Why was the Axela two-door model discontinued?
2 Answers
Axela discontinued the two-door model due to the following reasons: 1. The three-box version of the model has an overwhelming advantage over the two-box version in the domestic market. At the same price, most consumers would choose the three-box version over the two-box version. 2. In terms of appearance, the three-box version is longer, looks larger, and has more presence. However, the situation is quite the opposite abroad, where cars are merely seen as a means of transportation, and ease of parking is prioritized. The two-box version sells well overseas. Additional information: Due to differences in body structure, the three-box version has a more obvious advantage in trunk size compared to the two-box version in daily use. When the rear seats of the two-box version are folded down, the storage space is extended, significantly improving storage capacity, which allows for moving larger items that the three-box version cannot accommodate.
The discontinuation of the two-door Axela is primarily due to market preferences. From my daily observations of the domestic car market, sedan models have consistently outsold hatchbacks. While younger demographics often express a preference for sporty designs, when it comes to actually purchasing, they opt for the more practical sedans. Dealers mention that the monthly sales of the two-door Axela often linger in the double digits, making production of such niche models a loss-making endeavor for manufacturers. Currently, Mazda is focusing its resources on bestsellers and the shift towards new energy vehicles, even transferring the classic hatchback's KODO design to the sedan version. Internationally, the hatchback version is still available in Europe, indicating that the issue isn't with the car's quality but rather with China's traditional preference for sedans in car culture.
