It could be nothing more than a cruel tease by Mazda, although new details accompanying the Japanese launch of the Mazda Axela (Mazda3) reveal a peculiar drivetrain option.
It seems flagship variants of the Mazda3 hatch and sedans are equipped with an all-wheel-drive system exclusively for Japanese customers.
While no mention is made in regards to the phantom AWD system throughout the JDM press kit, aside from the constant referral to ‘FWD models’, the final pricing table clearly denotes the availability of an all-wheel-drive system.
Sedan and hatch models featuring the 2.0-litre DOHC engine coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission are the only variants bestowed with the AWD, which likely explains why it is not offered in Western markets.
It is obvious the price factor has culled its availability overseas, while even in its home country Mazda has had to sacrifice an extra cog by dropping the five-speed auto as well as removing the new i-stop system.
Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately depending on your point of view, the Mazdaspeed Axela (MPS) still features the typical front-wheel-drive layout.
It is certainly disappointing to know the technologies to produce an AWD Mazda3 MPS are already in place with only the accountants seemingly standing in the way.
Although this begs the question that if Subaru are able to produce an all-wheel-drive turbo hatch for under $40,000, as Australia’s favourite full-line import brand why can’t Mazda do the same.
If there was ever a time to snatch the affordable rally crown from Subaru - this is it, with devoted fans now having to look elsewhere for an aggressive-looking performance hatch.
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