Mazda Axela is a compact C-class car, mass-produced since 2003. The model replaced the legendary 323f. Just like its predecessor, the new Axela quickly gained popularity and was widely recognized on the world market. In Russia, this car is known as the "Mazda 3" or "treshka". Well, let's take a closer look at this machine.
Car design
Since the 2000s , golf class has gained great popularity. And if in the West the famous Volkswagen Golf was promoted (already then the third and fourth generation), then in the land of the Rising Sun Axel was created. In fairness, we note that not only Mazda is engaged in the production of such cars in Japan - there is the equally popular Honda Civic. But we will talk about it another time. In the meantime, take a look at what Mazda Axel looks like. Photos of the car are in our article.
Compared to model 323, Mazda has matured significantly. "Axela" has a bright, stylish and dynamic appearance. Just remember the slogan: Zoom-Zoom. The car looks especially impressive in blue and red.
An amazing feature - the design of "Axela" is not predisposed to a particular gender. This car can be both female and male. At the wheel of the Mazda, even pensioners will not be ashamed. The Japanese managed to create the most versatile design that would suit people of any age.
The car has a bright front part - slanting optics, stylish foglights and a relief hood with an integrated radiator grill. Mirrors and door handles are painted in body color already from the base. The buyer is offered a wide selection of rims that look harmoniously against the background of the Mazda Axel.
After a while, a restyled version of the hatchback was released. You can see the photo of the car below.
What did Mazda Axel stand out this time? The bumper, as well as the side lines, has become more prominent. The hood has lengthened a little. The radiator grill has acquired new, large honeycombs. The color scheme has not changed. In addition to the primary colors (blue and red), a host of others are available - white, silver, pearl, golden, etc. The machine still has a taut and slightly aggressive look. Especially the design is liked by a young audience.
Mazda has always been distinguished by bold design decisions. So, on the "treshka" the taillight was changed. Mazda Axel has such optics already from the factory. The design turned out to be very interesting - round lamps integrated into a slanted headlamp with a black diffuser. Such bold ideas have not yet been practiced by any manufacturer. The back came out no less attractive. The trunk lid on hatchbacks (and there were also sedans) has moderately convex glass. Remember how the Nissan Primera looked at that time from behind.
A kind of "bloated orange." How much negativity was there in the direction of “Nissan” ... But back to our “troika”. Mazda Axel is one of the few Japanese cars that have a really nice appearance. This is repeatedly said by the reviews of the owners of this car.
As for the dimensions, the machine, despite its compact appearance, has very large dimensions. So, the length of the Mazda Axel hatchback is 4.49 meters (the sedan is 6 centimeters longer), its height is 1.46 meters and its width is 1.75 meters. Ground clearance - 16 centimeters. What do the owners say about the Mazda Axel? Reviews note a lack of ground clearance, especially in winter. This seems to be the problem of all compact hatchbacks.
Vehicle interior
The interior, in comparison with 323f, looks much better. Mazda has acquired a new 3-spoke steering wheel with multimedia buttons, a smooth panel and a red instrument panel (a kind of hint of sportiness).
Each scale is “recessed” into its well. Powerful speakers are integrated in the door cards. On the passenger side is a large, roomy glove box that locks with a key. In the maximum configuration, Mazda Axel is equipped with a color navigation display that leaves the central panel. The console is quite wide and not crowded with extra buttons. With the release of "Axela", the radio now comes complete with an air conditioner. This creates problems when replacing the radio with an emergency.
Despite belonging to a compact class, inside you do not feel a lack of free space, as the reviews of many owners say. There are three head restraints and a soft armrest on the back sofa. Each passenger has his own seat belt. Owners also respond well to the seats. They are moderately stiff and have good lateral support. Depending on the configuration, they are regulated mechanically or on an electric drive.
Vehicle Specifications
What engines was equipped with the Mazda Axel? The engine here is mainly gasoline, but there are diesel "treshki". We will talk about them at the end.
So, the first in the line of gasoline engines is a 1.6-liter unit with 105 horsepower. In the Russian market, this engine is most often found.
There is also a two-liter version of 150 horsepower. The motor has a good torque. Up to a hundred Mazda Axel accelerates in 9 seconds. The maximum speed is 200 kilometers per hour. The combined fuel consumption is 8.2 liters. The recommended octane rating is AI-95.
There were two power units with injection distributed injection in the US market:
- 1.4-liter engine with 84 horsepower. It is quite rare in the United States. Illiquid due to weak dynamic characteristics. Acceleration to hundreds takes almost 15 seconds.
- 2.3-liter engine rated at 170 horsepower. Acceleration to hundreds takes 7.5 seconds. The maximum speed is 250 kilometers per hour.
Diesel Mazda
As for diesel engines, the lineup contains only one “solid fuel” unit. What is his technical characteristic? Mazda Axel TD has a capacity of 109 horsepower with a volume of 1.6 liters. The engine is turbocharged, so it has good dynamics. Up to a hundred diesel “Axela” accelerates in 11.5 seconds. The maximum speed is 182 kilometers per hour.
Car transmission
Mazda Axela has a wide selection of gearboxes. Four types of transmissions were installed here:
- Five-speed mechanics.
- Four-speed automatic.
- Six-speed mechanics.
- Five-speed automatic.
The most popular is a 6-speed manual transmission. It is in great demand both in the Russian and American markets. According to numerous reviews, it does not cause problems during operation.
Axela T
In limited series, turbocharged versions of the Mazda were produced. They were equipped with a gasoline 2.5-liter engine with 280 horsepower. Acceleration to hundreds took 6 seconds. The maximum speed is limited by software and is 250 kilometers per hour.
Car undercarriage
"Axela", unlike the 323rd, has a completely independent suspension. However, the car behaves stiffly in the pits. This is due to the sportiness of the Mazda - low-profile tires and a short stroke of shock absorbers. But in the corners does not heel, according to the reviews of the owners.
Front - "MacPherson", rear - "mnogoryichazhka". There are anti-roll bars. The brake system is disc on both axles. Front ventilated. Some versions are equipped with ventilated discs and rear. Drive - front only.
Conclusion
So, we have found out what Mazda Axel has specifications, design and interior. The car still stands out from the crowd. The car is not deprived of dynamics (if we do not consider the 1.4-liter engine) and is cheap to maintain. This is its main advantages.