Sunday Stories Mazda Akela

Refined Mazda3 or Axela Goes on Sale in Japan

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.

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





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