Facelift Mazda3 launched in Jippun

[Apollo]

http://timewarp.autoblog.com/2006/06/07/ma...azda3-in-japan/

 

Mazda Motor announced Tuesday that the newest version of its Axela model (known as the Mazda3 elsewhere) will go on sale later this month in the Japanese domestic market. The Axela and Axela Sport are joined by the Mazdaspeed Axela (pictured above, this model is the Mazdaspeed3 in North America and the Mazda3 MPS in Europe, Australia and New Zealand).

 

More pics and info after the jump...

The freshened Axelas (Axelae?) are intended to be "dynamic sporty compacts that further exceed your expectations," with enhancements to exterior and interior styling and dynamic performance. From our perspective, the best news is the addition of an all-wheel-drive model for the first time.

 

On the outside, the Axela gets redesigned front and rear fascia, new alloy wheels ranging up to 17 inches for the Sport and 18 inches for the Mazdaspeed version, a rear roof spoiler and side skirts. LED taillights appear on some models.

 

The interior gets a materials upgrade, along with optional leather and a new optional instrument package. An MP3-enabled eight-speaker Bose sound system is an available option.

 

 

Powertrain upgrades include the introduction of an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission (the Activematic) for the 2- and 2.3-liter models, and the addition of sequential valve timing for the 2-liter engine to give better low-end performance. All models receive a drive-by-wire throttle. The new all-wheel-drive option is currently available only with the 2-liter powerplant, and features an Active Torque Split AWD System to dynamically distribute power between the front and rear wheels depending on conditions.

The Mazdaspeed model (still FWD-only) gets the MZR 2.3-liter DISI turbo (shown below), good for about 260 hp and 280 foot-pounds of torque, driving through a six-speed manual. A new addition is a torque-sensing limited slip differential, to help deal with torque steer. The Mazdaspeed also gets exclusive aero enhancements, including a front spoiler, floating rear spoiler and streamlined underfloor.

 

[source: Mazda]

[Gary84]

hmmm looks very sporty sia...loves those alloy rims...like the ones one the current GS300 using..

[En0203]

i think the old wheel looks nicer

 

but the mazdaspeed3's wheel is cool

Edited June 24, 2006 by En0203

[Decibel]

2.3L Turbo with a 6 speed manual...

[Gary84]

for me i prefer the rims on the red one...

[En0203]

yes, that's the mazdaspeed3 or the local so called mazda3 MPS. i like that rim too

normal Sport 3 will be getting the one on the blue

[En0203]

so much power on the front wheel.... can drive ar?

[Gary84]

oic...eee the blue one look abit wierdo...

[En0203]

that's why i said the old ones look better

 

but the speed3 rims sure look sweet

[Normal_aspirated]

2.3L Turbo with a 6 speed manual...

dun think it'll make it here or even the 2.3L NA one, as it will eat up the mz6 market. unless u PI one.

[King]

coning to singapore remain as a big question mark

[Carmaniac]

nice and sporty... i like the front but will there be a MPS version?(sorry i didnt read the article)

[Guitar77]

COOL! CAR!!!

 

IS THAT YOUR SON? CUTE TOO!

[Carlovz]

oh...so the mazda 3 does comes with AWD for the 2 Litre version.......cool!

 

Wondering if we are getting the 2Litre or 2.3litre. My guess should be 2Litre since the M6 MPS already a 2.3Litre....

[Liuhao]

it's great that this one comes with manual gear. but turbe charge...not very necessary lah...

 

current mazda3 does not have manual transmission. pity. otherwise i am very interested to get one.

[Mzrmazda3]

The front grill looks nicer as compared to the current ones but the foglight looks 2.3l power plant with 260BHP comes in 6 speed manual is jus like the Mazda 6 MPS Interior has no changes though as view from the pics The rims looks similar to the GS300 as mentioned by the other bro but it doesn't comes with dual exhaust which is the 'In' thingy now

[Apollo]

if in thing is dual exhaust... shouldn't some1 come up with 4 exhaust. gillette 7 for a closer shave.

 

[Mzrmazda3]

Talking about this, i saw a full body kitted white Jazz/Fit with 4 exhaust & 4 fog lights yesterday morning Rear upgraded to disc Edited June 27, 2006 by Mzrmazda3