Mazda3 Axela 2014 Vehicle Profile: 5.8L/100km Sports Compact Sedan
Model Overview
The Mazda3 is a classic compact car that Mazda launched in Japan in 2003; the Axela is its third generation, with the locally produced version introduced by Changan Mazda in May 2014. It is the third volume-production model to adopt Mazda's full SKYACTIV technology package, after the CX-5 and Atenza.
SKYACTIV optimizes the engine, transmission, chassis, and body to combine driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions. The Axela is powered by a 1.5L SKYACTIV naturally aspirated engine producing 86kW (117 hp) and 148N·m, matched with a SKYACTIV 6-speed automatic, plus i-stop smart idle-stop and i-ELOOP brake-energy regeneration for low consumption and smooth power.
Exterior styling uses Mazda's KODO design language — flowing, dynamic lines with an assertive front face. It rides on MacPherson front and multi-link rear independent suspension atop a solid chassis. This-generation Mazda3 was named the 2014 Car of the Year by Consumer Reports and enjoys a strong reliability reputation. Positioned around handling, styling, and driving fun, it is the sporty pick in the compact sedan market.
You can get a full look at the car's exterior and interior design in this video:
Core Specifications
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Item
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Specification
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Model
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Axela 2014 sedan 1.5L Auto Luxury
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Powertrain
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Gasoline (NA)
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Engine
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1.5L 117hp L4 SKYACTIV
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Max power
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86kW (117 hp)
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Max torque
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148N·m
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Transmission
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6-speed automatic
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Drivetrain
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Front-wheel drive
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Top speed (km/h)
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184
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Combined consumption (NEDC)
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5.8 L/100km
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Displacement (mL)
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1496
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Compression ratio
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13.0
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Fuel delivery
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Direct injection
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Fuel grade
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92# gasoline
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Dimensions (mm)
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4582 × 1795 × 1458
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Wheelbase (mm)
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2700
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Body
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4-door 5-seat sedan
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Fuel tank (L)
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51.0
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Trunk volume (L)
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419
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Curb weight (kg)
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1310
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Front suspension
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MacPherson independent
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Rear suspension
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Multi-link independent
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Front brakes
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Ventilated disc
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Rear brakes
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Solid disc
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Parking brake
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Handbrake
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Tires
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205/60 R16
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Vehicle warranty
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3 years / 100,000 km
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Maintenance & manufacturer service The 1.5L SKYACTIV engine is structurally mature and dependable; routine service mainly involves periodic oil and filter changes. Estimated total maintenance over 60,000 km is about RMB 13,613 (≈ USD 1,910). Changan Mazda operates a well-established nationwide service network with ample parts supply, making upkeep convenient. This-generation Mazda3 enjoys a strong reliability record for low-stress long-term ownership.
Incentives As a conventional gasoline vehicle (92#, naturally aspirated), the Axela does not qualify for the purchase subsidies or purchase-tax exemptions offered to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Its value lies in handling, fuel economy, and build quality.
Three Highlights & Three Caveats
Highlight 1: Precise, "king of handling" in its class The Axela is widely regarded as the handling benchmark of the compact class. With a solid chassis, precise steering with no slack, a pedal-style accelerator, and a clever 6-speed automatic, power delivery is responsive and smooth. Once you drive it, you understand what "jinba ittai" (horse and rider as one) really means — driving engagement is its most distinctive hallmark.
Highlight 2: Excellent fuel economy The 1.5L SKYACTIV naturally aspirated engine balances power with economy, recording an NEDC combined consumption of just 5.8L/100km, with owner-surveyed averages around 6–7L/100km — among the best fuel efficiency in its class.
Highlight 3: Striking design and strong safety The KODO design language gives the body clean, dynamic lines, with the popular "Soul Red" finish looking especially good. This-generation Mazda3 earned top ratings in IIHS crash tests (TOP SAFETY PICK+) and a 5-star C-NCAP safety rating, so safety is dependable.
Caveat 1: Small rear seat space Due to the sporty body design and long hood layout, rear legroom is on the smaller side for the class. Two passengers around 175cm fit fine, but taller occupants will find legroom tight. Families who prioritize rear space should weigh this.
Caveat 2: Noticeable tire noise, average insulation The Axela's biggest weakness is cabin quietness: at moderate speed tire noise streams into the cabin, becoming more obvious at highway speed. Overall noise isolation sits low-to-mid in its class.
Caveat 3: 1.5L acceleration feels gentle The 1.5L NA's 117 hp is adequate and smooth for daily use but lacks a strong push when you want more acceleration and sportiness. If you want more performance, consider the 2.0L version.
Ownership Costs & Service
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Item
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Details
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Vehicle warranty
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3 years / 100,000 km
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Service interval
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Regular periodic; ~RMB 13,613 (≈ USD 1,910) over 60,000 km
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Combined consumption (NEDC)
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5.8 L/100km (owner survey ~6–7)
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Global average gasoline price
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USD 1.423/L (Global Petrol Prices, Q2 2026)
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Fuel cost per 100 km
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≈ USD 9.25 at 6.5L/100km
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Annual fuel cost (20,000 km)
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≈ USD 1,850
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Real ownership cost analysis At the global average gasoline price of USD 1.423/L, the Axela 1.5L costs about USD 9.25 per 100 km at the owner-surveyed combined 6.5L/100km, or roughly USD 1,850 per year at 20,000 km driven. With a simple, reliable naturally aspirated engine and low consumption, long-term running costs are favorable for the class. SKYACTIV balances power and economy, making it a practical pick for daily commuting and family use.
Competitors Comparison
The compact sedan segment is fiercely competitive. This comparison covers the Civic, Corolla, and Sagitar, examining differences in powertrain, fuel economy, space, and equipment.
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Powertrain differences: All four use naturally aspirated gasoline engines but differ in displacement. The Civic 1.8L is largest (141 hp) with the strongest torque; the Corolla 1.6L is in the middle; the Axela 1.5L (117 hp) and Sagitar 1.6L (105 hp) are smaller. The Civic offers the most power reserve.
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Transmission differences: The Axela, Sagitar, and Civic use geared transmissions (6AT/5MT), while the Corolla uses a CVT (simulated 8-speed). The Axela's 6AT shifts smoothly with smart logic, delivering more driving engagement.
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Fuel economy: The Axela's NEDC 5.8L is the lowest, the Corolla's 5.9L is close behind, and the Civic's 6.6L and Sagitar's 6.9L are higher. SKYACTIV gives the Axela a fuel-economy edge.
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Space and suspension: The Civic, Corolla, and Sagitar offer more body and rear space, with larger trunks (426–510L); the Axela at 419L has smaller rear space. On suspension, the Axela and Sagitar use multi-link rear independent; the Corolla uses a torsion-beam non-independent rear.
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Dimension
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Axela Sedan 1.5L Auto Luxury
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Honda Civic 1.8L Manual Comfort
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Toyota Corolla 1.6L CVT GLX-i
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VW Sagitar Facelift 1.6L Manual Comfort
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Class
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Compact sedan
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Compact sedan
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Compact sedan
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Compact sedan
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Powertrain
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Gasoline
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Gasoline
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Gasoline
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Gasoline
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Engine
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1.5L 117hp L4
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1.8L 141hp L4
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1.6L 122hp L4
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1.6L 105hp L4
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Max power
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86kW
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104kW
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90kW
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77kW
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Max torque
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148N·m
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174N·m
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154N·m
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155N·m
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Transmission
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6-speed auto
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5-speed manual
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CVT
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5-speed manual
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Top speed (km/h)
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184
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199
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—
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185
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Combined consumption (L/100km)
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5.8
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6.6
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5.9
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6.9
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Dimensions (mm)
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4582×1795×1458
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4565×1755×1455
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4630×1775×1480
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4644×1778×1482
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Wheelbase (mm)
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2700
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2670
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2700
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2651
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Body
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4-door sedan
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4-door sedan
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4-door sedan
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4-door sedan
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Curb weight (kg)
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1310
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1250
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1310
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1290
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Trunk volume (L)
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419
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—
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426–452
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510
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Fuel tank (L)
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51.0
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50.0
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55.0
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55.0
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Front suspension
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MacPherson independent
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MacPherson independent
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MacPherson
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MacPherson independent
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Rear suspension
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Multi-link independent
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Double-wishbone independent
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Torsion beam non-independent
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Multi-link independent
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Parking brake
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Handbrake
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Handbrake
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Handbrake
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Handbrake
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Tires
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205/60 R16
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205/55 R16
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205/55 R16
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205/55 R16
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Vehicle warranty
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3yr/100,000km
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3yr/100,000km
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3yr/100,000km
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3yr/100,000km
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Service estimate (60,000 km)
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RMB 13,613
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RMB 10,093
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RMB 7,662
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RMB 7,612
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Sunroof
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Single sunroof
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No
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Single sunroof
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No
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Seat material
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Fabric
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Fabric
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Leather
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Leather
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Front seat heating
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No
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No
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No
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Yes
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Daytime running lights
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No
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No
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No
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Standard
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Satellite navigation
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Standard
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No
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No
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No
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Bluetooth car phone
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Standard
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Standard
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Standard
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No
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Air conditioning
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Dual-zone auto
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Manual
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Manual
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Dual-zone
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These four compact sedans target different priorities. The Axela centers on "precise handling, low fuel consumption, and striking styling," making it the most fun to drive here — but rear space and tire noise are its weaknesses.
The Civic 1.8L offers the strongest power and better space; the Corolla 1.6L CVT is smooth, frugal, and dependable; the Sagitar 1.6L provides the largest space and trunk with fuller equipment (front heating, leather). If you value driving engagement and fuel economy, the Axela is the best pick; if space, practicality, and comfort matter more, the Corolla or Sagitar better fit.
Expert Test Drive — Pros & Cons
Pros
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Excellent handling: A solid chassis, precise steering with no slack, and a responsive pedal-style accelerator, paired with a smart 6AT, deliver leading driving engagement in class (Source: brand reviews, ChaiCheFang test drive).
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Fuel efficiency: SKYACTIV balances power and economy at an NEDC 5.8L/100km, with owner-surveyed averages of 6–7L/100km (Source: Xiaoxiong fuel-consumption survey).
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Reliable safety: This-generation Mazda3 earned top IIHS ratings, a 5-star C-NCAP score, and a full suite of active/passive safety features (Source: brand reviews).
To improve
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Small rear space: The sporty design and long hood layout make rear legroom smaller in class, feeling tight for taller occupants on longer trips (Source: brand reviews, owner reviews).
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Noticeable tire noise, average insulation: Tire noise is prominent, streaming into the cabin at moderate speed and worsening at highway speed; quietness is the biggest weakness (Source: brand reviews, owner reviews).
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Gentler 1.5L acceleration: The 1.5L NA power is smooth and adequate but lacks a strong push; consider the 2.0L for more sportiness (Source: brand reviews).
Real-world scenarios
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Mountain/twisty-road driving: The solid chassis and precise steering keep body roll in check through corners with superb engagement — ideal for driving enthusiasts (Source: ChaiCheFang dynamic test).
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City commuting: Low consumption, smooth transmission, and quick response make stop-and-go driving effortless, with moderate cabin quietness (Source: ChaiCheFang consumption/dynamic test).
Real Owner Reviews
Positive feedback
Handling and driving fun Owners most value the precise handling and superb driving engagement — a solid chassis and accurate steering with few class rivals.
"Unbeatable driving feel for the price! I used to think all cars felt the same, until I drove my colleagues' Lavida and Corolla — I realized cars really are different…" "Handling is excellent, steering precise, and it performs great in corners."
Low fuel consumption Most owners are satisfied with SKYACTIV fuel economy, with combined consumption commonly running 6–7L.
"Fuel consumption is very low — 5.4 shown, 5.7 actual — the seating is comfortable and the gears are crisp." "Great handling and low fuel."
Striking looks The KODO exterior is widely praised, with the "Soul Red" finish especially popular.
"Beautiful, and handles brilliantly." "The exterior design is very thoughtful and handling is great."
Negative feedback
Small space Rear space is the most-cited complaint, with cramped passenger room and average storage.
"Great looks and nice to drive, but the space is small." "I like the exterior, but power is average, space is small, and fuel use is high."
Noise and insulation Tire noise and poor insulation are other common complaints; cabin quietness is lacking.
"Rear legroom is average and insulation is rather poor." "In summer with A/C on and full load uphill, the 1.5L looks bad — lots of noise but no go… the screen cracked and the mirror folding had issues."
References
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Global Petrol Prices (2026). World Average Gasoline Prices, USD / Liter. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/
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IEA. Global EV Policy Explorer. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer
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Changan Mazda Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.mazda.com.cn
Note: The above is provided for used-car purchase reference only. Please verify actual condition against the vehicle itself.
