Mazda 3 / Axela
Mazda has just revamped the 3 compact
hatch/sedan in its home market, where it is sold under the Axela name.
Previewed by a leaked image a couple of
months ago, the compact model has a lightly revised front fascia, with a fresh
grille, repositioned badge and new headlights. At the other end, changes are
even more subtle and can be noticed at the reshaped bumper, which has been
tweaked around the reflectors.
Inside, the 2017 Axela / Mazda 3 has gained
a different steering wheel and tweaked metal trim on the doors and dashboard,
while better equipped models benefit from electronic parking brake. The head-up
display has been also upgraded, as the info is shown in two levels, and
versions equipped with seat memory function can save the position and angle of
the HUD.
Higher-spec trim levels will get
adaptive LED headlights with glare-free high beams and wide-range low beams
that operate at speeds of 40 km/h or higher and at 40 km/h or
lower, respectively. They also feature a Highway Mode, which allows the driver
to see for greater distances at 95 km/h or more. The appropriate block
of LEDs is turned off once headlights of oncoming vehicles, or taillights of
the vehicles ahead, are detected.
Mazda has upgraded the Advanced Smart
City Brake system, which detects vehicles and pedestrians. The technology,
which uses a forward-sensing camera instead of the infrared laser sensor,
operates between 4 and 80 km/h.
Moreover, the facelifted Axela / Mazda 3 is
the first model in the brand's range to come with the G-Vectoring Control
system, which improves driving dynamics by using subtle cuts in engine torque
delivery. The technology provides "more effective control in every
situation, from everyday driving to collision avoidance maneuvers, offering
driver confidence and peace of mind", as the manufacturer explains.
The engine lineup in JDM includes a
1.5-liter SkyActiv-D turbodiesel (new for Japan), which can be connected to a
6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front
wheels and joining the upgraded SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter diesel and the SkyActiv-G
1.5-liter petrol mill, availabe with either FWD or AWD.
Prices kick off from 1,760,400 Yen
(US$ 16,855) and top out at 3,310,200 Yen (US$ 31,695), while the Axela Hybrid, which
is only available as a four-door, can be had from 2,473,200 (US$ 23,680).
In Europe, the 2017 Mazda 3 will arrive
later this year with a powertrain lineup that includes the 100 PS SkyActiv-G
1.5, 120 PS and 165 PS SkyActiv-G 2.0, the 105 PS SkyActiv-D 1.5 and 150 PS
SkyActiv-D 2.2, mated to a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox.
