Business Sep. 28, 2011 - 06:27AM JST ( 3 )

HIROSHIMA —

Mazda Motor Corp on Tuesday commenced sales of the facelifted Mazda Axela (known overseas as the Mazda3) in Japan. The updated Axela is Mazda’s second model in Japan to feature the company’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY.

The facelifted Axela is Mazda’s first vehicle to feature the newly-developed SKYACTIV-G 2.0 direct-injection 2.0-liter gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission.

SKYACTIV-DRIVE is an innovative automatic transmission that eliminates slippage and achieves a direct shift feel similar to a manual transmission. This SKYACTIV powertrain delivers an exhilarating drive and best-in-class fuel economy of 20 km/L (10-15 mode test cycle, models with 15-inch wheels). SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-DRIVE are equipped in all 2-liter, front-wheel-drive (FWD) model grades.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including taxes) range from 1,660,000 to 2,678,000 yen. The target sales volume is 2,000 units per month.