2019 Mazda 3 (Gen 4)

SA launch review: New Mazda3 takes a bold step upmarket

The Mazda3 has always been a rather attractive car, but the seventh-generation, launched in South Africa this week, is making a far bolder statement than ever before, while also taking a considerable step upmarket on the tech and features front.

Available in both sedan and hatch formats as always, the newcomers are unashamedly sporty and striking in their appearance, with slim headlights and taillights, a gigantic grille upfront and sloping rooflines, but whereas the sedan has a more elegant countenance, the hatch makes a more dramatic statement with its large, sweeping C-pillar.

While the new Mazda3 is a more stylish and refined vehicle that's packed with a whole lot more standard features than before, this all adds up on the price chart, where the entry point to the range has risen by almost R90 000, to R357 000. See the full line-up below:

MAZDA3 PRICES

Hatchback

1.5 Active manual - R359 900

1.5 Dynamic manual - R374 200

1.5 Dynamic auto - R387 000

1.5 Individual manual - R421 900

1.5 Individual auto - R434 700

2.0 Astina auto - R474 000

Sedan

1.5 Active manual - R357 000

1.5 Dynamic manual - R371 000

1.5 Dynamic auto - R384 100

1.5 Individual manual - R418 800

1.5 Individual auto - R431 600

2.0 Astina auto - R470 800

Aftersales back-up comes in the form of a three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and matching service plan.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...ew-mazda3-takes-a-bold-step-upmarket-29399525
 
New Mazda 3: UK prices for Skyactiv-X variants announced

Innovative powertrain available from £23,555; saloon variant lands in October

Mazda has confirmed UK pricing and specifications for Skyactiv-X-powered variants of the new 3.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder powertrain, which uses the brand's newly developed spark plug-controlled compression ignition technology, can be equipped from £23,555. This starting price applies to both the hatchback variant and the saloon, which will arrive in the UK in October.

The unit will be offered with a manual or automatic gearbox, and is available on four trim lines: entry-level Sport, Sport Lux, GT Sport and range-topping GT Sport Tech, which tops the line-up at a starting price of £29,775 for the hatch and £27,575 for the saloon

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...zda-3-uk-prices-skyactiv-x-variants-announced
 
Guess that means the Mazda won't be an option for our next company car.
The 2.0 is now too expensive, and the 1.5 will be a huge step down in performance.
 
Here’s why Mazda SA won't offer clever new Skyactiv-X engine ... yet

The head of Mazda Southern Africa’s operations has confirmed to CARmag.co.za that while the brand would like to offer its new Skyactiv-X compression ignition petrol engine locally, the country’s fuel quality is preventing it from doing so.

Speaking to us at the local launch of the new Mazda3, managing director Craig Roberts said there were no immediate plans to offer the new engine technology in South Africa.

The new Skyactiv-X engine is considered the world’s first commercial petrol unit to combine the spark ignition of a petrol engine with the compression ignition of a diesel.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/rumou...-wont-offer-clever-new-skyactiv-x-engine-yet/
 
FiestaST said:
Here’s why Mazda SA won't offer clever new Skyactiv-X engine ... yet

The head of Mazda Southern Africa’s operations has confirmed to CARmag.co.za that while the brand would like to offer its new Skyactiv-X compression ignition petrol engine locally, the country’s fuel quality is preventing it from doing so.

Speaking to us at the local launch of the new Mazda3, managing director Craig Roberts said there were no immediate plans to offer the new engine technology in South Africa.

The new Skyactiv-X engine is considered the world’s first commercial petrol unit to combine the spark ignition of a petrol engine with the compression ignition of a diesel.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/rumou...-wont-offer-clever-new-skyactiv-x-engine-yet/
Click to expand...

Oh that excuse again lol
 
Gtx Gaming said:
Oh that excuse again lol
Click to expand...

And in your opinion what would be the reason that many OEMs have not introduced hi-tech engines to SA?
Surely, if there existed some sales for these engines, these models would be made available. After all the motor industry is volume driven.
 
stroller said:
And in your opinion what would be the reason that many OEMs have not introduced hi-tech engines to SA?
Surely, if there is existed some volume for these engines, these models would be made available. After all the motor industry is volume driven.
Click to expand...
Because they can sell underpowered cars at a premium and the SA consumer does not mind?
 
I take back what I said about that C pillar, saw one yesterday and it's actually not bad looking.
 
Yeah disappointing that we're not getting the new Skyactiv-X engines here in SA. UK has a boatload more options to choose from, starting @ 2L engine and even the highest specked model of the UK Mazda 3 is still cheaper than our Astina option which looks like it's mid range at best in the European market.

What they charge for this model and what you get, it's really not worth it at all.

Our petrol grade being too low, I've heard the exact same thing about the new Ford Focus ST in SA, which sucks as we're getting less and less choices of cars and the prices just keep going through the roof.
 
VooDooC said:
Yeah disappointing that we're not getting the new Skyactiv-X engines here in SA. UK has a boatload more options to choose from, starting @ 2L engine and even the highest specked model of the UK Mazda 3 is still cheaper than our Astina option which looks like it's mid range at best in the European market.

What they charge for this model and what you get, it's really not worth it at all.

Our petrol grade being too low, I've heard the exact same thing about the new Ford Focus ST in SA, which sucks as we're getting less and less choices of cars and the prices just keep going through the roof.
Click to expand...
Just makes it that much easier for me to keep my current car for longer.
 
I think this is becoming a convenient excuse, we are still getting the fire breathing A45 AMG on the same low grade fuel? What are their engines made of?
 
Skyactiv X uses compressed fuel ignition technology, which will require certain fuel requirements for their injectors, so I think this time it is very legit for the fuel issue statement.

You really dont want to mess up your fuel injection system in these engines.
 
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