THE 1.6-litre double overhead camshaft 16-valve powerplant is mounted transversely at the front and drives the front wheels. The engine generates 78kW at 5500rpm and 145Nm at 4500rpm. New to Australia, the ZMD engine is claimed to have improved fuel efficiency. The Astina 1.6 manual returns fuel economy figures of 8.0l/100km around town and 6.0l/100km on the highway. The auto returns 9.0l/100km and 6.6l/100km. The 323 uses normal unleaded fuel.