In September 1982 the third-generation Capella was released using the new front-wheel-drive Mazda GC platform. As before, the international version was named the 626, with this version being named "Import Car of the Year" by "Motor Trend" magazine, the Car of the Year Japan award in 1982, and Car of the Year by "Wheels" magazine for 1983. It came in fifth in the 1984 European Car of the Year, the highest finish so far for a Japanese car. It immediately sold very well across Europe.