MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Refined Mazda Axela Goes on Sale in Japan

NEWS RELEASES

Jan. 22, 2008

Products and Technology

Refined Mazda Axela Goes on Sale in Japan
- Special edition Mazda Axela Sport with a range of sportier features also released -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has released updated versions of the Mazda Axela sports compact in Japan. Known as the Mazda3 in overseas markets, the Mazda Axela has earned high praise both in Japan and abroad. All models in the range – including the four-door Axela, five-door Axela Sport and Mazdaspeed Axela – feature fresh improvements and are available from today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide. Two new special edition versions of the Axela Sport, the 23HS and 20HS, which come outfitted with equipment to enhance their sporty pedigree, also go on sale from today.

Exterior design modifications such as chrome door handles and expanded use of black molding on the rear bumper enlivens the Axela’s appearance.^*1 Interior quality has also been enhanced with the addition of piano black parts^*2 on the center panel, power window switch bezels and other areas, and chrome parts for some levers and buttons. Reduced cabin noise and higher comfort levels have been achieved through the increased use of sound absorbent materials.

The Axela 20E model grade is a new addition to the range. It offers enhanced quality and comfort thanks to exclusive sand-beige combination Alcantara^®^*3 seat covers with genuine leather trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, blackout meters and other sporty, well-crafted extras as standard equipment.

The special editions Axela Sport 23HS and 20HS come with a full complement of sports equipment including 17-inch reflective aluminum wheels, exclusive aluminum pedals, a floating rear roof spoiler and a BOSE^® sound system.^*4 These models also come with black Alcantara^® and genuine leather combination seat covers and Alcantara^® door trim.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices vary from 1,510,750 to 2,070,000 yen for the Axela and from 1,510,750 to 2,410,000 for the Axela Sport (each price includes consumption tax).

*1:	Standard equipment on the Axela Sport 23S and 20S grades.
*2:	Standard equipment on the Axela 20S and 20E, Axela Sport 23S and 20S, and Mazdaspeed Axela.
*3:	ALCANTARA^® is a registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A.
*4:	Standard equipment on the 23HS. Available as a factory-installed option on the 20HS.

Mazda Axela Sport 23S (FWD model with MZR 2.3-liter engine and five-speed automatic transmission)
Mazda Axela Sport 23S
(FWD model with MZR 2.3-liter engine and five-speed automatic transmission)

Main features of the refined Mazda Axela
Exterior

-	Expanded use of black molding on the rear bumper which creates a stronger sense of sportiness [Axela Sport 23S & 20S]
-	Chrome outer door handles (previously colored to match the vehicle exterior) [Axela 20S, Axela Sport 23S & 20S]
-	Newly-added roof spoiler [standard on Axela Sport 20C, optional on 15C]
-	Dark tinted glass (rear door, rear quarter and liftgate windows) [Axela Sport 20S & 20C]
-	17-inch reflective aluminum wheels and 205/50R17 89V tires [Axela Sport 23S]

Interior

The following equipment now comes as standard:

-	Piano black panels (center panel, instrument panel side garnish, steering wheel switch bezels and power window switch bezels) [Axela 20S & 20E, Axela Sport 23S & 20S, Mazdaspeed Axela]
-	Chrome inner door handles and parking brake lever button [all grades except 15F]
-	Driver and passenger seat vanity mirrors (with light) [Axela 20S & 20E, Axela Sport 23S, 20S & 20C, Mazdaspeed Axela]
-	Advanced keyless entry and engine starter system

Body and Chassis

To complement the high grade features, a bonnet insulator to reduce engine noise, as well as sound absorbent material in the doors and floor have been newly added for a quieter cabin. Additionally, the Axela Sport 23S features an enlarged floor tunnel member and retuned dampers for improved stability.

Body colors

Two new body colors, Metropolitan Grey Mica and Copper Red Mica, have been added to the body color lineup for the Mazda Axela, making a total of nine available colors.
As well as the existing True Red, the Mazdaspeed Axela now also offers Crystal White Pearl Mica, Metropolitan Grey Mica and Stormy Blue Mica for a total range of four colors.

Main features of the new Axela 20E model grade

In addition to the equipment listed above, the following items are standard:

-	Sand-beige combination Alcantara^® seat covers with genuine leather side trim and matching door trim enhance the high quality feel of the interior
-	Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
-	Blackout meters. (The dials and center console have blue indirect lighting.)
-	Advanced keyless entry and engine starter system

Sand-beige Alcantara® seats and door trim, Mazda Axela '20E'

Main features of the special edition Mazda Axela 23HS and 20HS
Base models

Axela Sport 23S (FWD model with five-speed automatic transmission and 2.3-liter DOHC engine) and 20S (FWD model with five-speed automatic transmission and 2.0-liter DOHC engine)

Special equipment
Exterior

-	17-inch reflective aluminum wheels with 205/50R17 89V tires
-	Floating rear roof spoiler (as featured on the Mazdaspeed Axela)
-	Discharge headlights and water repellent coating (windshield, front door windows and door mirrors)

Interior

-	Black Alcantara^® and genuine leather combination seat covers and Alcantara^® door trim
-	Custom aluminum pedals
-	Stainless steel scuff plates (front)
-	Advanced keyless entry and engine starter system
-	BOSE^® sound system [special equipment on the 23HS, available as a factory-installed option on the 20HS] Includes an MP3 player and a seven-speaker system, including a 5.25-inch subwoofer, for dynamic sound.

Body colors

Both models are available in Velocity Red Mica and Stormy Blue Mica.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Mazda Axela

*Price of the model in the attached photo

Body type	Grade	Drive	Engine	Transmission	Price (yen)
Body type	Grade	Drive	Engine	Transmission	With Tax	Without Tax
4-door (Axela/ Mazda3)	15F	FWD	MZR 1.5 L	5MT	1,510,750	1,438,810
	15F	FWD	MZR 1.5 L	4EC-AT	1,600,000	1,523,810
	15C	FWD	MZR 1.5 L	5MT	1,570,750	1,495,953
	15C	FWD	MZR 1.5 L	4EC-AT	1,660,000	1,580,953
	20F	4WD	MZR 2.0 L	4EC-AT	2,000,000	1,904,762
	20E	FWD	MZR 2.0 L	5EC-AT	1,953,000	1,860,000
	20S	FWD	MZR 2.0 L	5EC-AT	2,070,000	1,971,429
5-door (Axela Sport)	15F	FWD	MZR 1.5 L	5MT	1,510,750	1,438,810
	15F	FWD	MZR 1.5 L	4EC-AT	1,600,000	1,523,810
	15C	FWD	MZR 1.5 L	5MT	1,570,750	1,495,953
	15C	FWD	MZR 1.5 L	4EC-AT	1,660,000	1,580,953
	20F	4WD	MZR 2.0 L	4EC-AT	2,000,000	1,904,762
	20C	FWD	MZR 2.0 L	5EC-AT	1,942,500	1,850,000
	20S	FWD	MZR 2.0 L	5EC-AT	2,070,000	1,971,429
	23S	FWD	MZR 2.3 L	5EC-AT	2,226,000^*	2,120,000
	Mazdaspeed Axela	FWD	MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo	6MT	2,410,000	2,295,239

-	4EC-AT and 5EC-AT are electronically controlled automatic transmissions (all grades except for the 20F have Activematic versions).
-	A separate recycling fee is necessary in addition to the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices listed above. The fee is 11,730 yen for Mazda Axela grades (12,300 yen if the curtain and front side SRS air bag system is selected as a factory-installed option), and 11,860 yen for Axela Sport grades and the Mazdaspeed Axela (12,430 yen if the curtain and front side SRS airbags system is selected as a factory-installed option).
-	If the special body color, Crystal White Pearl Mica is selected, the price increases by 31,500 yen (including tax).

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Mazda Axela Sport special edition 20HS and 23HS

Model	Drive	Engine	Transmission	Prices (yen)
				With tax	Without tax
20HS	FWD	MZR 2.0 L	5-speed electrically controlled AT (Activematic)	2,280,000	2,171,429
23HS		MZR 2.3 L		2,400,000	2,285,715

-	A separate recycling fee of 11,860 yen is necessary in addition to the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices listed above.
-	If the BOSE^® sound system is selected as a factory-installed option for the 20HS, the price increases by 68,250 yen (tax included).

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