Mazda Axela

Infobox Automobile


name = Mazda 3
aka = Mazda Axela
manufacturer = Mazda
class = Compact
production = 2003–present
predecessor = Mazda Familia/323/Protegé
body_style = 5-door hatchback/wagon
4-door sedan
layout = FF layout
assembly = Hofu, Japan
engine = 1.4 L MZR I4
1.5 L MZR I4
1.6 L MZR I4
2.0 L MZR I4
2.3 L MZR I4
1.6 L MZ-CD I4
2.0 L MZR-CD I4
transmission = 5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
wheelbase = 2640 mm (103.9 in)
length = 2004-06 i Sedan: auto in|178.3|0
2004-06 s Sedan: 4540 mm (178.7 in)
2004-06 Hatchback: 4485 mm (176.6 in)
2007-present i Sedan: auto in|177.4|0
2007-present s Sedan: auto in|177.6|0
2007-present Hatchback: auto in|176.8|0
width = 1755 mm (69.1 in)
height = 1465 mm (57.7 in)
weight = 1180-1315 kg (2600-2900 lb)
front_track = 1530 mm (60.2 in)
rear_track = 1513 mm (59.6 in)
related = Mazda Premacy/Mazda5
Ford Focus (International)
Volvo C30
Volvo S40/Volvo V50
platform = Ford C1 platform

The Mazda Axela is a compact car manufactured by the Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan. Outside of its home market, it is marketed as the Mazda3. The Axela was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Familia (323 or Protegé in export markets). A more performance-oriented version of the Mazda3 is marketed as Mazdaspeed3 in North America and Mazda3 MPS in Europe.

The Mazda3 has been generally well-received by the automotive press. [cite web |url=http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazda3/review.html |title=Edmunds.com Mazda3 overview |accessdate=2008-03-26] [cite web |url=http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071112/FREE/311120002/-1/ehg-crain.hitbox.com |title=AutoWeek review |accessdate=2008-03-26] [cite web |url=http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/2008-Mazda-Mazda3/ |title=U.S. News & World Report Best Cars & Trucks ranking |accessdate=2008-03-26] In 2006 the 3 was the second best-selling car in Canada and the best selling car in Israel during 2005-2007. Mazda is increasing production of the 3 at its Hofu 1 and 2 factories to meet heavy worldwide demand of over 300,000 units per year.

Design

The Axela is based on Ford's global C1 platform, which was developed by Mazda, Volvo and Ford and is shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. 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 Canada, Japan, and the United States.

Front suspension is by MacPherson struts, with coil springs 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 on base models to option 17 in wheels on upper-level models.

) models. Since April 2008, when there was a mainly cosmetic facelift of the Mazda3, there have been some changes to the trim designations for UK cars, with the models now being the entry level S, then Takara (which replaces TS), the Tamara Special Edition and the Sport and MPS as before.

All 3 models use the inline-4 Mazda MZR engine, with various types, displacements and outputs including the MZ-CD turbodiesel, depending on model and market. Transmissions are a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission; since the 2006 model year, a five-speed automatic is optional on models with the 2.3 L engine. This transmission has now been made standard on the 2.0 L engine in Japan (FWD models only), as part of a minor facelift in early 2008 which includes different front/rear bumper designs, new wheel designs and bodycolors, stiffened chassis, and better interior materials.

Engines

The 3 uses the following engines:

Japanese market (JIS ratings):
* 1.5 L: 113 bhp (83 kW), 104 lbf·ft (141 N·m)
* 2.0 L: 150 bhp (112 kW), 140 lbf·ft (190 N·m)
* 2.3 L: 178 bhp (133 kW), 155 lbf·ft (210 N·m)

European market (DIN ratings):
* 1.4 L: 84 (62 kW), 90 lbf·ft (122 N·m)
* 1.6 L: 105 bhp (77 kW), 107 lbf·ft (145 N·m)
* 2.0 L: 150 bhp (110 kW) and 138 lbf·ft (187 N·m)
* 2.3 L: MZR DISI Turbo: 260 bhp (190 kW), 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m)
* 1.6 L: CRTD(CiTD) common-rail diesel (PSA built): 109 bhp (80 kW), 173 lbf·ft (240 N·m)
* 2.0 L: MZR-CD common-rail diesel: 140 bhp (105 kW), 266 lbf·ft (360 N·m)

American & Canadian markets (SAE net ratings):
* 2.0 L: 148 bhp (110 kW), 135 lbf·ft (183 N·m) (04-05) [PZEV engine: 145 bhp (107 kW) (04-06), 144 bhp (107 kW) (07-); 132 lbf·ft (179 N·m) (all years)]
* 2.3 L: 156 bhp (117 kW), 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m) [PZEV engine: 153 bhp (113 kW), 149 lbf·ft (202 N·m) (2006 only)]
* 2.3 L MZR DISI Turbo: Mazdaspeed3: 263 bhp (196 kW), 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m)

Mazda changed the rating for US & Canadian markets 2007 2.3 L naturally aspirated engine:
* 2.3 L: 156 bhp (116 kW), 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m) [PZEV engine: 151 bhp (113 kW), 149 lbf·ft (202 N·m) (07-)]

ASEAN markets (DIN ratings):
* 1.6 L: 110 bhp (78 kW), 107 lbf·ft (145 N·m)
* 2.0 L: 148 bhp (110 kW) and 138 lbf·ft (187 N·m)

Australian market (ADR net ratings):
* 2.0 L: 145 bhp (108 kW), 134 lbf·ft (182 N·m)
* 2.3 L: 154 bhp (115 kW), 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m)
* 2.3 L: DISI MZR: 260 bhp (190 kW), 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m)

Performance

Acceleration

The 0 to 60 mph or 0 to 100 km/h acceleration times depend on the type of transmission, engine and other options that add weight to the car. Generally a vehicle with a manual transmission accelerates faster because it is more lightweight and its clutch transmits power more efficiently than the torque converter in an automatic transmission.

Official performance figures for the European Mazda3 1.4 S, the lowest-powered model, are 0-100 km/h in 14.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). Wheels magazine reported an 8.7 second 0-100km/h time for the Australian 2.0 model in its May 2004 issue.The 1.6 CiTD 80 KW diesel (as sold in Europe) with a five-speed manual does 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds and has top of 182 km/h (113 mph) according to the spec's.

In its test results for the 2004 Mazda3 5-door with the 2.3 litre engine, "Car and Driver" magazine reported a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of 7.4 seconds and a governor-limited top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).

Mazdaspeed3

The Mazdaspeed3 is a high-performance car based on the standard Mazda3. This model was first displayed at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. This model was introduced in the North American market in 2007. In Japan this model is named the Mazdaspeed Axela and in the EU market the Mazda3 MPS. The Mazdaspeed3 competes with the latest generation of hot hatches and sport compacts. The car is powered by the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo 4 cylinder engine, has a 6 speed manual transmission, limited slip differential, upgraded brakes, suspension, tires, chassis and other performance enhancements.

2006 model changes

For the 2006 model year, Mazda added variable valve timing and variable-length intake runners to the 2.0 L engine resulting in a power increase to convert|150|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on. The automatic transmission used in Mazda3 s trim with the 2.3 L engine was changed from a four-speed to a five-speed design. The larger engine, the 2.3 L, was PZEV-certified (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) for vehicles sold in California and other states that have adopted California automotive emission standards. The 2.0 L engine had already been PZEV-certified. The colour palette was also simplified in 2006, with the deletion of Canary Yellow.

2007 model changes

The 3 received a minor cosmetic facelift for the 2007 model year with minimal exterior, interior and mechanical changes. On base models, the black plastic at the top of the grille became body-coloured. The front fascia and bumper were changed with a floating foglight design and the lower air intake opening was reshaped to better resemble the typical "Mazda five-point face." All Mazda3 sedans and five-doors gained the same "Altezza" clear-lens style rear tail-lights as the SP23 model, and also featured LED brake lights. The LED brake lights were added to compete with the growing trend of higher-end vehicles using LED tail lamps for a more visible and responsive light output. The range of alloy wheels were redesigned. The rear fascia was slightly changed adding a notch on the bumper cover of the sedan. Several new exterior colors were added, a lighter shade of blue, a copper red metallic (April 2008), a dark blue called Stormy Blue and a purple color. The Titanium Gray color was replaced with a darker Galaxy Gray color.

The interior of the Mazda3 was offered in several new interior color combinations, including piano black door and dash inserts which are very desirable. An audio jack, allowing the use of digital music players, was added in the center console. Also, Takara models which were introduced in the 2008 upgrade added climate control and 6 cd autochanger to the TS specification.

The 2007 model also includes less visible mechanical changes. The keyless entry system was improved. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been re-tuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer. The hydraulic dampers of the multi-link rear suspension were also re-tuned to match the front suspension changes. Mazda engineers and designers addressed concerns regarding cabin noise level by redesigning or changing multiple systems and adding sound-deadening material to the roof lining and hood panel. [ cite web |url=http://www.carkeys.co.uk/launches/mazda/10477.asp |title=Launch Report Mazda3 |publisher= Car Keys |accessdate=2008-03-13 ]

The bumper-to-bumper warranty was reduced to 36 months / 36,000 miles while the powertrain warranty was increased to 60 months / 60,000 miles in most markets. In the UK all Mazda3's have a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty as standard.

Canadian Mazda3s received standard seat mounted side-airbags and body shell mounted side curtain airbags across the model range. Previously both airbag types were not available.

Next generation: 2010 model year

In November 2007 reports stated the Mazda 3 would be completely redesigned for the 2010 model year. [cite web |url=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/AUTO03/711140311/1149/AUTO01 |title=Sneak Peek: 2009 Mazda3 |publisher= Detroit News |accessdate=2007-11-14 ] Current news reports have shown the 2009 model year will receive a minor facelift with exterior design modifications that includes chrome door handles, a new roof spoiler, expanded use of black moldings on the rear bumper and new alloy-wheel options [cite web |url=http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/01/2009-mazda3-axela-facelift-debuts-in.html |title=2009 Mazda3 / Axela Facelift Debuts In Japan|publisher= CarScope |accessdate=2008-08-28 ] The full redesign will debut in 2010. [cite web |url=http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/01/2009-mazda3-axela-facelift-debuts-in.html |title=2009 Mazda3/Axela Facelift|publisher= CarScope |accessdate=2008-03-20 ]

In October 2008 Mazda released pictures and video showing the next generation design of the Mazda3. Mazda has restyled the exterior and incorporated LED tail lamps and a dual exhaust. The trim with the larger engine will use a 2.5L straight-4 shared with the second generation Mazda6, while the less powerful trim will continue with the same 2.0L engine. [cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/mazda_mania/2010_mazda_3_car_news|title=2010 Mazda 3|last=Ludwick|first=Tom|date=October 2008|publisher=Car and Driver|accessdate=2008-10-09]

Mazda has not confirmed if the new design is based on the current C1 platform or the C2 platform. The new model is expected to be wider and longer than the current Mazda3. The North American market's base 2.0L engine is expected to receive a modest boost in horsepower. The 2.3L engine will be replaced with a 2.5L DISI engine that should produce at least convert|170|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on. Both engines will be direct injected. [ In non North American markets such as Australia it is also expected to receive a 2.oL turbodiesel enginecite web |url=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/AUTO03/711140311/1149/AUTO01 |title=Sneak Peek: 2009 Mazda3 |publisher= Detroit News |accessdate=2007-11-14 ] Car and Driver had earlier mentioned a possible 1.6L rotary engine; it remains unclear if that will materialize. [cite web
url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/budget_rides/2010_mazda_3_spied
title=2010 Mazda3 - Spied |publisher= Car and Driver |accessdate=2008-10-02 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.mazdausa.com/mazda3/ Official USA Mazda3 Site]
* [http://www.mazda.co.uk/mazda3.htm Official UK Mazda3 microsite]
* [http://www.mazda.co.uk/Showroom/Mazda3/ Official UK website model page]