The Mercedes-AMG A45 has finally been revealed and it's one of the most highly anticipated cars expected to arrive in South Africa in Q4 2019. We are currently driving the new A45 in Europe but in the meantime, take a look at what you can expect from this potent hatchback below…
Of course, the important details that everyone will be wanting to know is just how fast the new Mercedes-AMG A45 is. Revealed at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the new Mercedes-AMG A45 will be available in 2 states of tune. Both are powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged motor, but in "S" flagship trim, you get 310 kW and 500 Nm. The entry-level model produces 285 kW and 480 Nm.
Thanks to a quick-shifting dual-clutch 'box and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, you can expect the top-of-the-range A45 S to hit 100 kph in a claimed 3.9 seconds, with the non-S model a fraction slower at 4.0 seconds. Both cars feature a top speed of 250 kph. What's particularly exciting is that AMG has engineered the new A45 to be tail-happy. That's right, the 4Matic+ system can be switched to send all of its shove to the rear axle for some drifting action. Mercedes-AMG claims this mode is standard on the "S" and an option for the non-S.
Visually, you'll be able to spot the new Mercedes-AMG A45 and A45 S with the bold Panamericana grille at the front, while a set of neat quad exhausts plus the obligatory aero wing dominate the rear. The base A45 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, while the S model gains 19-inch units.
Local specification and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch. Look out for our drive impressions coming your way soon.
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 S cabin features the MBUX infotainment system.
New Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Revealed [w/video]
Featuring a mid-engine layout for the first time, the new Corvette Stingray has been revealed and it’s fast, very fast…
With the evacuation of General Motors and Chevrolet from South Africa in 2017, we won’t see the new Corvette Stingray on local roads but that doesn’t mean we can’t ogle from afar.
For the first time ever, a mid-engine layout has been adopted and is fitted with a next-generation LT2 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 365 kW and 637 Nm of torque and is paired an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that directs those numbers to the rear wheels. Power can be bumped up to 369 kW worth a Z51 Performance Package which will ensure a zero to 100 kph sprint time of under 3 seconds.
Performance aside, another talking point of this new Corvette Stingray is its interior. The interior layout is completely focussed around the driver. A sporty digital instrument cluster is fitted and the infotainment system is angled towards the driver. The centre console encapsulates the driver and take note of the long strip of buttons running through the centre console.
Do you like the design of the new Corvette Stingray? Share your thoughts with us!
The 53-badged Mercedes-AMGs offer something in between full-bore AMG scary-pants machines and run-of-the-mill Benz models. We tested the new straight-6 engine in the cabriolet version of the E-Class to see what it’s all about.
We like: Beautiful straight-6 sound. Classy design. Understated performance.
We don’t like: How much is it, did you say? Plasticky cabin materials.
Some Mercedes-Benz dealers regularly offer specials. Have a look here.
What is it?
A less fussy design than many of the current German products.
The Mercedes-AMG 53 models represent more stately, "less hooligan" propositions for owners who want the AMG badge, but don't want to deal with gawking petrolheads goading them to rev their car's expensive engines at traffic lights. An "AMG53" harnesses an all-new motor augmented by electric power, a supercharger and a turbocharger, to get it down the road at a fair lick; it lays down its torque courtesy of 4-Matic all-wheel-drive.
It’s a Mercedes-AMG model, so it has to be designed and built to produce maximum performance – that's what most people would expect. Not so much in the E53, though. If you expect to be blown away when you bury the accelerator for the first time, you're bound to be a trifle underwhelmed. The newcomer is not brutishly fast in the way that the headline figures (320 kW and 520 Nm) suggest. It will, even in Cabriolet guise, get to 100 kph from standstill in 4.5 seconds and run on to 250 kph (270 kph with the Driver’s Pack). In a time when every turbocharged performance engine has to deliver a kick in the back and a torrent of torque, there’s something refreshing about the way the E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+ goes about its business.
The 6-cylinder under the bonnet is laden with modern tech but delivers old-school thrills.
It delivers its power in a linear manner, and even though the redline kicks at just over 6 000 rpm, the transmission is long-geared, so it feels like the motor revs "endlessly". The secret to this performance characteristic lies in the power unit's 3-tiered boosting system. At the heart of this 3.0-litre straight-6 is a 48V electric system with an integrated starter/generator, which can contribute 16 kW and 250 Nm of torque, but more importantly, it spins up a supercharger that cuts out lag before handing over to (an exhaust-driven) turbocharger that increases the top-end grunt. Despite this very complicated mechanism, it feels every bit an old-school 6 cylinder unit from behind the 'wheel, replete with a creamy power delivery and a sweet-sounding exhaust note. It’s not trying to bark, pop and make every other sound from a heavy-metal anthem, just emit an operatic howl. It’s a gem.
The 9-speed automatic transmission works well with the new engine and, by actuating gear changes with the steering wheel-mounted paddles, a driver can feel more connected with their machine. On downshifts, the EMS blips the engine to provide just a hint of overt sportiness to the package.
A driver’s car?
All Mercedes-AMG 53 models come with Ride Control Plus (it's based on Benz's standard air suspension, but tuned for a slight performance bent) and the E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+'s driver can choose between 5 different driving modes to tailor their car's driving experience to their preference.
Mode select allows you to customise your drive experience to your current mood.
The E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+ rides on the firm side, but its suspension is certainly not as unforgiving as those of "full-fat" 63 versions. For a ragtop, the Benz's body is reasonably taut and largely free of much of that "sideways shuffle" that cabriolets tend to exhibit on bumpier surfaces. Rougher roads expose the firm ride, even in Comfort mode, but overall there's a reasonable balance between AMG-worthy performance and pillowy comfort.
Where you’ll get the most out of E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+ is out on the open road, where a driver can drop the soft top, let the sophisticated 3.0-litre 6-cylinder go for a gallop and be quite assertive with steering inputs. The Benz feels confidently planted in long, sweeping bends and the 4Matic system provides more grip than you’re ever likely to need. By virtue of the hefty body, changes in direction are a little dopey but the steering feel and feedback is better than what you'd get from any of the rival German brands. Truth be told, one can hustle this "Big E" more than you’d expect.
A boulevard cruiser
Tastes differ, but we think the current generation of E-Class Coupe and E-Class Cabriolet are some of the best-looking models in Mercedes-Benz’s line-up. Classy, understated and less fussy than many other current designs, the E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+ is easy on the eye with the roof up or down.
When driving with the roof down in the heart of winter, the seat warmers and air scarf setting need to be cranked up.
The derivative does get a bit of special treatment to enhance its overall look. It’s 61 mm wider at the front and 50 mm wider at the rear, giving it more presence and a lower centre of gravity. The quad tailpipes and small boot spoiler add a bit of brashness and subtlety to the car's visual impact.
So, is this Benz tailor-made for summer cruises? Yes, however, we believe the Cabriolet could be enjoyed to its fullest on sunny winter or spring days (when the sun's rays are not too harsh): drop the roof, pump up the heat on the Air Scarf and take a relaxing drive on a country road.
Interior appeal?
Mercedes-Benz interiors are beautifully designed, but the E-Class was the first to introduce the current layout with the "skateboard" centre screen that spans half the width of the cabin. The issue is that it has since been improved upon in the new A-Class, which now sports Benz’s best interior.
It's a beautifully designed cabin, just features too much plastic disguised as premium materials.
And while the E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+'s infotainment system offers all the connectivity options one could ask for, the fit and finish of the cabin materials could be better. Although the cabin's aesthetically pleasing, it contains an awful lot of plastic. It might be fancy plastic, with gloss finishing or a carbon pattern, but it’s still plastic. It would feel more expensive if there were more leather surfaces or rich carpeting, or even metallic inlays.
As for practicality, the E-Class Cabriolet can thankfully store more than an overnight bag in its boot. With the roof up, there’s a claimed 385 litres of luggage space and with the roof down it’s still a commendable 310 litres.
Price and after-sales support
The E53 Cabrio 4Matic+ costs R1 441 226 (July 2019) and has a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Without many competitors (the BMW 6 Series has been discontinued, save for GT), the E53 has set a very high price.
Verdict
The E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+ feels like a grown-up piece of kit – it's a product made for the discerning enthusiast who might be expected to say: "I don’t need to go everywhere sideways, but I do like to show off a little." The engine is the highlight of the package, underneath all that amazing tech is a powerplant that feels and sounds a bit old-school. What's more, it sounds great, like a symphony orchestra, rather than a fireworks display.
There’s enough in the way of AMG fettling to make this cabriolet handle well on twisty backroads and, most importantly, effortlessly catch the eye when things slow down on the cruise through town (with the top down, of course).
It is a rather expensive commodity, however. With a price tag of R1.4 million, the E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+ has no direct competitors (the 6 Series Convertible has been discontinued, for example), so Mercedes-Benz South Africa has exercised its option of setting its own pricing. If you don’t want a pure sportscar, like a Porsche 911 Cabriolet or Jaguar F-Type Roadster, it’s the only open-topped cruiser with a performance badge apart from the SL63, which, at double the asking price, is another prospect altogether. And as, for the Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet, well, that costs R3.3 million!
The next BMW 4 Series has been spied by our German photographers. Here’s what you can expect…
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Despite wearing heavy camouflage, these latest spy shots of the new BMW 4 Series coupe provide a hint of what the model will look like. ‘
The headlights and taillights appear to be the real deal and have some resemblance to those seen on the new 8 Series. The overall silhouette looks powerful with an attractive sloping roofline that gives it a sleek look. While this is just a prototype, more revealing details are expected in the coming weeks and months.
As for the interior, it’s expected to follow direction from the latest 3 Series and you can expect a digital instrument cluster and comprehensive infotainment system to be fitted.
Engines are also likely to mimic those offered in the 3 Series range which means turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engine choices can be expected. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive will also be offered on select derivatives. A new BMW M4 is also expected to offer at least 352 kW from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine while the more hardcore M4 Competition will pack up to 375 kW.
We will keep you updated as soon as more information on the new BMW 4 Series becomes available.
There appears to be a rapid shift towards electrifying the bakkie segment, China is at the forefront of this movement.
China’s burgeoning commitment to vehicle electrification has gained another entrant as Dongfeng revealed its battery-powered bakkie.
Based on the Rich 6 double-cab platform this new electric bakkie has been developed in conjunction with Nissan. And yes, it does look like a facelifted Hilux from the front.
In terms of dimensions, the Rich 6 EV is a large double-cab, measuring 5.29m bumper-to-bumper, with a wheelbase of 3m. Kerb weight registers as 1 983 kg, which is remarkable for a bakkie of its size, carrying the burden of a battery pack.
Powering the Dongfeng Rich 6 EV is a single electric motor, rated at 120 kW and 420 Nm. Energy is sourced from a 68 kWh battery pack.
The Dongfeng Rich 6 EV’s performance certainly is not startling, with a top speed of only 110 kph. This comparatively low performance threshold is not an issue in China, where traffic precludes moderate highway cruising speeds.
What is deeply impressive, is the Rich 6 EV’s claimed range. Dongfeng says their battery bakkie will run 403 km on a single charge and then power-up to 80% capacity in only 45 minutes, if plugged-in at a fast-charging station.
Debits? It does not carry much. The Rich 6 EV’s load rating is a modest 490 kg.
Nissan holds a 50% share in Dongfeng and the joint venture's aim is to have 20 electric vehicles in the market by 2022.
A new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV and Coupe has broken cover, herewith the details.
The facelifted GLC SUV was revealed earlier this year as well as the potent AMG GLC 63. Now, the boffs at AMG have revealed the GLC 43 which wears a Panamericana grille, flanked by newly-designed headlights. The taillights are new too and the model can be further differentiated by its oval quad tailpipes.
In terms of firepower, the familiar 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 engine is found under bonnet but now it produces a meaty 287 kW (17 kW more) and 520 of torque thanks to larger turbochargers and software adjustments. All that grunt is directed to all four wheels using an AMG 9G transmission. Zero to 100 kph will take 4.7 seconds.
The interior features updated trims and finishes and the highlight is the presence of the latest MBUX infotainment system which is accessed via a 10.25-inch touchscreen while the driver can configure the snazzy 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A new AMG steering wheel is fitted and features a flat bottom and perforated grips along with mounted paddles for manual gear changes. AMG Drive Unit buttons for the steering wheel are optional.
The exact arrival date of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 has yet to be confirmed by a local MBSA representative but we anticipate its arrival early in 2020. Local specification and pricing will also be confirmed closer to launch.
The new, 7th-generation Mazda3 has made landfall in South Africa and we attended the Japanese compact hatchback and sedan range's launch in Johannesburg to find out if this stylish newcomer has been worth the wait…
Just look at it! The handsomely styled new Mazda3 is here at last and it’s come to steal sales from rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, Renault Megane, Opel Astra and even the Audi A3, to name but a few. The 3 is an important product for Mazda – it accounts for roughly 30% of the Hiroshima-based firm's annual sales volume and this new model will, therefore, look to continue (and expand on) this success.
While its refined Kodo design language may draw various opinions, we think this new Mazda3 is one of the more striking and classy-looking products on offer (in both hatchback and sedan guises). Up until now, Mazda has done a pretty good job of keeping local engine and specification details under wraps, but with the Mazda3 now officially available in South Africa, let’s take a closer look at what it has to offer.
Mazda is sticking with naturally-aspirated engines in SA, which may disappoint some potential buyers.
Firstly, there are 4 trim grades to consider: the entry-level Active, mid-level Dynamic, up-spec Individual, plus the top-of-the-range Astina.
While some may have been wondering whether Mazda would introduce its new 132 kW/224 Nm 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X engine with spark-controlled compression ignition, the Hiroshima-based marque has opted for a pair of naturally-aspirated SkyActive-G petrol engines: a 88 kW/153 Nm 1.5 litre, which replaces the previous 77 kW/144 Nm 1.6-litre unit, and a range-topping 2.0 litre with peak outputs of 121 kW and 213 Nm.
The 1.5-litre engine is offered in Active guise (exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox), while 1.5 Dynamic and 1.5 Individual derivatives are available with either the stick shift or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
How do the engines perform?
Engine performance could be stronger but the new Mazda3 ushers in higher levels of overall refinement.
We sampled both 1.5- and 2.0-litre derivatives during the launch event (both of them in automatic guise) and, to be blunt, outright performance is not an area in which the new Mazda3 shines particularly brightly. Good refinement aside, these naturally-aspirated engines lack the surge of overtaking urgency that turbocharged powerplants provide from low revs. Acceleration isn't punchy, but linear and progressive, as the Mazda3 works up momentum.
At altitude, both engines felt sluggish under a firm foot, but as you can imagine, the 1.5-litre engine felt more compromised, whereas the 2.0 litre at least offered modica of power and torque to work with in the thinner air. For what it's worth, the performance will improve somewhat at sea level.
The automatic transmission does a fair job of changing gears while getting on with its job relatively unobtrusively. Sport mode, should you really really feel the need to use it, will force the transmission to hang on to gears for a bit longer so you can wring every ounce of grunt from the engine.
With all that said, the Mazda3’s performance must be judged against how you intend on driving it every day. Yes, it's not as quick as it looks, but if that is of little concern (the newcomer works best when driven with a gentler, measured approach) it will serve you just fine on the daily commute.
The news gets better…
But where the new Mazda3 shines really brightly is in terms of its on-road refinement and ride and handling. Mazda has made big leaps especially in terms of the former. Road and engine noise is well damped and the engine itself runs mostly in near-silence, unless you are caning it, of course.
Meanwhile, the steering is nicely weighted and responsive to inputs – in fact, the Mazda3 feels eminently surefooted and precise through corners. The general ride quality is admittedly on the firmer side, but still comfortable and not overly crashy or intrusive when driving over uneven surfaces.
Yes, indeed, the Mazda3 could do with some more shove, but the general driving experience is right up there with the best in the segment.
What about the interior?
Perceived interior build quality is very good and the cabin looks and feels more premium.
The refinement continues on the inside of the new Mazda3… We liked the classy, minimalist design approach of the outgoing Mazda3 and the Hiroshima-based firm has further upped its game with the next-generation compact hatchback and sedan. You’ll notice the cupholders have now moved ahead of the gear lever and, to enhance the cockpit's driver-centric approach, the screens and controls are angled towards the driver.
The look and feel of the cabin is premium and build quality remains of a high standard. The 8.8-inch infotainment display is faster to boot-up than before and apart from looking sleeker, it features integrated navigation as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The enlarged central digital instrument cluster (with configurable displays) is another interior highlight, as is the standard provision of a head-up display.
For the music lovers, Mazda and sound partner, BOSE, have developed a high-end audio system, which includes 12 speakers and a subwoofer!
We were quite surprised to learn that the load bay in the hatchback has actually become smaller, shrinking from 308-litres to 295-litres, but the rear seats do split-fold if you need to open up more space. As for the sedan, its boot is claimed to hold 408 litres of luggage.
In terms of safety features, 7 airbags are standard as is ABS with EBD, brake assist, dynamic stability control and hill launch assist. The Astina derivative adds features such as adaptive LED headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
The new Mazda3 also carries a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating.
Final thoughts
The new Mazda3 is a quality product that's well worth a closer look if outright performance is not a priority.
The Mazda3 is a looker! However, we found its engine performance incongruent with the sporty persona it exudes. It's a conservative offering in terms of its cut-and-thrust performance, but potential buyers can find comfort in knowing that these naturally-aspirated engines are probably more likely to deliver fuel consumption figures in the ballpark of their manufacturer's estimates than their turbocharged rivals, at least in our experience.
Despite not being particularly exhilarating to drive, the new Mazda3’s higher level of overall refinement is a major highlight. Its ride/handling balance is commendable and the newcomer's interior is markedly improved over that of the outgoing model. It just feels like a more premium product.
Is the new Mazda3 better than its predecessor? Yes, by a large margin. Mazda’s intention for this new model was to elevate it into a more upmarket realm. Of course, its higher pricing reflects this, but for the most part, it can justify it. It’s certainly a quality product and it should be well received by the market at large, but it’s perhaps too under-gunned to get a rise from a buyer in need of a more potent dose of grunt.
Although the Mazda3's 3-year/unlimited km warranty and service plan are middling, it represents a sensible buy, especially over the longer term.
We will have the new Mazda3 on test soon so look out for a thorough evaluation coming your way in the near future.
Mazda3 – Price in SA
Hatchback
Mazda3 1.5L Active Manual – R359 900
Mazda3 1.5L Dynamic Manual – R374 200
Mazda3 1.5L Dynamic Automatic – R387 000
Mazda3 1.5L Individual Manual – R421 900
Mazda3 1.5L Individual Automatic – R434 700
Mazda3 2.0L Astina Automatic – R474 000
Sedan
Mazda3 1.5L Active Manual – R357 000
Mazda3 1.5L Dynamic Manual – R371 300
Mazda3 1.5L Dynamic Automatic – R384 100
Mazda3 1.5L Individual Manual – R418 800
Mazda3 1.5L Individual Automatic – R431 600
Mazda3 2.0L Astina Automatic – R470 800
The Mazda3 is sold with a 3-year/unlimited km warranty, 3-year/unlimited km service plan, 5-year corrosion warranty and 3 years' roadside assistance.
Exclusive Behind The Scenes: Coulthard vs Taxi + Red Bull F1 Circuit Cape Town
We were given exclusive behind the scenes access to the shoot, to show you, our Cars.co.za audience, what it takes to film a short film with the Red Bull Formula 1 car.
It’s been 26 years since a Formula 1 race was held in South Africa. There is an entire generation of South Africans who have never heard or seen a Formula 1 car in real life. On the weekend of 2 June 2019, for tens of thousands of South Africans, that all changed.
Red Bull worked closely with the City of Cape Town to stage the Red Bull Cape Town Circuit, a public demonstration of one of the fastest and loudest cars ever made, a 2011 V8 Formula One car – the very car which competed for Red Bull racing in the 2011 Formula One season.
Sunday 2nd of June 2019 would see sporting legend David Coulthard pilot the Formula One car through the streets of the Cape Town city bowl, an event which was completely free for the public to attend. We were there and part of the video you’re about to watch is full coverage of that event.
But for Ciro De Siena and the Cars.co.za film crew, a very special opportunity was afforded to us on the Saturday before the event. Red Bull had planned the production of an incredible short film. The aim was to produce a global film for the Red Bull brand with a very South African flavour. The script would see David Coulthard race a South African minibus taxi through the streets of Cape Town.
We were given exclusive behind the scenes access to the shoot, to show you, our Cars.co.za audience, what it takes to film a short film with a Formula 1 car. It was without a doubt one of the best filming experiences we’ve ever had, and being that close to the car and watching it cruise through the closed-off roads of downtown Cape Town is something we won’t forget in a hurry.
We hope you enjoy this exclusive Behind The Scenes documentary.
A Cars.co.za Production in association with Red Bull ZA.
Watch the official Red Bull Film
Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Shooting Brake Revealed
AMG shows its best-looking compact car, the new CLA45 station wagon (Shooting Brake).
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the third of its latest generation AMG 45-series cars, in the guise of a Shooting Brake variant.
Like the recently shown A45 and CLA45, this CLA45 Shooting Brake is powered by AMG’s phenomenally powerful M139 engine, which is rated as the world’s most potent series production petrol powerplant.
All the AMG styling upgrades applied to the A45 hatchback and CLA45 four-door coupe are also present on the brand’s new CLA45 Shooting Brake: large diameter quad exhausts, big wheels and all manner of AMG-themed aerodynamic design details applied to the nose and aft section. The Shooting Brake’s long-roof proportions carry its AMG upgrades particularly well.
In terms of configuration, the Shooting Brake body style delivers 505-litres of luggage space, which is 45-litres more than the CLA45 coupe. The cabin features red detailing to underscore its dedicated high-performance purposing.
Similar to its M139-powered siblings, the CLA45 Shooting Brake will be available in two different output grades. The most powerful of these will be CLA45 S derivatives, boosting 310 kW and capable of 0-100 kph in 4 seconds. Slightly less powerful is the ‘standard’ version, which delivers 285 kW and is only a tenth of second slower from 0-100 kph.
Interestingly, despite being a touch heavier than the CLA45 coupe, the Shooting Brake is equally as quick in 0-100 kph acceleration. Top speeds register as 250- and 270 kph, respectively for the standard and S-model.
Driveability is enhanced by AMG’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, which features a zero intervention threshold drift mode – which sends all torque to the rear wheels. Inputting driver demand to the powertrain is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while active exhaust flaps enable the CLA45 Shooting Brake to adapt its sound signature, according to the environment: muted in traffic but loud when road conditions open up.
The CLA45 Shooting Brake is also a compact car with very large brakes, boasting 360 mm discs behind the front wheels – on the high-powered ‘S’ cars.
Unlike most of AMG’s products, which feature in the local market due to strong demand and brand loyalty, the CLA45 Shooting Brake is doubtful for a South Africa debut. Mercedes-Benz did not introduce the previous-generation CLA Shooting Brake locally – and there are no commitments around the second-generation either, which includes this new AMG version.
Mazda 3 (2025) Specs & Price
The facelifted Mazda 3 hatchback arrived in South Africa in 2023. Here are the specifications and pricing details for this stylish offering from the Japanese firm.
The Mazda 3 hatchback has racked up millions of sales in over 120 countries and it’s one of Mazda’s best-selling products.
In 2025, the compact hatchback segment remains under considerable pressure in South Africa as buying preference has clearly shifted to Crossovers and SUVS. In 2023, Mazda rationalised its Mazda3 range by culling the entry-level Active grade and leaving the Dynamic and Astina trim lines intact.
Engines include a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 88 kW and 153 Nm that powers the manual and automatic Dynamic derivatives while the Mazda3 Astina automatic is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 121 kW and 213 Nm.
What standard features are offered on the Mazda 3?
The Mazda3 Dynamic trim line includes 16-inch alloy wheels and a host of comfort and tech features including an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, Heads-Up Windscreen Display, wireless charging, a reverse camera, cruise control and a height-adjustable driver’s seat, to name a few feature highlights.
If you opt for the Mazda3 Astina derivative, additional standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, BOSE sound system, black leather upholstery, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and a powerslide sunroof, to name a few.
Is the Mazda3 available as a sedan and hatchback in South Africa?
Yes, the Mazda3 is available in South Africa in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Both versions offer the same engine and trim level options, with the choice of body style catering to different customer preferences regarding practicality and design.
What engines are available in the Mazda3 in South Africa?
The Mazda3 in South Africa is powered by a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G petrol engine. It produces 121 kW of power and 213 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission across all models.
What are the main safety features of the Mazda3?
The Mazda3 has a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard safety features include seven airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill Launch Assist. Higher-spec models come with a comprehensive suite of i-Activsense safety features, such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Is the Mazda3 a good alternative to premium brands?
The Mazda3 is often seen as a strong value-for-money alternative to entry-level premium brands like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It is praised for its high-quality interior, refined driving experience, and sleek design, which give it a premium feel without the premium price tag.
