The Clef was mechanically related to the Mazda Cronos (626 in global markets), but featured different bodywork, and rear side window designs.

The front end in particular was designed to have the Autozam corporate "face", reminiscent of the Carol and Revue.

[1] As the Clef was the top level sedan at Autozam, which was introduced as a retailer of entry level products to Japanese consumers, the width dimension presented an issue in that buyers in Japan were liable for yearly taxes, and because the Clef was largely identical to other Mazda GE platform cars, Japanese buyers who were willing to pay extra taxes for a wide car from Mazda had many choices and the Clef wasn't usually the first choice.

Additionally, Autozam mostly targeted young, female customers, who were unlikely to trade up from the subcompact Revue and Carol to the expensive Clef.

Late in the production run, a version with a redesigned front bumper incorporating a grille was introduced.