Face-Lifted Mazda Axela

 

The home-market version of the Mazda 3, called Axela, goes on sale this week in Japan with the new Skyactiv drive system. The U.S. edition should begin reaching dealers in mid-October.

In August, the automaker said the face-lifted 2012 Mazda 3 sedan with the new Skyactiv 2.0 direct-injection gasoline engine and Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission will deliver an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. The same engine with Skyactiv-MT six-speed manual is expected to get 39 mpg.

The U.S. version of the Skyactiv 2.0 is rated at 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. It will be offered in both the 2012 Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback.

The Axela/3 is the second Mazda series to get the Skyactiv engine, after the face-lifted Demio, and the first to combine the use of the Skyactiv 2.0 with the Skyactiv six-speed.

The face-lifted Axela gets a new grille and front bumper, new wheels and an updated interior. Prices in Japan range from $21,700 to $35,000.