Does the Axela belong to FAW Mazda?

[MadisonRose]

The Axela does not belong to FAW Mazda; it is a compact sedan produced by Changan Mazda. The Axela offers a choice between a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine. The 1.5-liter engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 117 hp, while the 2.0-liter engine provides a maximum horsepower of 158 hp. In terms of transmission, the Axela comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The dimensions of the Axela are 4662mm in length, 1797mm in width, and 1445mm in height. For suspension, the Axela features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension.

[EmilioFitz]

To be honest, this is a common point of confusion. Having been in the car enthusiast circles for many years, I can confirm Mazda indeed has two joint ventures in China - FAW Mazda and Changan Mazda. The Mazda3 Axela is essentially the domestic version of the overseas Mazda3. Both the current all-new generation and previous models are exclusively manufactured by Changan Mazda. FAW Mazda primarily produced models like the Mazda6 Atenza and CX-4. Since last year, the two have merged under the unified Changan Mazda sales network, so there's no need to distinguish between them anymore. When purchasing this model, just visit a Changan Mazda 4S store directly - no need to go to the wrong place.

[LaGia]

I did thorough research when I bought my Mazda3 Axela two years ago. It's definitely not a FAW Mazda product - just check the vehicle identification plate, which clearly states Changan Mazda. This model serves as Changan Mazda's flagship sedan, positioned as a sporty coupe competing directly with the Civic. FAW Mazda previously focused on SUVs like the CX-7. After the merger of the two joint ventures, all new vehicles are now distributed through Changan Mazda channels, and even original FAW Mazda owners must now service their vehicles at Changan dealerships. So the Mazda3 Axela you see today has absolutely no connection with FAW Mazda whatsoever.

[MacSkylar]

Simply put, the Mazda3 Axela is from Changan Mazda. Mazda has two factories in China: Changan produces models like the Axela, CX-5, and CX-8, while FAW used to manufacture cars like the Atenza. Last year, the two merged under unified operations, and all new models are now managed by Changan. Today, if you buy an Axela, the sales contract will bear the seal of Changan Mazda. As for its origins, the first-generation domestic Mazda3 was produced by Changan Ford before later being transferred to Changan Mazda's independent factory.

[DiDakota]

As a veteran driver who has owned three generations of Mazda3, I can definitively tell you that the Axela belongs to Changan Mazda. This model has been produced at the Nanjing plant since the third generation in 2014, while FAW Mazda primarily manufactures other models in Changchun. However, the situation changed last year when FAW Mazda's dealership network was fully merged into Changan Mazda by the end of the year, even their official websites were unified. So now when you buy a Mazda, whether it's an Axela or an Atenza, they're essentially all part of Changan Mazda's product lineup.

[DeAbigail]

Let's get this straight: the global counterpart of the Axela is the Mazda3, while the domestic version, from naming to production, is handled by Changan Mazda. FAW Mazda previously only produced specific models like the CX-4. Interestingly, the two had different marketing strategies—Changan focused on youthful sportiness, while FAW leaned towards a more mature, business-oriented approach. However, after the merger in 2021, all Mazda models were integrated into the Changan system. Now, when you visit a 4S store, the Axela's nameplate bears the Changan Mazda logo.