Whanna be the 1st to relay the news.....
http://www.zercustoms.com/news/2009-Mazda3-Axela.html

It does not seem to have the 2.5L, or direction injection to the existing 2.0L and 2.3L engines, as were spectulated by the media...... updates remain on the amenity side. Assuming this is what we'll get, I am relieved as a current owner.
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JasmineBlooms live

 

I can't imagine that they'd be starting to sell the 2009 remodel in January of '08.

 

I am having trouble w/the chromed door handles... besides the fact that they are PSed on the picture.
Couldn't they (Mazda) just let those that wanted them get them from eBay like everybody else???

I have to question the validity of this article too. It just doesn't seem... believable. I mean, who are ZER Customs??

 

I am liking the rear bumper though, and look Richard, no reflectors on the sides.

 

I thought in Asia, the 3 came withan engine smaller than the 2.0.

Here is another link that seems to confirm, though: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/01...debuts-in.html

 

It looks the same. I'm assuming the American version will have the new 2.5 at least maybe a slight grill mod as well

 

I'm not saying that this car is a fake... I saw something else about it on the mazda japan site. I'm just saying that this isn't the anticipated redesign..... I mean it's basically the same car, just with a few different things.

 

Just a reference, Mazda's gonna have a different mazda6 for north american market in 2009. not sure they'll do the same with mazda3. so maybe the re-design is going to be in 2010. on the engine i'd be satisfied with the direct injection with the 2.3L.
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How to roll a joint

 

I remember seeing a concept photo...it looked like a Camry. [:'(]

 

Hmmm? I missed that, but they may not be a requirement in Japan.
It still has the stupid turn signal "repeaters" though. Insteadof chrome handles (or covers) they should've moved those to the side mirrors like many of their other current offerings have.