My GT7 Log: The SKYACTIV-X-Factor

The fourth-generation Mazda 3 is the first Mazda to be powered by the game-changing SKYACTIV-X engine and Gran Turismo 7 gave the world the chance to drive such a game-changing hatchback by all means.

But first, what's it all about the fourth-generation Mazda 3? It was originally known as the Axela from the first one of 2003 to the third-generation model of 2013 but Mazda decided to replace the Axela with the Mazda 3, adopting a new global approach for Mazdas in the present and the future, and it marked a fresh new chapter in Mazda's history because of its design, powertrain, and packaging that are clear signs that it is embarking on a whole new generation of Mazdas.

Inspired by the Kai Concept from the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mazda 3 features an evolved Kodo design, minimalist interior layout, and technologically-advanced features that keep it ahead of its class. At launch, it was offered with a choice of a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol, a more economical 1.5L engine, and a SKYACTIV-D 1.8L diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE AT or a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT. In Late 2019, the Mazda 3 is offered with the world's first SKYACTIV-X engine. This engine features the new Spark Controlled Compression Ignition which combines the response and economy of a diesel engine and the performance of a petrol engine, all in one clever engine that works in accordance with Mazda's first-ever M Hybrid system, a 24V mild hybrid system that used Mazda's new electric drive technology, which minimizes fuel consumption and results to a much better fuel economy courtesy of its recycled energy recovered during deceleration and powering an electric motor that assists the engine.

The Mazda 3 featured in GT7 is the one with the 2.0L SKYACTIV-X petrol engine mated to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT and i-ACTIV AWD. Upon trying it out in the game, the engine that powers it, the i-ACTIV AWD, and the so-called G-VECTORING CONTROL PLUS really mean business for this hatchback and the classic Mazda jinba-ittai approach is still here. Although not a hot hatch material, it still has the Mazda spirit worth enjoying it.

To demonstrate the performance of the Mazda 3's SKYACTIV-X engine as well as its i-ACTIV AWD and G-VECTORING CONTROL PLUS, I went to Watkins Glen, New York, for a one-lap time attack just to prove its worth. Science suggests that it will lap through the whole track within the 2:30 mark and with that, it's time to perform such a scientific experiment. Roll the tape.

After a whole lap around The Glen, I've managed to set a lap time of 2m29.714s, meaning this SKYACTIV-X-powered Mazda 3 actually works, only just.

Thanks to its SKYACTIV-X engine, the fourth-generation Mazda 3 is proven to be the biggest upset in the category and if you're in the mood for searching a particular compact midsize hatchback, chances are you'll run into one of these.

With the Mazda 3, you'll know what's like to "be a driver" when you drive one.

Fourth-generation Mazda 3

Mazda ushers in the new era by giving us their first car of the Reiwa Era and their new car marks the Japanese arrival of a world-class medium-sized vehicle range that has been known the world over because of its unique packaging, unique performance, and charisma to woo the competition away. Welcome to the new, fourth-generation Mazda 3.

2020 Mazda 3

From the first to the third generation model, the Mazda 3 is sold in Japan as the Axela but for the fourth generation model, Mazda decided to replace the Axela with the Mazda 3, thus adopting a new global approach for Mazdas in the present and the future, and this new model marks a fresh new chapter in Mazda's history because of its design, powertrain, and packaging that are clear signs that it is embarking on a whole new generation of Mazdas.

2020 Mazda 3

2020 Mazda 3

Beginning on the design, the Mazda 3 draws inspiration from the Kai Concept as seen on the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show and the concept-inspired design is worth appealing for first-time buyers looking for a very sensible midsize car after passing their driving exams. The Kodo design's fully evolved and from every angle, this is Mazda design on a whole new level by all ways and means.

2020 Mazda 3 interior

While the new exterior design is very dramatic and very striking to be fallen for, the interior takes on a more minimalist approach to deliver a much more convenient cockpit design for the driver and a more modest space for passengers and cargo alike, although the rear visibility's not quite good for common car standards the rear-view monitor's taken care of. Despite the rear visibility issues, the modest spacing for the passengers and modest cargo space really made the new Mazda 3 a class apart from the rest, something that will leave the competition scratching their heads.

The Mazda Connect system has been powered up to be more usable than ever. It even has a built-in owner's manual to get to know the new Mazda 3 better.

2020 Mazda 3

2020 Mazda 3

Now we get to know what's under the hood of the new Mazda 3. The sedan variant is offered with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol and a SKYACTIV-D 1.8L diesel engine while the fastback variant is offered with the engines mentioned from the sedan but with the addition of a more economical 1.5L engine with 17.8km/L of combined fuel economy based on WLTP standards. Depending on the variant, they are mated with either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE AT or a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT.

The engines mentioned in the new Mazda 3 are rather nice indeed but the biggest trump card is the world's first SKYACTIV-X engine. Available later this autumn, the world's first SKYACTIV-X engine features the new Spark Controlled Compression Ignition which combines the response and economy of a diesel engine and the performance of a petrol engine, all in one clever engine that works in accordance with Mazda's first-ever M Hybrid system, a 24V mild hybrid system that used Mazda's new electric drive technology, which minimizes fuel consumption and results to a much better fuel economy courtesy of its recycled energy recovered during deceleration and powering an electric motor that assists the engine.

Apart from the engine, the new Mazda 3 is even more drivable than ever thanks to its reworked suspension setup that works well on the road, new SKYACTIV-VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE with multi-directional ring structures on the bodywork, a more dramatic braking performance, a more refined and quiet ride, G-VECTORING CONTROL PLUS, and the optional i-ACTIV AWD, among many others to make the new Mazda 3 even more rewarding to drive on a day-to-day basis, even when you use it for TNVS purposes.

For safety, the new Mazda 3 incorporates the i-ACTIVSENSE suite of advanced safety features such as a Driver Monitoring System, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Cruising & Traffic Support, Intelligent Speed Assistance, 360-degree view monitor, Adaptive LED headlights, and more, resulting in a safer vehicle full stop.

Price? The fastback model starts at 2,181,000 Japanese Yen (around 1,040,145 PhP) while the sedan starts at 2,470,000 Japanese Yen (around 1,180,000 PhP), which makes it a reasonably priced Mazda to start with, a real bargain in the new era indeed. So, while the rear visibility is a bit of a downer for the new Mazda 3, the styling, the convenient interior, and the performance really sets the competition apart, and looks like more and more people will talk big about the new Mazda 3 once they get their hands on one. The more you know.

Available colors: Snow Flake White Pearl Mica, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Machine Grey Premium Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, and Poly Metal Grey Metallic.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Third-generation Mazda Axela/3 (2017 update)

2017 Mazda Axela

Mazda has been given the third-generation Axela (3 in world markets) some major updates for the 2017 model year and while there are few cosmetic treatments offered in its design, apart from its revised front grille, there have been big changes on the inside such as the addition of the 1.5L SKYACTIV-D diesel engine as seen on the Demio and CX-3 and the brand new SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS tech that will change the way how it handles.

How does Mazda's brand new G-Vectoring Control work on the new Mazda Axela? The G-Vectoring Control varies engine torque in response to steering inputs, subtly controlling lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces, which works like a traction control but it modulates the throttle to optimize vertical control on each wheel, making the car's dynamics more refined than the previous model. Pretty soon, this new technology will be applied in any other SKYACTIV Mazdas, even the next-generation CX-5 due very soon. In short, G-Vectoring Control delivers a healthy balance of response and stability depending on the load of the wheels.

Apart from its clever vehicle dynamics, the 2017 Axela features a similar SKYACTIV-D 1.5L diesel engine as seen on the Demio and CX-3. This engine produces 105PS of power and 270Nm of torque and it was mated with a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic gearbox only. Fuel economy is around 21.6km/L based on JC08 Mode standards, .2km/L more efficient than the 2.2L diesel engine mated with a 6-speed manual and let's hope Mazda's honest about these figures.

But if you have fears about unfair diesel, don't worry because the Axela can still be offered a SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine or the sedan-exclusive SKYACTIV-HYBRID variant which comes with a 2.0L petrol engine and a hybrid powertrain sourced from Toyota, delivering a 30.8km/L fuel economy fit enough for your next barkada trip.

Other features in the new Axela include optional i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, e-LOOP, i-Stop, i-DM, i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems, and many more.

Should you buy it? The new 2017 Axela starts from 1,760,400 to 3,310,200 Yen. That's a small price bump compared to the previous one but is it worth buying it? You'll never know until you tried the newly improved model packed with new dynamics that will make driving a little more interesting.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Third-generation Mazda Axela gets some Autoexe bodykits

Autoexe, a Japanese tuning company specialized for the aerokits for all things Mazda, finally got the work done for revealing their customization package specifically for the third-generation Mazda Axela (Mazda 3). Codenamed BM-04, the customization package applies for both the sedan and the Sport hatchback models and it features a host of aerodynamic updates to give the new Axela some sporting credentials owners would want to do for.

The aero kit will be available in Japan this early April 2014.

Details: http://www.autoexe.co.jp/car/bm.html

Third-generation Mazda Axela (BM) and Axela Hybrid (BY)

It's been 10 years since Mazda introduced the Axela (known worldwide as the Mazda 3) and on paper this is somewhat made to compete against the Corolla and the Lancer. It's made to follow the footsteps of the legendary Mazda Familia and carries on the trademark zoom-zoom tradition as other Mazdas do. Now, there is a third-generation of Mazda's Corolla fighter in the making and for this new generation, the all new Axela is all about choices.

2014 Mazda Axela

Now, the big story about the brand new, third-generation Mazda Axela is all about how the customers want and for Mazda, the new model is available in three powerplants such as petrol, diesel, and for the most unexpected twist...a hybrid. Yes, Mazda broke the whole "not a drag to drive" promise because since Mazda introduced the SKYACTIV Technology two years ago, they have strongly promise that they would be as fuel-efficient as a hybrid or an EV without sacrificing its fun-to-drive characteristics. The whole SKYACTIV Technology started with the Demio, then the previous second-generation Axela, last year's CX-5 and present third-generation Atenza, as well as this year's Premacy and Biante. It keeps on expanding while keeping the whole portfolio complete such as SKYACTIV-G, SKYACTIV-DRIVE, SKYACTIV-BODY, SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, SKYACTIV-D, and SKYACTIV-MT. The current Demio introduced SKYACTIV-G, previous Axela introduced SKYACTIV-DRIVE, CX-5 introduced SKYACTIV-BODY, SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, and SKYACTIV-D, and present generation Atenza introduced SKYACTIV-MT. Wow, I am now on the edge of my seat recapping this but anyway...SKYACTIV-HYBRID?! What's it all about? Has Mazda lost its mojo? Has the company that once make fun cars gone...boring? Let's find out more about the new Hybrid model but first...

The entry-level models are offered with the smaller SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine (codenamed P5-VPS) which develops 111PS of power and 144Nm of torque. In the sedan model, fuel economy comes at around 19.6kmpl while the Sport hatchback gets to 19.4kmpl as calculated in JC08 Mode standards. Exclusively on the Axela Sport hatchback is the more powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine (codenamed PE-VPR), which develops 155PS of power and 196Nm. Mated with a well-balanced SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed gearbox, fuel economy is a promising 19.0kmpl, making it the most fuel-efficient 2.0L engine ever made and since I can't find any Japanese hatchback with a 2.0L engine on it, I think this variant doesn't need the competition for sure, apparently. Also exclusive to the Sport is the CX-5-derived SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine, which can be offered this January, and this diesel engine can be mated with either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE gearbox and the Roadster-inspired, driver favorite, 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT gearbox first applied on last year's Atenza. When mated with the automatic, it gives about 19.6kmpl of fuel economy but as for the manual gearbox-mated variant...well, results to be determined but I think it will be below the estimated 22kmpl gap. That's a theory.

Now, let's talk about the sedan-exclusive SKYACTIV-HYBRID variant. This is not the best Mazda for the enthusiast. It's more fuel efficient than the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L engine, more powerful than the SKYACTIV-G 1.5L engine, and of course, hybrids are Japan's inventions. Of course, Japan first invented the hybrid car since the first Toyota Prius of late 1997. Surprisingly though, the hybrid powerplant was derived from Toyota, in case you heard of it. The key target for the Axela Hybrid is the Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid, launched in Japan earlier this year, so let's see how this thing stacks up....

The SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine, which produces a short 99PS of power, is connected to a 60kW electric motor and an old-fashioned nickel metal battery. Because it's mated to a CVT gearbox and the reason why JDMs of today have gone CVT-crazy is because of good fuel economy at low speeds, easy start-up, and smooth shifting, fuel-economy is 30.8kmpl, meaning that's about 2.2kmpl less than the Axio Hybrid but this car's no fool because the combined power output of 136PS is better than the Axio Hybrid's.

Of course, being the next to be a full-SKYACTIV model since the CX-5 and the new Atenza, the new Axela is not fully prepared without SKYACTIV-BODY which is 8-percent lighter and 30-percent more rigid than the previous model, and the SKYACTIV-CHASSIS which handles like a Mazda Roadster but with a bit more feel. The result is a more of a game-changer in the eyes of a driver and it feels like some lucky guy walking through a pool of custard. I like it.

2014 Mazda Axela interior

While we're still in the whole "Be a driver" initiative from Mazda, the new Axela has numerous safety features that will keep the driver noticed on the road ahead. It even has i-ACTIVSENSE, which is a series of Mazda's advanced safety technologies designed to aid the driver in recognizing hazards, avoiding collisions and reducing the severity of accidents when they cannot be avoided. It ranges from Radar Cruise Control, Forward Obstruction Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Vehicle Monitoring, High-Beam Control, Adaptive Front-lighting, Smart Brake Support, Smart City Brake Support, and Acceleration Control.

Connectivity aside, the new Axela comes with an all new MAZDA CONNECT where, at the turn of the dial, allows you to stay connected with some apps, navigation, and entertainment. You may end up posting Facebook status updates and Twitter tweets while on the move or you can even listen to streaming music courtesy of Aha by Karman.

Mazda Connect

What is Aha? For starters, Aha Radio starts on your smartphone with an app where you can easily access and organize your favorite content from the web into personalized, live, on-demand stations.  Once you get the Aha app, it syncs the experience to your car. It's quite amazing that Mazda's infotainment system gets a big makeover and its new operating system allows you to connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone and can easily be updated without the need to swap out hardware. Those options are brought to life through an optional Bose premium audio system complete with Centerpoint2 virtual surround sound playback and ambient noise compensation. Do really like this new gig? Thought so but whatever it is, it's gonna be worth addicting in the ever enthusiastic eyes of today's computer geeks.

So, another scientific investigation has been covered for now and for this new Axela, it seems that the new infotainment system really hooks me because of my fondness of infotainment systems but if I had a criticism, I would say that it's about as advanced as an Android phone, which I don't have one and never will. If I want something more of a driver-focused, I would go for the Sport hatchback model because it has all the right ingredients of a perfect weekend car where I can go to the shops for miles but when its range I'm after, guess I have to stick through the rather disappointing Hybrid model. Can't believe there is now a hybrid Mazda offered. Remember the promise "Not a Hybrid, Not an Electric, Not a Drag to Drive"? Well, you've just made a Mazda that is a drag to drive and that is none other than your first ever Axela Hybrid. Because this is Japan, home of the hybrids and the first nation to create hybrids, expect orders of this hybrid-powered Axela to exceed the sales target. I really do mean it.

Price begins at 1,711,500 Yen for the sedan and Sport while the Hybrid starts at 2,373,000 Yen.

Available colors: Soul Red Premium Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Blue Reflex Mica, Jet Black Mica, Meteor Grey Mica, Aluminum Metallic, and Snow Flake White Pearl Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Some Say: Next Mazda Axela/3 may come end of next year, diesel engine possible?

2012 Mazda Axela

Fresh off the rumormill, or what in some issue of MagX said, seems that the Mazda Axela (known in the world market as the Mazda 3) is going for a full change at the end of 2013 or first half of 2014 and some say, this will be the third car to be fully integrated with SKYACTIV Technology since the CX-5 and the third-generation Atenza (Mazda 6). They are speculating that the next model will be fresh with Mazda's new signature design philosophy, KODO -Soul in Motion- and it may come with either a 2.0L petrol or a 2.2L diesel engine, again all SKYACTIV stuff here.

Here's an excerpt:


フルスカイアクティブ第3弾として登場
トヨタやホンダのハイブリッド攻勢に危機感をもったマツダが、限られた経営資源をエンジンやトランスミッションの効率向上に注ぎ込み、その成果を「スカイアクティブ」として発表したことはご存じだろう。

スカイアクティブ技術を投入したクリーンディーゼル搭載のCX-5は、国内で高い人気を獲得。続くフルスカイアクティブ搭載モデルのアテンザ（写真右上）が2012年11月に正式発表されたことも記憶に新しい。

次に登場するモデルは、より量販が見込めるデミオとアクセラ（写真右下）。アクセラは2011年秋の一部改良でエンジン（ガソリン2L直噴）とATがスカイアクティブに切り替わったが、次期モデルでは前述の2モデル同様、シャーシやボディも含めフルスカイアクティブへと進化する。

パワートレインは、アテンザの販売動向次第で、同車に用いられる2.2Lディーゼルターボが採用される可能性もある。ガソリンエンジンでは、国内仕様のアクセラで販売量の多い1.5Lユニットも、スカイアクティブGになる公算が大きい。これでスカイアクティブガソリンユニットは、1.3L、1.5L、2L、2.5Lが揃うことになる。

エクステリアは、アテンザと同様にマツダの新デザインテーマ「魂動（こどう）」に沿ったものが採用される。曲面が多用される流れるようなデザインや、切り立った5角形グリルと切れ長のヘッドランプが印象的なフロントマスクなど、アテンザ譲りの遠くからでもひと目でマツダ車とわかる意匠が与えられるに違いない。登場は2013年冬、遅くても14年前半になる見通しだ。

Scoop: http://www.carsensor.net/contents/newmodel/_21163.html

2nd generation Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-5 arrived in the Philippines!!!

After three years of waiting, the all new 2nd generation Mazda 3 has arrived in the Philippines! Finally!

2012 Mazda Axela

So, what would you expect on the new Mazda 3? Well, you know how it looked like right? As for the engine types; it comes with either a 1.6L or a 2.0L petrol engines.

The cost? 999,000 Pesos for the 1.6 V sedan, 1,099,000 Pesos for the 1.6 V hatch, and 1,299,000 Pesos for the 2.0 S sedan.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/second-generation-mazda-3-is-finally-here

Yes, we are happy that it's about damn time the new Mazda 3 arrived but there's something that bothered here....

2013 Mazda CX-5

Oh cock! The Mazda CX-5 has arrived and it only comes with a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine mated with either a 6AT or a 6MT. You know that this engine won't work in the Philippines due to the dirty fuel, or is it?

Prices start at 1,392,000 Pesos for the CX-5 MT up to 1,452,000 Pesos for the CX-5 AT

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/mazda-cx-5-officially-goes-on-sale

Welcome Back: 2010 Mazdaspeed3

Mazdaspeed3 in motion

If you were a Filipino who loves the Mazda3 but you're getting irritated why FGP-Mazda is taking too long to bring the second-generation Mazda3 to the Philippines but forced to buy an XBOX 360 and a copy of Forza Motorsport 4 at your nearby shopping mall, chances are that you're obsessed with it, in 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 form. You're getting happy and cooling down your stresses while playing Forza 4 with the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3. As we, Filipinos, are itching for FGP-Mazda to bring the new model to the Philippines soon, we can only resort by playing Forza 4 with this car. Seems that we're getting a brighter future on this game.

With the Mazdaspeed3 returned, customers can now fit in with aero parts courtesy of AutoExe and Garage Vary. Good luck with that...

Mazda Axela's Prison Break

Mazda USA released a new TV commercial for the 2012 Mazda 3 (Mazda Axela in Japan) with SKYACTIV technology.

Dubbed "Prison Break", the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV escapes the deadly life sentences of 40MPG cars suffered from poor performance, hybrid drivetrains, and the ratio of practicality triumphs over performance. This car is all about performance triumphs over practicality.

Check out pics for Behind The Scenes:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150875500345363.754493.337363685362&type=1

SIDE NOTE: BGM used is all-original. We can't tell you what's the title, so sorry. I repeat, this is an original music used on the ad.

2ND GENERATION MAZDA AXELA MINOR CHANGE

The second-generation Mazda Axela was arrived since June 2009 and it help revolutionized the "idling stop" boom thanks to its "i-stop" feature that automatically shuts off its engine when stopped. This car was already exported worldwide as the all new Mazda 3 and the Philippines was the only country that didn't get it until next year. While we are mourning on our poor predicament, we are getting mow down with the introduction of the minor change of the second-generation Mazda Axela and if that wasn't enough, the minor change will see its arrival of the 20-SKYACTIV variant, the second Mazda to be equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY since the Mazda Demio/2.

2012 Mazda Axela

On its latest minor change, the Mazda Axela gained a new, engaging, efficient exterior that provides well-round sportiness and it offers in two body styles such as the 4-door sedan and the 5-door Sport hatchback. The refined design is made to be more appealing to the crowd and the improved aerodynamics provides a deduction to its carbon emission. This is how the true beauty of the new Axela outshines the crowd.

2012 Mazda Axela interior

The interior of the Mazda Axela minor change gains some minor cosmetic changes such as a silver-colored, satin-polished details, silver-on-black color scheme, color adjustments at the Multi Information Display (MID) and liquid crystal display (LCD), and sporty twin-meter design of the instrument cluster highlighted with new, continuous-lit white graphic meters for vibrant clarity. To add some convenience, the Mazda Axela comes with BOSE Surround Sound System for the best sound experience like no other.

MAZDA AXELA 20-SKYACTIV

The PE-VPS engine on the 2012 Mazda Axela SKYACTIV

2012 Mazda Axela SKYACTIV's i-DM

Marked as the 2nd Mazda to be equipped with SKYACTIV Technology, the Mazda Axela 20-SKYACTIV comes with the new PE-VPS (2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC 16-Valve SKYACTIV-G) direct injection engine that provides the best compression ratio, 4-2-1 exhaust system for the excellent knock-resistant technology, and combustion improvement. If the PE-VPS engine wasn't enough, a new SKYACTIV-DRIVE was equipped and this one has all the advantages of a conventional step CVT, Dual Clutch, and Step Automatic Transmission. The new SKYACTIV-DRIVE is the ultimate automatic transmission developed exclusively to the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV variants, which provides good fuel economy at both low and high speeds, easy start up (Launch feel), easy start up on hill (Creep), direct feel, and smooth shifting (Shifting Quality). This new transmission is "ideal for global market" like a region-free Playstation 3 if you know what I mean. With this region-free SKYACTIV-DRIVE, the fuel economy of the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV is good for 20.0km/L based on Japan's 10-15 mode scale and 17.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 mode scale. This has bound to be the best SKYACTIV-powered model ever made and it also comes with the exclusive i-DM (intelligent Drive Master) which provides real time information and some advices before you get off the Axela SKYACTIV.

2012 Mazda Axela

Despite this, they still offer the conventional MZR 1.5L DOHC engine that comes with [CVT+7-speed Manual Mode] that provides 18.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's 10-15 Mode scale.

2012 Mazda Axela

The Mazda Axela understands that safety is its top priority and it comes with a host of safety features such as Adaptive Front Lighting System, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, Rear Vehicle Monitoring System that detects incoming vehicles from behind, Emergency Signal System, Dynamic Stability Control, anti-lock braking system with Electronic Braking Distribution, MAGMA (Mazda Geometric Motion Absorption) body, and SRS airbags.

2012 Mazda Axela

The Mazda Axela sedan and Sport comes with seven unique color variations such as Sky Blue Mica, Graphite Mica, Indigo Light Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Black Mica, Aluminum Metallic, and Crystal White Pearl Mica.

My Comment:
The arrival of the second-generation Mazda Axela's minor change and with the addition of the new Mazda Axela SKYACTIV really have Philippine Mazda fans begging to FGP-Mazda to bring the all new model soon and yes, we can't take it too long before the all new Mazda Axela/3 to come to the Philippines at the first half of next year. Couldn't come closer...

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazdaspeed Axela/3 (DBA-BL3FW) - Forza 3 Owner's View

Looks nice at Tsukuba

This looks great for a car magazine!

This fantasy livery is heavily inspired from
Tuason Racing School's Mazda BT-50
Drift Pick-up

Final Impressions: You're a Filipino, and you want Mazda Philippines to bring the second generation Mazda 3, debuted in Japan since June 11, 2009, but this is taking too long. Well, that's okay, because at least FGP president Randy Kreiger and FGP vice president for communications Anika Salceda letting us rot while the rest of the world have the second-generation model, at least those two didn't want the second-generation Mazda 3 to land in the Philippines soon, until next year. You know what, (heads up Pinoy Mazda fans salivated over the second-generation Mazda 3), here's what should do if you want to experience the second-generation Mazda 3 in your own Pinoy hands, at least Mr. Randy Krieger and Ms. Anika Salceda of FGP-Mazda won't mind us what we are doing.

Buy your own XBOX 360. I'd recommend the newly facelifted one. After that, go to the mall to buy Forza Motorsport 3 Ultimate Collection. I'd recommend the original one, not the pirated one. I'd recommend you Pinoy Mazda fans to buy that game at some malls like SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons, Greenbelt, Alabang Town Center, SM Southmall, SM Megamall, any mall in the Metro Manila you know that has Forza Motorsport 3 Ultimate Collection for sale. It will cost us about an estimate of 2,000 Philippine Pesos.

The reason why I would recommend you, Pinoy Mazda fans, to buy Forza 3 Ultimate Collection somewhere at some malls at the Metro Manila is because the second-generation Mazda 3 (in Mazdaspeed3 form) is right at this game. I tried it and it looks like it hasn't been changed since the first-generation Mazdaspeed Axela/3.

If you are good in vinyl making, you can make some Philippine License Plates and slap it on the back of the second-generation Mazdaspeed 3. That will make it look like the new model arrived in the Philippines we, Pinoy Mazda fans, think.

This will make it "Leader of the Philippine Resistance" for sure. Mr. Randy Krieger and Ms. Anika Salceda letting us rot while the entire globe have the second-generation Mazda 3 but they will never take our XBOX 360 consoles that has Forza 3 on it. ^^

Axela Minor Change + SKYACTIV! (..and we're still waiting for the new Mazda 3 to reach our shores!)

Mazda Axela SKYACTIV

While we, Filipino car addicts, crying over our poor predicament to the new second-generation Mazda 3 (known in Japan as the Mazda Axela), the Japanese automaker behind the phenomenal i-stop automatic start stop system tease us even further with the Second Phase of the second-generation Mazda Axela/3 and with the addition of the new SKYACTIV engine!

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/02/2012-mazda-3-with-modest-styling-tweaks.html

If this latest minor change with the new SKYACTIV engine will make this way to our country--if Ford Group Philippines finally puts the all new Mazda 3 on sale. WAKE UP, FGP-MAZDA!!!

The all-new second-generation Mazda 3/Axela (BLEFW/BLEFP/BL3FW)

Over the years, the Mazda 3 (Axela) is quite the replacement for the retired Mazda 323 (Familia or Protege to the U.S. market) and known as the most affordable Mazda ever built in the whole Mazda history. Known for such rivalries from other compact class cars such as the Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, or even the Hyundai Elantra/Avante and Kia Rio/Pride at the same time. Now for this year, meet the aggressively nicer side of the all new, environment-friendly, gas-miser Mazda 3.

2010 Mazda Axela Sport

At first glance, the new Mazda3 looks aggressive from the front and back, and how the front side looks like is quite similar to the Mazda RX-8 and the MX-5 (Roadster) and the rear side is a face-lift from the previous generation Mazda3. After all, despite reached to its second-generation model, the looks remain the same, from the sedan variant, hatchback variant, and the striking Mazdaspeed variant.

2010 Mazda Axela Sedan

Are you ready to find out the friendly side of the new Mazda3? The 1.5L engine that delivers the fuel economy of over 18.4km/L, and the 2.0L engine with i-stop system that has the fuel economy of over 16.4km/L while the Mazdaspeed3 remains the 2.3L engine with the fuel economy of over 11km/L. An available transmission is either a CVT, 5-speed automatic or a 4-speed automatic transmission while the Mazdaspeed3 remains the sporty 6-speed manual transmission.

2010 Mazdaspeed Axela

What is i-stop?
New to the Mazda scene is the completely new eco-friendly i-stop feature exclusive to the sedan and sport variants that carry the 2.0 MZR DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. The new i-stop system is an intelligent proprietary engine stop-start system that improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent. For example, when you are driving to a highway with that Mazda3, then you will brake through some traffic conditions, the pistons will stop working while the alternator control and the throttle control remains working, then after the stop, the combustion restart would take 0.35 to get your Mazda3 going. This is faster than other cars going back to the "drive part" in over 0.8 seconds. While words cannot describe how the new i-stop works, it might be best to put it in a pictorial example:




Mazda i-stop procedure








Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

As shown, you will understand the basic principles of the new i-stop feature found on the all-new Mazda3.


After explaining how i-stop works, let us look the interior:

2010 Mazda Axela interior

The 3's interior is similar to the Renault Megane, but the steering wheel is somewhat similar to the one found on the Mazda 6 (Atenza) 5-door hatchback variant because of some optional paddle shifts. More than that, there is an optional BOSE sound system, AM/FM radio, optional keyless entry like the start/stop button, dual zone automatic climate control, rear window defogger, and a choice of cloth-trimmed or leather-trimmed seats and more.

AS FOR THAT:
The new Mazda3 (Mazda Axela) is now aggressively nice for every consumer who wanted a convenient car for the masses. With the endless rise of fuel prices, it is good to know that the new i-stop system will keep the engine paused while idling and restarts in over 0.35 seconds. This i-stop feature saves a lot of gas during a long stop at the traffic or at the parking lot. If you like sedans, pick the sedan variant, if you are a devotee for hatchbacks, try the hatchback variant, and if you are the wild driver who wanted to tear some fun, try the Mazdaspeed variant.



Photo: Autoc-one.jp