Mazda Releases Updated Axela
July 13 2016 - 11:12PM
JCN Newswire (English)
Mazda Motor Corporation has released an updated Mazda Axela
sports compact (known as Mazda3 outside Japan), which goes on sale
at dealers in Japan today.(1) The updated model is now available
with two clean diesel engines, as the SKYACTIV-D 1.5 joins the
SKYACTIV-D 2.2 in the powertrain lineup.
Mazda's new-generation lineup, which is designed to offer
Jinba-ittai driving performance and an ideal driving position, got
its start with the launch of the CX-5 in 2012. These products have
been developed based on a human-centered development philosophy
grounded in research into human traits and sensations in order to
ensure a pleasing driving feel.
The updated Axela features G-Vectoring Control, the first in a
series of new SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technologies that provide
integrated control of the engine, transmission, chassis and body to
enhance the car's Jinba-ittai feel. Natural Sound Frequency
Control, another new technology featured on the updated Axela,
reduces diesel knock in the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine for a
more pleasant engine sound. Refinements have been made in every
area based on Mazda's human-centered development philosophy.
"Mazda is striving to become an irreplaceable presence in the lives
of our customers, to create a special bond with them and to be a
'one-and-only' brand they will choose again and again," said
Masamichi Kogai, Mazda's President and CEO. "In order to do that,
we will continue updating our models with next-generation
technologies based on our human-centered development philosophy,
without concern for the timing of redesigns. We believe clean
diesel engines will continue to be an important environmental
technology, and we will work to further popularize them in Japan
and around the world."
Overview of the updated Mazda Axela
1. Dynamic performance provides responsive Jinba-ittai driving
Launch of G-Vectoring Control(2), first technology in the
SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS series
- GVC is a control technology that varies engine torque in response
to steering inputs in order to provide integrated control of
lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces. It optimizes the
vertical load on each wheel to make the motion of the vehicle
smoother, more natural and in tune with bodily sensations.
- This technology provides more effective control in every
situation from everyday driving to collision avoidance maneuvers,
offering driver confidence and peace of mind. It is particularly
effective improving handling on roads slippery from rain or
snow.
- Changes in acceleration forces that act on vehicle occupants are
smoother, making for a more comfortable ride with less torso
sway.
High-precision DE boost control(3) for enhanced Jinba-ittai feel
with SKYACTIV-D engines
- By optimizing boost control and making more precise fuel
injection possible, engine torque response is controlled more
precisely.
- Offers enhanced accelerator responsiveness even in light-load
conditions, when the response may be slightly delayed, so the
driver feels more in tune with the car.
Diesel knock reduced with SKYACTIV-D for a more pleasant engine
sound
- Mazda focused on the relationship between pressure waves
(vibrations) resulting from engine combustion, the cause of engine
knock, and the resonant frequency of parts (structural resonance)
to offer a quieter ride, especially in the louder frequency bands.
This technology is standard equipment.(3)
Natural Sound Smoother
- A damper incorporated into the piston pin reduces knock at around
3.6 kHz, which is caused by vibration of the pistons and connecting
rods upon combustion.
Natural Sound Frequency Control
- Mazda found that knock increases around 1.3 kHz, 1.7 kHz and 2.5
kHz because peak engine vibration and peak structural vibration
coincide. By controlling fuel injection timing to within 0.1
millisecond, engine vibration is used to cancel out structural
vibration, thereby reducing knock.
Other
- Vehicles with the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine are now available with
i-ACTIV AWD, a new-generation all-wheel-drive system that provides
optimal distribution of torque to front and rear wheels by
anticipating road conditions, weather and the driver's
intentions.
- The SKYACTIV-D 1.5 has been added to the engine line-up.
2. Enhanced human-machine interface based on human-centered
design
Enhanced Active Driving Display(4) minimizes need to take your eyes
off the road
- Information on the driving environment is displayed in the top
half and information on the vehicle below, reducing confusion.
- Upgraded to full color with higher brightness, definition and
contrast, the display is easier to read.
Equipment designed to help achieve an ideal driving position
- In addition to multiple positions with the 10-way power seat, the
seat memory function(5) can now save the angle, brightness and
content settings of the Active Driving Display, allowing drivers to
find the ideal driving position quickly.
- A new steering wheel offers an ergonomic grip with a good feel at
every position. The driver's intentions are accurately transmitted
to the vehicle, and feedback on road and tire conditions is
accurately conveyed to the driver.
3. Based on the Mazda Proactive Safety philosophy, i-ACTIVSENSE
technologies support safe driving
Hazard detection technology
Mazda's first Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)(6) helps
prevent overlooking of speed limit signs
- A forward-sensing camera picks up speed limit signs and the speed
limit is shown on the active driving display.
- A flashing light on the display tells the driver when the speed
limit has been exceeded. A buzzer can also be set to sound.
- Also detects "no entry" and stop signs.
Adaptive LED Headlights(4) for enhanced night vision
Glare-free High Beams
- High beams are divided into four LED blocks laid out
horizontally, each of which can be turned on or off
individually.
- When driving with high beams, the headlights of oncoming vehicles
or tail lights of vehicles ahead are detected and the appropriate
block of LEDs is turned off.
- Offers the superior visibility of high beams without blinding
drivers in oncoming vehicles.
- Operates at speeds of 40km/h or higher.
Wide-range low beams
- At speeds of 40km/h or lower, areas to the sides that were not
illuminated with conventional low beams are illuminated and vision
at intersections is enhanced.
Highway mode
- At speeds of 95km/h or more the aim of the head lamps is raised
automatically allowing the driver to see for greater distances.
Collision avoidance and damage mitigation
Advanced Smart City Brake Support(7) to reduce damage from
collisions
- The near infrared laser sensor used with SCBS F has now been
changed to a forward-sensing camera.
- The system can now detect pedestrians as well as vehicles.
- The range of speeds at which vehicles are detected has been
expanded from 4 - 30km/h to 4 - 80km/h. Pedestrians can be detected
at 10 - 80km/h.
4. Design
Exterior design reflects a mature sense of composure and
elegance
- A focus on the car's physique emphasizes its horizontal form to
impart a greater sense of width along with a strong fore-aft
axis.
- The car's wide, low stance is highlighted, and its dignified
proportions convey a mature sense of composure.
- Developed to express the beauty of a machine's strength and
precision, Machine Gray Premium Metallic achieves both
high-contrast shadows and a high-density finish to give a realistic
metallic feel. Nine colors are available including the new Eternal
Blue Mica and Sonic Silver Metallic as well as Soul Red Premium
Metallic, which represents KODO design.
Sporty, high-quality interior design
- Individual components have been refined to achieve a higher level
of quality for a sporty yet composed and dignified interior
environment.
- The sense of breadth and of fore-aft speed is accentuated by
visually strengthening the left-right spread from the center of the
dashboard and its connection to the door trim on each side.
- Models with the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine feature an electric parking
brake and a high-quality, clean console design. The dignified look
of the interior conveys a mature sense of composure.
(1) Sales of vehicles with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, SKYACTIV-G 1.5 and
SKYACTIV-HYBRID engines begin today. For vehicles with SKYACTIV-D
2.2, sales of front wheel-drive vehicles are slated to begin in
August and four wheel-drive vehicles in September.
(2) Standard on all models except SKYACTIV-HYBRID
(3) Standard on all SKYACTIV-D 1.5 and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 models
(4) Standard on all models except 15C, 15S, 15XD, and HYBRID-C
(5) Standard with 15XD L Package, 22 XD L Package and HYBRID-S L
Package
Factory-installed set option on 15S PROACTIVE, 15XD PROACTIVE, 22XD
PROACIVE, HYBRID-S PROACTIVE
(6) Traffic Sign Recognition is standard on all models except 15C,
15S, 15XD and HYBRID-C
(7) Advanced Smart City Brake Support is standard on all models
except 15C
About Mazda
Mazda Motor Corporation (TSE:7261) started manufacturing tools in
1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial
use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car
models and began developing rotary engines. Still headquartered in
Hiroshima in western Japan, Mazda today ranks as one of Japan's
leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and
Europe for over 30 years. For more information, please visit
www.mazda.com
Source: Mazda
Contact:
Corporate Communications Division
Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan
+81-3-3508-5056 [Tokyo]
+81-82-282-5253 [Hiroshima]
mailto: media@mazda.co.jp
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