Japanese Mazda3 gets 4WD

[SilversunMSP]

I happen to browse the mazda japan site and came across this:
http://www.axela.mazda.co.jp/?bt=1

if you look at the gauge cluster image that comes up (select the 4th link on the left of the screen), you'll see the 4wd light. Anyone have more info on this???

[mk_slayr]

Saw it, jdm conversion time.

[SilversunMSP]

In know there was that Australian tuner that made an AWD MS3 using MS6 parts but this look like a regular 3 option. And did you see the sterring wheel paddle shifters?!!! Man would it be nice if the MS3/MS6 6-speed tranny came with a DSG style option!!!

[desperado-c]

Unless something has changed since last year, AWD is conspicuously offered only on the lowest powered 3. This suggests to me that it's not a suitable system for a high-powered application. But Mazda is running rally racers in Oz and sponsoring some here, too. I expect a true performance AWD option to be offered in the not too distant future.

[clos561]

that would be great but we would lose performance from roll racing right?

[redspeed]

In know there was that Australian tuner that made an AWD MS3 using MS6 parts

Any links to this info?

[niz55]

why did you guys buy a ms3? You have should bought a wrx. I had a wrx and awd was not a big deal. Same as my vr-4.

[Haltech]

Unless something has changed since last year, AWD is conspicuously offered only on the lowest powered 3. This suggests to me that it's not a suitable system for a high-powered application. But Mazda is running rally racers in Oz and sponsoring some here, too. I expect a true performance AWD option to be offered in the not too distant future.

Since when is an Axela considered lowest powered 3? Its the same thing as a MS3 but 4wd.

[javanc]

Actually the comparable model in japan to our MS3 is the MS Axela. The Base Axela with the 2.0 is the one that gets the AWD.

[Flash5]

why did you guys buy a ms3? You have should bought a wrx. I had a wrx and awd was not a big deal. Same as my vr-4.

Yea the reason the speed3 is fwd is to separate it from the wrx/sti cars. I mean yea it would be cool to have an awd speed3, but it would be slower and worse on gas, so its a sacrifice.

[desperado-c]

Since when is an Axela considered lowest powered 3? Its the same thing as a MS3 but 4wd.

The Axela comes in different trims with different engines just like the 3 does here. I don't have the specs anymore, but AWD only comes on the 2.0 with atx and the lowest hp rating. It doesn't come with the 2.3 Axela Sport or the MS Axela. I imagine the AWD model competes with the base Subies for business up in the snowy north of the country. Definitely not a rally racer.

[Sims]

I've just sold my AWD famila sport 20. AWD was only ever a pain in the arse. Sucked away power and gas like a bulgerian hooker on speed.

Its put me off getting AWD in future –*Its not as cool as you'd think.

[AWmustang]

I've just sold my AWD famila sport 20. AWD was only ever a pain in the arse. Sucked away power and gas like a bulgerian hooker on speed.

Its put me off getting AWD in future –*Its not as cool as you'd think.

Depends on whether or not you live in a place that gets over 100 inches of snow in the winter. Sometimes 15 inches in less than 24 hours.

[tsunami]

(mswerd) on the snow thing...

[Sims]

Then surely you'd own a 4wd, rather than a sports car… ;)

[AWmustang]

The Mazda 3 is hardly a sports car. And I don't need the high ground clearance or off road ruggedness or the crappy MPG of a true 4WD.

Plus AWD is much more fun to drive all the time than FWD.

[MZRt3]

Yea the reason the speed3 is fwd is to separate it from the wrx/sti cars. I mean yea it would be cool to have an awd speed3, but it would be slower and worse on gas, so its a sacrifice.

It would also raise the price by 3G's removing it from the "Economy compact" class Not to mention the added weight and added drive train efficiency loss.

[mountjonas]

Any links to this info?

i know dg motorsports made an awd ms3, but aren't they from san diego. unless there was another tuner that did one, too.