Mazda has a long history in South Africa, dating back to the brand's introduction in 1963, and is the Japanese brand's highest volume market on the African continent.
Since it debuted in 2015, the CX-3 has been hugely successful in South Africa. Even though the model has been retired in other markets, the compact crossover SUV forms an integral part of the automaker's local portfolio.
In addition, the Mazda CX-3 2.0-litre Individual derivative won in the highly competitive 'Crossover under R315 K' category in 2019 for the second consecutive year. The model also took the much sought-after People's Choice Award, voted for by the public on www.gumtree.co.za.
The derivative on test here is the top-specced Hikari (coated in Snowflake White Pearl) with a starting of R516 900. It comes with a host of standard niceties like Adaptive LED Headlight, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Smart City Brake Support, Driver Attention Alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
There are more bells and whistles on the inside, like a sunroof, black leather interior, Integrated Navigation, (a seriously good) BOSE sound system, and intuitive wireless charging. An 8-inch digital display is the central hub for Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, music entertainment, and acts as eyes in the rear when reversing. Right in front of the driver is the fighter pilot-like heads-up display (only available in Individual and Hikari trim) - a feature also seen on other models in the Mazda range like the 3.
Since it debuted in 2015, the CX-3 has been hugely successful in South Africa. Even though the model has been retired in other markets, the compact crossover SUV forms an integral part of the automaker's local portfolio.
In addition, the Mazda CX-3 2.0-litre Individual derivative won in the highly competitive 'Crossover under R315 K' category in 2019 for the second consecutive year. The model also took the much sought-after People's Choice Award, voted for by the public on www.gumtree.co.za.
The derivative on test here is the top-specced Hikari (coated in Snowflake White Pearl) with a starting of R516 900. It comes with a host of standard niceties like Adaptive LED Headlight, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Smart City Brake Support, Driver Attention Alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
There are more bells and whistles on the inside, like a sunroof, black leather interior, Integrated Navigation, (a seriously good) BOSE sound system, and intuitive wireless charging. An 8-inch digital display is the central hub for Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, music entertainment, and acts as eyes in the rear when reversing. Right in front of the driver is the fighter pilot-like heads-up display (only available in Individual and Hikari trim) - a feature also seen on other models in the Mazda range like the 3.
How does it drive?
Mazda has kept its philosophy of negating to experiment with forced induction on its 2.0-litre engines and staying strong with the naturally aspirated route. The power unit makes 115kW and 206Nm, and is paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (depending on the trim level chosen) that sends power exclusively to the front wheels.
While the daily drive is smooth, the engine does need that extra oomph that a turbocharger would've provided. The distance between gears is made to feel longer and sounds almost like a CVT at times. Mazda claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.3-litre per 100km, though 7.1 was the best I could muster up - granted, the engine hasn't even clocked 2 000km yet. Even though there is a button to switch to SPORT mode, it will not instantly transform the car into an RX-7, though you can feel an improvement in acceleration.
Road noise is very minimal when on the open road and rides well, even on some of Cape Town's worst public roads - it's a case of shoot and point.
All models ship standard with a three-year unlimited kilometre service plan, a three-year unlimited mechanical, three-year roadside assistance, and a five-year corrosion warranty.
Rivals
Ford EcoSport — priced from R311 400
Hyundai Venue — priced from R270 900
Kia Seltos — priced from R411 995
Volkswagen T-Cross — priced from R376 300
*All prices listed are for entry-level derivatives and/or starting prices
Snowflake White Pearl, Soul Red Crystal, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Polymetal Grey, Machine Grey, Ceramic, Arctic White, and Platinum Quartz are the body colour options available.
Summary
While the CX-3 is a great daily runabout for a small family, the Hikari's price point is steep, and sets it back against other more affordable options on the market. It cannot be faulted in terms of safety features and styling offered - though you will have to be absolutely sure to fork out more than half a million rand on the top-of-the-range model.
It's a simple, no fuss offering and also provides a different alternative to what everyone else is opting for.
Now that you've got the knowledge, it's time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android), and don't forget to use your location settings to find local automotive vehicle information close to home.
