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The Axela, or '''Mazda3''' is a Compact Automobile manufactured by the Mazda Motor Corporation . The name "Mazda3" is used in some markets, where as in Japan , Mazda's home market, it is the Axela. The Axela was introduced for the 2004 Model Year , replacing the Mazda Protegé . The first car rolled off the Assembly Line on December 8 , 2003 . The Axela has been very well-received in all markets, and in 2004 was the third best-selling car in Canada . Mazda is increasing production of the Axela at its Hofu 1 And 2 factories to meet heavy worldwide demand of over 300,000 units per year. ''(This vehicle will be referred to as the “Axela” throughout this article for consistency.)'' DESIGN The Axela is based on Ford 's global C1 Platform , which was developed by Volvo and which is shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40 . Chassis development was carried out by Mazda and suspension designed by Ford. Based on the styling of the MX-Sportif Concept Car , the Axela is available in two body styles, a four-door Sedan , marketed as "coupé style" in Europe, and a five-door Hatchback , branded the Sport version in America and Japan. Front suspension is by MacPherson Struts , with Coil Spring s and an Anti-roll Bar . Rear suspension is a Ford-designed "E-link" Multi-link Suspension , with four locating links per wheel and an anti-roll bar, suspended on coil springs that are mounted inboard of the Shock Absorbers to reduce suspension intrusion into the cargo area. Disc Brakes are standard at all four wheels, with 300 mm (11.8 in) discs front and 279 mm (11 in) discs rear; ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution are available or standard, depending on the model. Wheel and tire sizes vary with model, from 15 in (381 mm) on base models to option 17 in (432 mm) wheels on upper-level models. When first introduced, American Mazda3 models were available in only two trim levels, i and s, with the 2.0 L and 2.3 L engines, respectively. Since then Mazda has introduced a proliferation of additional models under the Touring and Grand Touring labels. UK Mazda3s are offered in S, TS, TS2, and Sport models. All Axela models except the European Diesel -powered model use the Inline-4 Mazda MZR Engine , with various displacements and outputs depending on model and market. Transmissions are a 5-speed Manual Transmission and a 4-speed Automatic Transmission ; for the 2006 model year, a 5-speed Automatic became optional on models with the 2.3 L (137 cu. in.) engine. SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINES The Axela uses the following engines; all except the European Diesel are Mazda MZR Engine s. Japanese market ( JIS ratings):
European market ( DIN ratings):
American market ( SAE net ratings):
PERFORMANCE Official performance figures for the European Mazda3 1.4 S, the lowest-powered model, are 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 14.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). Figures for the 2.0 Sport are 9 seconds 0-100 km/h with a top speed of 198 km/h (124 mph). Reviews of U.S.-spec models with the 2.3 L engine and manual transmission quote 0-60 mph times of between 7.4 and 8.0 seconds; U.S. models are electronically limited to a maximum speed of 118 mph (189 km/h). MAZDASPEED3/MAZDA3 MPS Mazda unveiled the Mazda3 MPS at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model will be sold in North America as the '''Mazdaspeed3''' and as the '''Axela MPS''' in Japan. Pricing is to start under 25,000 dollars and it is designed to compete with the latest generation of Hot Hatches, including the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, and the new Volkswagen GTI/R32. The performance model features a slightly detuned version of the 2.3 L DISI MZR engine from the Mazda6 MPS/Mazdaspeed 6 . For this application, it produces 246 hp (184 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) for the european market, while the North American market will receive a retuned version rated at 267 horsepower and 280 FtLbs. This is routed through the front wheels rather than an All Wheel Drive system as on its big brother. A Limited Slip Differential is standard, along with a 6-speed manual transmission, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control. To limit wheelslip, boost in the first gear will be limited to produce a maximum of 230 horsepower. It uses the 5-door hatchback body with extra structural bracing. 12.6 in (320 mm) front and 11 in (280 mm) rear brake discs hide under 18 in (457 mm) wheels. FUTURE MODELS The Axela will be getting a minor facelift for the model year 2007. The Mazda Concepts Page says that there will be a redesigned grille, a new interior color scheme, and an improved keyless entry system. It is rumored that it may be offered as a wagon (combi) and a sportier version called Mazda3F for the model year 2008 . There is no wagon at present, although Mazda Japan currently offers a rebadged Nissan Wingroad in the Axela's Market Segment . REFERENCES
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