The first Capella was introduced in 1970 and lasted until 1974. It was powered by a 4 cylinder SOHC valve engine displacing 1.6L (1586cc). Bore was 78mm and stroke was 83mm. Output was 104hp (77kW) and 106ft·lbf (144Nm).
This generation was sold in export markets as the Mazda 616 in coupe and sedan configurations.
An optional Mazda Wankel engine and other tweaks transformed it into the Mazda RX-2.
The 616 was a major component of Mazda's United States expansion in 1971, having been preceded by its rotary brother, the RX-2, the previous year. It featured the 1.6L (1586cc) engine, which was also used in the 1200 that year. The American Capella was updated and renamed the next year. The 1972 618 had a larger 1.8L (1796cc) engine. Lasting just one year, the 618 nameplate was not used again in the United States and the only Capella for 1973 was the RX-2.
The second generation rear-wheel drive Capella was available between 1977 and 1982, in both sedan and coupe forms. It was known on export markets as the Mazda 626, with the exception of United Kingdom, where it was called the Mazda Montrose, the name was changed to honour the local Mazda dealership in Montrose. Early models had two slightly different frontal treatments, one with a more pronounced sloping grille to denote some models, particularly on the Japanese domestic market. A bolder front and rear facelift, though similar in appearance was done for 1981.
In 1983 the third generation Capella was released using the new front wheel drive GC platform. As before, the international version was named the Mazda 626 (see that article for more information), and certain markets also received the 626 rebadged as the Ford Telstar (complete with slightly different styling). Sedan and Coupe were offered as before, with - due to demand - a 5-door hatchback variant added.
The fourth-generation Capella was released in 1987. It used the updated GD platform and remained in production in Japan until 1996. The 626 and Telstar were updated in 1993 on the GE platform, but this vehicle was called the Mazda Cronos for Japan. The hatchback variation of Capella was presented in 1989 and was produced until 1994. Some versions of it featured 2.0 diesel RFT engine, notable for its use of a pressure wave supercharger, that previously could be found in Mazda Bongo.