Mazda3 and Mazda Biante Special Editions Launched

In order to celebrate its 90th anniversary, Mazda launched two new special editions in Japan, both equipped with i-stop, the company's start-stop technology aimed at cutting emissions and fuel consumption. The special edition Mazda Axela (also known as Mazda3 in overseas markets) and the Mazda Biante are already on sale in Japan through all Mazda Afini and Mazda Autozam dealerships.

Specifically, Mazda Axela 90th Anniversary Special Edition is based on the four Axela grades that come with i-stop and will be the first Mazda in the Japanese market offered with a new exclusive exterior body color, Gunmetal Blue Mica. On the other hand, Mazda Biante i-stop Smart Edition is based on the 20CS trim level.

In terms of features, the Axela special edition comes with all features available on the grade it is based on plus the aforementioned body color and i-stop. The Biante include i-stop as well but also adds Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, dual power sliding doors and advanced keyless entry and start system (with answer-back function and automatic rear liftgate).

Pricing for Axela begins at 1,890,000 yen (around $21,000) - all taxes included - for the sport version with an Activematic transmission system and goes all the way up to 2,140,000 yen ($23,800).

The Biante is available in one single version called i-stop Smart Edition that has a price tag of 2,260,000 yen ($25,200) for the 2.0-liter DISI engine with i-stop.

"Both special edition models qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive program and 75 percent tax reductions under the government’s eco-car tax reduction program," as Mazda wrote in the release.