Official: 2012 Mazda Axela Facelift Hits The Production Line

Coming after the facelifted Mazda Demio (aka Mazda2), the second model equipped with SKYACTIV technology, Mazda Axela has started rolling off production lines in Japan.

Today, the Japanese car maker announced that the facelifted Mazda Axela (aka Mazda3), has entered production at the Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, western Japan.

This car comes fitted with the new SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine and a SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission. While the engine enables the car to deliver a 15 percent improvement in fuel economy, the transmission adds another four to seven percent over the previous generation.

The new Mazda Axela goes on sale in the Japanese market from this fall and, only for this market, it also features “intelligent-Drive Master” (i-DM). This is a new technology that is proving popular on the recently released facelifted Mazda Demio.

“The newly-developed i-DM provides information and driving tips designed to promote a smooth and efficient driving style, thereby supporting enjoyable driving, a more comfortable ride for passengers, and improved fuel economy,” Mazda explains in a company statement.

Even if Axela the fastest-selling model in Mazda’s current lineup of passenger vehicles, the company aims to further increase the appeal of the Axela and accelerate the introduction of SKYACTIV technology.

Price: around $16,000

Source: Autoevolution