Mazda Unveils the Next Sports Compact 'Mazda Axela'
- Fourth model in Mazda's new-generation lineup boasts global C-segment values -
| Mazda Motor Corporation today proudly introduces Axela (known as Mazda3 overseas), an all-new sports compact and Mazda's fourth, new-generation model following Atenza/Mazda6, Demio/Mazda2 and Mazda RX-8. Available in five-door and four-door versions, Mazda Axela will go on sale today at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan. |
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Mazda Axela Sport 23S (equipped with S-package)
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The all-new Mazda Axela embodies both Mazda DNA and the company's Zoom-Zoom spirit in abundance and clearly expresses the qualities so evident in Atenza/Mazda6, Demio/Mazda2 and Mazda RX-8. Mazda's target was no less than a new benchmark for dynamic performance, design, quality, packaging and safety features-values such as dynamic performance that delivers a sporty ride in complete confidence, a prominent design that radiates personality and presence, and the kind of quality that elevates delight in ownership and driving.
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| "Axela is a vehicle that demonstrates all of Mazda's confidence in its products," said Axela Program Manager Akira Tanioka. "It has the craftsmanship customers expect of a Japanese car as well as exceptional Zoom-Zoom dynamic performance. These attributes come together to achieve a high Mazda standard that, I'm proud to say, puts Axela among the world's leaders in the compact class." |
| Domestic monthly sales target
for the four-door and five-door versions is set at 2,500 units. |
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Mazda Axela 23S (equipped with S-package)
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| [Mazda Axela Features and Product Outline] |
| 1. |
'Driving pleasure' through superbly balanced dynamic performance |
| Working painstakingly
to arrive at the ideal formula for its next-generation compact car,
Mazda engineers achieved a superb balance in all aspects of vehicle
dynamics that takes Axela beyond the conventional compact and allows,
in the words of program manager Tanioka, "driving excitement supported
by an absolute feeling of confidence". |
| - |
The engine lineup includes
1.5-litre, 2.0-litre and 2.3 -litre inline four-cylinder MZR engines.
Use of Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT), on all engines except 2.0-litre,
Tumble Swirl Control Valve (TSCV), Variable Induction System (VIS)
and other features maximizes torque to achieve responsive acceleration
at all engine speeds. |
| - |
All automatic transmission
versions feature Mazda's Activematic transmission with manual mode
to enhance driving pleasure. Activematic for the 2.3-litre Axela
23S has a unique, lower final gear ratio of 4.416 for enhanced acceleration,
giving this version the sportiest performance in the range. |
| - |
The front suspension system
features MacPherson-type struts and a four-point rubber mounting
system to join the cross-members and body, while the rear suspension
has the same multi-link layout as Atenza/Mazda6. These suspension
technologies yield a direct and predictable steering feel, as well
as a flat, refined ride quality. |
| - |
Axela's body is completely
new and bolsters significant overall stiffness through the use of
extensive local reinforcements. Coupled with the new suspension
system, the body ensures the handling performance that gives enjoyable
driving with complete confidence under a whole range of conditions.
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| - |
The brake system takes
the exceptional response and linearity inherent in Mazda DNA a stage
further by using larger diameter brakes compared to the current
Mazda Familia. The results are demonstrated by extremely linear
control and some of the best stopping distances in the C-segment. |
| 2. |
'Dynamic and distinctive presence' that fully embodies Mazda DNA |
| Axela's styling
has a powerful and distinctive presence that instantly draws attention
and leaves an impression that remains fresh and appealing even after
repeated viewings. Additionally, both five- and four-door versions
are imbued with distinct personalities: the voluminous form of the
five-door emphasizing power and advancement, and the compact cabin
and high deck of the four-door conveying a more dynamic coupe-looking
style. |
| - |
The exterior design theme
is both dynamic and powerful. With a full complement of Mazda design
DNA, Axela's dynamic-looking exterior suggests driving excitement
at a glance and exerts a powerful presence with global appeal. |
| - |
The five-door's press
lines radiating from the standout front grille along the bonnet,
triangular rear pillars, solid voluminous tailgate area and flared
fenders express a zestful, dynamic and powerful form. |
| - |
With its compact cabin
and strong character lines, the four-door achieves sportier, more
dynamic styling than normally found in its class. Additionally,
although the four-door maintains similarities with the five-door,
it is distinguished by a more elegant look. |
| - |
Axela's interior is designed
to excite at a single glance, inspire delight and exhilaration in
driving and operation, and deliver tangible comfort and functionality
that can be felt immediately. Building on an interior space with
a contemporary and optimally open feel, Axela's designers achieved
a sporty yet elegant look by virtue of the prominent three-meter
cluster, metallic-look accents and a clean, uncluttered center console.
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| 3.
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New generation craftsmanship offering 'quality and comfort that excites all the senses' |
| In addition
to basic build quality and functional elegance, Mazda has added
the new area of "customer delight" to its craftsmanship. Based on
this new generation of Mazda craftsmanship standards, Axela surpasses
the conventional compact car in terms of excitement, quality and
comfort in a way that stimulates all the owner's senses. |
| - |
In the area of basic build
quality, Mazda pursued a refined finish, excellent coordination
and texture of interior materials, and enhanced neatness. |
| - |
With regard to functional
elegance, Mazda adopted a human-centered engineering approach in
all areas to achieve a center panel and instrument layout offering
exceptional operability and visibility, as well as seats with superior
comfort and hold. |
| - |
To invoke a further level
of customer delight in the 23S model, Axela uses blackout type meters
with indirect blue lighting, and audio illumination that responds
in a lively, interactive way to switch operations to enhance operating
pleasure and provide a quality feel that belong in a class above.
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| 4. |
Streamlined package with maneuverability and tangible ease-of-use |
| - |
With its long wheelbase,
wide track and relatively upright side window angles, Axela leads
the class in terms of shoulder room and knee clearance for the rear
seats, providing generous interior space for occupants. Further,
Axela boasts a tight minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters-as small
as 5-number cars in the same class-and a short distance between
the outermost tips of its side mirrors. So despite its wide body,
Axela offers exceptional maneuverability. |
| - |
An amply adjustable tilt-and-telescopic
steering wheel, a ratchet lever seat lifter (driver's seat) with
the largest adjustment range in the class, and long-travel seat
slide combine to provide a comfortable driving position for drivers
of virtually any size. |
| - |
The interior's neat, easy-to-use
storage features include a large glove box with a receptacle in
the lid large enough for a tissue box, a spacious console box containing
an inner tray, and door pockets with bottle holders for the front
and rear seats. |
| - |
Locating the rear suspension's
coil springs below the floor allows a broad and neat, flat-floored
luggage space (five-door hatchback) and boot (four-door). In addition,
the five-door model is equipped with a flexible floorboard that
allows versatile arrangement of the luggage space according to use. |
| 5.
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World-class safety and outstanding environmental performance (all versions U-LEV certified) |
| - |
The completely new high-rigidity
Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System body achieves
world-class safety standards. The body incorporates a three-pronged
energy-dispersing structure that optimally distributes crash energy
from the front in three directions, and also disperses energy from
side impacts throughout the entire body structure to effectively
suppress cabin deformation. |
| - |
To aid pedestrian protection,
the front bumper has enhanced impact absorption efficiency and is
shaped so as to prevent a pedestrian's legs from being drawn under
the vehicle in the event of a collision. |
| - |
Driver and passenger,
dual-stage type front airbags are standard equipment on all Axela
models, with side-curtain airbag and front-seat-mounted, side airbags
being available as a factory-installed option. Axela also features
an advanced, collapsible brake pedal designed to reduce leg injuries
in the event of a crash and a horizontally collapsible steering
column to effectively alleviate impacts to the driver's head and
thorax during the initial phase of a collision. |
| - |
Active safety features
include four-wheel ABS and brake assist as standard on all versions
of Axela. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Auto Light System and
rain-sensing windscreen wipers are also available as factory-installed
options. |
| - |
Thanks to reversed intake/exhaust
layout, S-VT, TSCV, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), thorough reduction
of internal frictional losses and other comprehensive measures,
all versions of Axela qualify for U-LEV (Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle)
designation. Further, the 20C DSC-equipped five-door version and
15F model clear the 2010 fuel consumption standard in Japan, and
thus meet "Green Tax" requirements. |
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Manufacturer's Suggested
Retail Price (Excluding tax)
|
(Unit:
1,000 yen) |
| Body type |
Model |
Engine |
Transmission |
Retail price |
Five-door
(Axela Sport) |
15F |
1.5L DOHC |
5MT |
1,395 |
| 4EC-AT (Activematic) |
1,480 |
| 20C |
2.0L DOHC |
4EC-AT (Activematic) |
1,750 |
| 23S |
2.3L DOHC |
4EC-AT (Activematic) |
1,950 |
| Four-door
(Axela)
|
15F |
1.5L DOHC |
5MT |
1,395 |
| 4EC-AT (Activematic) |
1,480 |
| 20C |
2.0L DOHC |
4EC-AT (Activematic) |
1,750 |
| 23S |
2.3L DOHC |
4EC-AT (Activematic) |
1,950 |
|
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Mazda Axela Main Specifications
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| Body type |
Five-door (Axela Sport)
|
Four-door (Axela)
|
| Model |
15F |
20C |
23S |
15F |
20C |
23S |
| Dimensions |
Overall lengh |
4,405mm |
4,485mm |
4,485mm |
4,540mm |
| Overall width |
1,745mm |
1,745mm |
| Overall height |
1,465mm |
1,465mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,640mm |
2,640mm |
| Track (front/rear) |
1,530/1,515mm |
1,530/1,515mm |
| Occupancy |
5 |
5 |
| Engine |
Type/model |
Water-cooled
inline
4 cylinder DOHC 16 valve |
Water-cooled
inline
4 cylinder DOHC 16 valve |
Maximum power
kW (PS)/rpm |
84 (114)
/6000 |
110 (150)
/6500 |
126 (171)
/6500 |
84 (114)
/6000 |
110 (150)
/6500 |
126 (171)
/6500 |
Maximum torque
N-m (kg-m)/rpm |
140 (14.3)
/4500 |
183 (18.7)
/4500 |
214 (21.8)
/4000 |
140 (14.3)
/4500 |
183 (18.7)
/4500 |
214 (21.8)
/4000 |
| Transmission |
5MT |
4EC-AT (Activematic) |
5MT |
4EC-AT (Activematic) |
10-15 mode fuel consumption
(MLIT inspection values)km/L |
17.4 |
16.6 |
13.8*1 |
11.6 |
17.4 |
16.6 |
13.8 |
12.2 |
| Suspension (front/rear) |
MacPherson strut/multi-link |
MacPherson strut/multi-link |
| Brakes (front/rear) |
Ventilated disc/leading
trailing type
drum*2 |
Ventilated disc/disc |
Ventilated disc/leading
trailing type
drum*2 |
Ventilated disc/disc |
| Tyres |
195/65R15 91H |
205/50R17 89V |
195/65R15 91H |
205/50R17 89V |
| Wheels |
15x6J |
17x6 1/2J |
15x6J |
17x6 1/2J |
| *1: DSC-equipped models: 13.0 km/L |
| *2: DSC-equipped models: rear disc brakes |
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