The Étude looked similar to the 323/Familia, but was a bit longer and had a lower roofline, providing a generally more suave appearance.

It was marketed as a "personal coupé" and received very full equipment (sliding sunroof, two-tone paint, power steering and windows, etc.)

[3] The B- and C-pillars were blacked out and the greenhouse had an entirely flush surface, helping to differentiate it from its more staid siblings.

[4] The car was first introduced in January 1987 with the 1.6-liter twin cam engine in three different trim levels, from the bottom Li via the Si to the top Gi spec.

[6] When the Familia was redesigned in March, 1989, the Étude ended production, but sales of remaining stock continued for a while.