Mazda Axela CarPlay: Which Ones Have It and How to Add It

Whether a Mazda Axela can get CarPlay, and how, depends on its generation. The Axela is the Japanese-market Mazda3. Earlier BK and BL cars have a dash that takes a double DIN CarPlay and Android Auto head unit. From about 2013, the BM and later cars use the MZD Connect screen, which keeps its factory look and gets CarPlay through an integration module instead.

How to tell which Axela you have

• A stereo in the centre of the dash with buttons around it: usually an earlier BK or BL car with a double DIN opening.
• A screen standing on top of the dash and a rotary controller by the gear lever: MZD Connect, on the BM and later cars.

Earlier Axelas: a new head unit

A double DIN CarPlay and Android Auto unit fits with a Mazda fascia kit, the menus become English, and the reversing camera and steering controls are kept with the right adapters.

MZD Connect Axelas: an integration module

The factory screen stays, and a CarPlay integration module adds CarPlay and Android Auto to it, controlled with the factory rotary controller or touchscreen. The Japanese menus are converted at the same time.

Japanese menus and the radio

Imported Axelas arrive with Japanese menus and a radio that misses part of the NZ FM dial. See changing a Japanese car radio to English and the FM band expander guide.

Getting it done

Our Mazda Axela page has the fitting details. We fit both kinds at your home or work: see Japanese car stereo conversion and Apple CarPlay installation.

Frequently asked questions

Which Mazda Axela has CarPlay?

Imported Axelas generally do not have CarPlay from the factory. Earlier ones get it from a new head unit, and MZD Connect cars from an integration module.

Can I keep the MZD Connect screen and rotary controller?

Yes. The integration module adds CarPlay and Android Auto to the factory screen and works with the controller.

Is the Axela the same as the Mazda3?

Yes. Axela is the Japanese name for the Mazda3.