| Manufacturer | Mazda |
|---|---|
| Also called | Mazda 626 |
| Production | 1991–1995 |
| Predecessor | Mazda Capella |
| Successor | Mazda Capella |
| Class | compact |
| Body style | 4-door Sedan |
| Layout | FF layout/ optional AWD |
| Platform | GE |
| Engine | 2.0 L FS-DE I4 DOHC 2.0 L KF-ZE V6 DOHC 2.5 L KL-ZE V6 DOHC |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm (102.8 in) |
| Length | 4,670 mm (183.9 in) |
| Width | 1,750 mm (68.9 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,310 kg (2,888.1 lb) |
| Related | Autozam Clef Efini MS-6 Ford Telstar Mazda 626 Mazda MX-6 Efini MS-8 Eunos 500/Xedos 6 |
Mazda used the Cronos name in Japan from 1991 until 1995 for a redesign of the Mazda Capella. This vehicle platform (GE) was sold in the United States as the Mazda 626 during the same period. In Japan, the station wagon variant of the older-generation GD Capella remained in production. All three models were replaced with the GF in 1997, and the Cronos name was retired.
The Cronos' GE platform was central to Mazda's ambitious expansion plan of doubling sales in a five-year span. Including the badge-engineered Ford Telstar, a total of six cars were spawned off the same platform, launched under five different brands in Japan over a two-year period. All of these models ended their production run as flops, most likely due to the difficulties involved in promoting so many new nameplates at the same time.
Until 1989, Japanese car taxation used a car's width as a key determinant. The Cronos and its siblings (bar the Eunos 500) all exceed the critical 1,700 mm (66.9 in) level in width. Moving in accord with early-1990s zeitgeist, Mazda considered width a key factor in the Cronos' sales failure, and proceeded to create a 1,700 mm (66.9 in)-wide stopgap solution. This car was introduced in 1994 as the new Capella sedan.
The Cronos continued to be sold outside Japan until 1997/98, when the Capella was redesigned.
The (Japanese: Autozam Clef) was a mid-size sedan sold under Mazda's minicar marque from 1992 until 1994. It shared Mazda's GE platform with cars like the Mazda 626 and MX-6.
The Clef was mechanically related to the Cronos, but featured different fenders, bonnet, boot lid and rear side window designs. The Autozam franchise was Mazda's attempt in participating in similar efforts from Toyota, Nissan and Honda that established different sales chains but sold badge engineered vehicles in Japan.