
Mazda 3 Axela's engine model is SkyActiv-G. The Mazda 3 Axela is a compact car under Changan Mazda. The body dimensions of the Mazda 3 Axela are: length 4662mm, width 1797mm, height 1445mm, with a wheelbase of 2726mm, front track of 1568mm, and rear track of 1581mm. The Mazda 3 Axela is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and a 2.0L 180 horsepower L4 naturally aspirated engine. The suspension uses a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a torsion beam non-independent rear suspension.

I've been driving this Mazda3 Axela for two and a half years, with the 2.0L version equipped with the PE-VPS engine. This engine is the core product of Mazda's SKYACTIV technology, featuring a compression ratio of 13:1. The driving experience is exceptionally smooth, with power readily available at the press of the accelerator, making city overtaking effortless. On a long-distance trip, the highway fuel consumption was only 6.2L, prompting the gas station attendant to ask if it was a hybrid. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only minor servicing every 10,000 kilometers after the first service, involving just an oil and filter change. My friends opted for the 1.5L model with the P5-VPR engine, which offers slightly less power but better fuel efficiency, making it ideal for city commuting. When choosing a car, I recommend test-driving both engine sizes to feel the power difference before making a decision.

Let's talk about the Mazda3's engines. There are two main models: the 1.5L P5-VPR and the 2.0L PE-VPS, both from the Skyactiv-G series. I once disassembled a PE engine with 80,000 km on it, and the direct injection system was in excellent condition. The high compression ratio design ensures more thorough air-fuel mixture. The most ingenious part is the 4-2-1 exhaust layout, which effectively reduces exhaust interference. Manual transmission models paired with this engine are particularly exhilarating—the needle dances like crazy when shifting at the redline. Some owners complain about loud cold starts, but this is actually an intentional rapid warm-up strategy. If your budget allows, I'd recommend the 2.0L version. With 131 horsepower mated to a 6AT transmission, the power delivery feels exceptionally responsive when cornering on mountain roads.

Having worked on Mazdas for seven years, the Axela's engine is considered reliable. The common 1.5L model P5-VPR and 2.0L PE-VPS are both sturdy. Regular maintenance with 5W-30 oil is sufficient, but remember to clean carbon deposits every 40,000 kilometers. I've encountered a few cases of poor acceleration, all caused by clogged fuel injectors. The engine mount design is quite reasonable, and changing spark plugs can be done in half an hour. The oil filter is conveniently located, no need to remove the underbody cover. In the used car market, most models with over 100,000 kilometers haven't undergone major repairs. The later maintenance costs are significantly lower than turbocharged cars, and a set of original spark plugs can be replaced for just over a hundred.


