The Mazda 626 badge was used for the first time in some markets, replacing the earlier "616". The 626 was typically fitted with the 1.6- or 2.0-liter version of the Mazda F/MA, which produced from . The 626 was facelifted in November 1980, with the update bringing flush-fitting headlamps and a new grille insert. Other changes included redesigned tail-lights, a revised dash, new trim and improved dynamics. The grille was lengthened slightly to remove the body-colored gap between the headlamps and grille on the original model. It was also reduced in height so that the grille and headlamps formed a single "band" across the front-end.