eunos Presso was Japan's version of the car sold internationally as the Mazda MX-3. Under the Eunos channel it was positioned as the brand's entry-level sporting coupe, sitting below the Cosmo in the lineup. Mechanically it shared its EC platform with the contemporary Familia/323.

The Presso's engineering highlight was its optional 1.8-litre K8 V6, a 60-degree unit producing around 130 PS — at the time the smallest V6 engine installed in any production car. The base model used a 1.5-litre four-cylinder. The kammback hatchback coupe body was designed by Mazda's in-house team and offered 2+2 seating. The Eunos Presso name was used in Japan; the car was also badged Autozam AZ-3 through Mazda's Autozam channel for the entry four-cylinder version.

The Presso ran under the Eunos banner until 1993, after which the MX-3 continued in export markets through to 1998 while the Eunos channel wound down toward its 1996 closure.