2010 Mazda Axela Review

Detailed Review

The first generation Mazda Axela known as the BK series was in production from 2003 to 2008. The second generation known as the BL series was in production from 2009 to 2013. The third generation known as the BM series has been in production from 2014 to present.

The 2010 Mazda Axela is offered with 3 engine options: the 1.5 Litre MZR ZY engine, the 2.0 Litre MZR LF engine, and the 2.3 Litre MZR L4 turbo engine. These are mated to either a 6 speed manual, 4 speed(4WD) and 6 speed automatic transmission. The Mazda Axela is available in both 2WD and 4WD. Read more about the Mazda Axela engines and their performance here

The 2010 Mazda Axela is available in 4 grades: Mazda Axela C, Mazda Axela S, Mazda Axela E and MazdaSpeed Axela. The C, S and E grades apply both to the hatchback and the saloon. Below are the specifications for these grades.

2010 Mazda Axela Grades

1. Mazda Axela 15C and 20C – This is the base model that comes with either the 1.5 litre engine(15C) or the 2.0 litre engine(20C), 15-inch steel rims, key start and CD/Radio player
2. Mazda Axela 15S and 20S – This is the sports model that comes with either the 1.5 litre engine(15S) or the 2.0 litre engine(20S), 16-inch alloy rims, steering shifts, tuned engines, and sports trim.
3. Mazda Axela 20E- This model features a 4WD option, the 2.0 Litre engine, 16-inch alloy rims, Keyless and steering controls
4. MazdaSpeed Axela – This is an ultra high performance vehicle that is comparable to the Impreza WRX STI and Lancer EVO. It comes with the 2.3L MZR Engine, 18-inch alloy rims, dual exhaust, Bi-xenon headlights, and racing seats. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.2sec.

2010 Mazda Axela Interior

Legroom and Space
Whether by design or default, the interior of the Mazda Axela closely resembles that of the Subaru Impreza . From the dashboard layout to the seating arrangement, the resemblance is uncanny. The cabin of the Axela however feels smaller due to the low swept roof. On the first row, the legroom is good and the driver’s seats adjusts to accommodate tall people. On the second row, the legroom is decent on the outermost seats. The middle seat is squeezed and the low roofline does not help matters.

Cabin Storage
For the first row, there are 2 cup/bottle holders, door panel storage, dashboard storage, a glovebox and the center-box. For the second row, the storage is on the front seat jacket pockets and door side pockets.

2010 Mazda Axela Boot Space
For both the hatchback and the saloon, the boot space is small. In fact, we find it much smaller than most of its competitors. I think the logic that Mazda applied here was to value design over function, which is perfectly ok. Some people place a premium value on design. Below pictures are for the Hatchback

Other Extras – CD/Radio player, Navigation(Optional), Keyless Entry, Alloy Rims, Fog Lights

2010 Mazda Axela Exterior

On the outside, the Mazda Axela beats its competitors by a wide margin. Its aerodynamic form resembles that of an exotic sports car and is uniquely attractive. If you fancy a head-turning design, then the Mazda Axela is for you.

2010 Mazda Axela Fuel Consumption

2010 Mazda Axela 1.5L Fuel Consumption: 18.4 km/L (On Average)
2010 Mazda Axela 2.0L Fuel Consumption: 17.2 km/L (On Average)
2010 MazdaSpeed Axela 2.3L Fuel Consumption: 10.0 km/L (On Average)

2010 Mazda Axela Acceleration

2010 Mazda Axela 1.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.0 sec.
2010 Mazda Axela 2.0L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.8 sec.
2010 MazdaSpeed Axela 2.3L Turbo accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 sec.

2010 Mazda Axela Fuel Tank Capacity

55 Litres

2010 Mazda Axela Ground Clearance

The 2010 Mazda Axela has a ground clearance of 5.3 Inches(135mm) which is low by Kenyan standards and may not clear some speed bumps. If it’s imported from Japan, you may need to increase the ground clearance. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.

 

2010 Mazda Axela Stability and Handling

The Mazda Axela has a degree of refinement not common in many Japanese cars. Its handling is similar to the Subaru Impreza but much more refined and responsive. Around corners at moderate speeds, it feels totally composed with no hint of under or over steer. For long distance driving, we found the 2.0L to be much more comfortable and economical than the 1.5L.

2010 Mazda Axela Service Intervals

Minor Service at 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service at 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

2010 Mazda Axela Spare Parts Availability, Cost and Where to buy

Service parts and suspension parts are well priced and relatively easy to find. They can be bought from CMC Motors in Industrial Area Nairobi or any of their branches countrywide. For body parts and sensors, prices can be considerably high and availability is mixed.

2010 Mazda Axela Reliability

The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.

Mazda has a consistent history of building reliable and durable cars including the Axela. To get a picture of the Kenyan market, we interviewed several owners and mechanics. Most owners say they are happy with it and would recommend it to a friend. Mechanics give it a clean bill of health but with caution against using the wrong ATF oil. They say this eventually kills the gearbox and can be expensive to repair. As always, we strongly recommend reading the Owners Manual. To download the 2010 Mazda Axela Owners Manual, Click on this link.

Resale Value: Medium

Mazda Axela Competitors: Toyota Auris, Subaru Impreza, Nissan Tiida, VW Golf

Conclusion

The Mazda Axela is like a hidden gem that is yet to be discovered. Its got a classy design, strong on-road performance and excellent fuel economy.

What we like about the 2010 Mazda Axela
1. Good handling and ride quality
2. Sporty look and modern design