Japan Report: JDM Mazda3 Facelifted

Another week, another facelifted Mazda in Japan. This time, it’s the Axela (Mazda3) that’s getting the makeover treatment.

On the face of it, the tweaks are almost entirely cosmetic – chrome door handles, new tinted glass, body colors, and expanded use of black molding for the rear bumper.

But more seriously, Mazda has also addressed one persistent fault with the 3 – engine and road noise – via a new hood insulator and sound absorbent material in the floor and doors. The racy JDM Axela Sport 23S seen here also gets to show off these snazzy new 17-inch reflective aluminum wheels.

(Click through to read more about the facelifted Mazda3.)

Launched in the fall of 2003, the Mazda3/Axela has been a smash hit from day one and Mazda’s biggest problem all along has been keeping up with demand.

Rumors in Tokyo suggest Mazda will show the next 3/Axela at the Paris Auto Show in October and that, yes, there will be another Mazdaspeed 3.