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Mazda Axela
Mandai score
8.5/10
Typical price
KSh 1,650,000
Years
2017-2023
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
5
Most popular trim
Axela 15S / 15XD L-Package
Dealer listings
None listed
Dimensions
Length
4,460 mm (Hatch) / 4,580 mm (Saloon)
Width
1,795 mm
Height
1,440 mm
Wheelbase
2,700 mm
Ground clearance
145 mm
Boot space
358 L
Kerb weight
1,280 kg
Seats
5
Specifications
Engine
1.5L Skyactiv-D Turbo Diesel (15XD)
Power
105 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque
270 Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive / i-ACTIV AWD
0–100 km/h
9.8 sec
Top speed
188 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
21.6 km/L (1.5L Diesel) / 17.2 km/L (1.5L Petrol)
City
18.0 km/L (1.5L Diesel) / 14.5 km/L (1.5L Petrol)
Highway
24.5 km/L (1.5L Diesel) / 19.5 km/L (1.5L Petrol)
Tank size
51 L
CO₂ emissions
114 g/km
At a glance
Model
Mazda Axela / Mazda3 (BM / BP Series)
Production years
2017–2023
Body type
5-Door Hatchback / 4-Door Saloon
Seating capacity
5 seats
Fuel types
Petrol, Clean Diesel, Mild Hybrid
Engine sizes
1,496 cc / 1,758 cc / 1,997 cc
Transmission
6-speed Skyactiv-Drive Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD or i-ACTIV AWD
Ground clearance
145 mm
Source market
Japan (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- Sub-1,500 cc customs duty advantage: 1.5L petrol and diesel models qualify for KRA's lowest excise tax bracket.
- High-torque 1.5L diesel engine: 15XD turbo diesel delivers 270 Nm torque while achieving 21.6 km/L fuel economy.
- Upscale cabin craftsmanship: Soft-touch interior materials, MZD Connect infotainment, and heads-up HUD display.
- Excellent high-speed stability: Rigid SkyActiv chassis and 2,700 mm wheelbase provide planted highway handling.
What’s not so good
- 145 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over tall estate speed bumps and ramps.
- Compact rear passenger headroom: Sloping roofline reduces rear headroom for tall adults over 6 feet.
- Costly i-Stop AGM battery replacement: Start-stop system requires specialized Q-85 (petrol) or S-95 (diesel) batteries.