The slightly updated Mazda3 has landed in South Africa, here are the facelifted range’s details and local pricing.
The Mazda3 has been selling relatively well in SA – the Hiroshima-based manufacturer sells around 200 units a month in a highly competitive segment that includes the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Opel Astra, plus many others. The update to the Mazda3 adds G-Vectoring and other high-end technologies to the compact hatchback's package.
The exterior enhancements are limited to a Mazda badge that sits slightly lower than on the current model, redesigned fog lights, new alloy wheels and reshaped side skirts. The back of the hatch receives a minor redesign, but it’s difficult to tell the difference if we’re honest. New exterior colours have also been introduced: Eternal Blue Mica, Sonic Silver metallic, Soul Red metallic and Machine Gray metallic, the manufacturer says.
Judging by this rear 3-quarter-angle aspect, the Mazda3's changes are very subtle. "Answers on a postcard please".
Meanwhile, the G-Vectoring control system makes its debut on the Mazda3 and is available as standard on all the 2.0-litre models. The system directs torque/transfers weight to the driven wheel with the most traction and Mazda claims the system “aims to make racecar-like cornering precision.”
Mazda has also added a new top-of-the-range derivative called the Astina Plus. The Astina Plus is fitted with much of Mazda’s advanced tech that we have seen on the CX-5. Standard features include adaptive LED headlights, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert and Smart City Brake support. City Brake support works at speeds of 4-80 kph and monitors the car in front in order to detect the possibility of impact.
In the event the system detects a high risk of impact, it issues visual and audible warnings and primes the brakes for faster responses to middle pedal inputs.
Mazda3 pricing and model lineup
Mazda3 1.6L Original Manual 4Dr/5Dr – R258 900
Maximum power: 77 kW
Maximum torque: 144 Nm
Power windows
Air-conditioning
Instrument panel light dimmer
Cloth trim
Trip computer
One-touch window for driver
Audio controls on steering wheel
Radio / CD / AUX / USB
Bluetooth connectivity
4 speakers
Seatbelt warning (Front)
3-point seatbelts for all seats
ISOfix
Rear folding seats (60:40) (Hatch only)
16-inch steel wheels
6 airbags plus ABS, EBD and EBA
Remote central locking
Keyless start
Tilt & telescopic steering adjustment
Mazda3 1.6L Active Manual 4Dr/5Dr - R271 800 (Incl VAT)
Front LED foglamps
Map reading spot lamps
6 speakers
Overhead sunglass storage
16-inch alloys wheels
Illuminated vanity mirrors
7-inch display MZD connect system
Mazda3 1.6L Dynamic Manual 4-door/5-door – R284 900
Auto 1.6L – R295 900
Auto on/off headlamps
Leather handbrake handle
Rain-sensing wipers
Power fold mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Rear spoiler (sedan)
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Leather gearshift selector
Leather seats
Mazda3 2.0L Individual Manual 4Dr/5Dr – R331 900
Auto 2.0L – R343 900
Maximum power: 121 kW
Maximum torque: 210 Nm
Advanced keyless entry
Dynamic stability control
Hill launch assist
G-Vectoring Control
Power sliding and tilt glass sunroof
i-stop
Cruise control
Auto-shift switch/Shift paddles (Auto models only)
Mazda3 2.0 Astina Auto 4Dr/5Dr – R378 400
Reverse-view camera
Integrated navigation
Active driving display
Power lumbar support (driver only)
BOSE sound system
9 speakers
Dual-zone climate control
8-way electrically adjustable seat (driver only)
Blind spot monitoring
Analog tachometer
Parking sensors (rear)
18-inch alloy wheels
Mazda3 2.0 Astina Plus Auto 4Dr/5Dr – R407 900
Adaptive LED headlights
Daytime running lights
Lane departure warning
Lane keep assist system
Smart City brake support (front and rear)
Driver Attention Alert
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/facelift-mazda3-specs-and-pricing-in-sa/42643/