Specifically, the 2.0-liter front-wheel drive models now boast i-stop, a start-stop system that idles the engine when the car is not in motion. Mazda says the engine can be restarted in no less than 0.35 seconds, "about half the time of most other competing systems", so the driver might not feel the lag at all. Thanks to this feature, the 2.0-liter Axela provides a 15 percent better fuel economy compared with the previous model.
The 1.5-liter version has been upgraded as well and are now equipped with a CVT transmission that help it achieve a fuel efficiency rating of 18.4 km/l (43.2 mpg or 5.4 l/100km).
In terms of exterior styling, the front end received several modifications, starting with the headlights and front bumper and ending with the grille and fog lights. There are seven exterior body colors available, including three new options: Celestial Blue Mica, Indigo Light Mica and Graphite Mica.
As for the interior, the new Mazda Axela comes with two upholstery designs, both based on black fabric, as well as special half-leather seats exclusively available on the MAZDASPEED flavor.
Equipment levels vary, depending on the version you choose but, overall, the Japanese manufacturer offers a lot of goodies, including a Bose 10-speaker sound system, 40-gigabyte HDD navigation system, keyless entry system, sport seats, telescopic steering wheel and many others.
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