Touchscreen Display Added Across CX-30 Range

From November 2025, all Mazda CX-30 derivatives will feature a touchscreen centre display interface. The new functionality activates when Wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is in use, allowing drivers and passengers to interact directly with infotainment functions through touch controls.

This enhancement complements Mazda’s existing rotary command interface rather than replacing it. Users now have multiple options for navigating the system, choosing between touch controls or the traditional rotary dial based on preference and driving conditions.

The dual-input approach addresses common feedback about infotainment accessibility while maintaining Mazda’s driver-focused design philosophy. Touch controls prove particularly useful for passengers who want to adjust settings without reaching for the centre console dial.

Refreshed Interior Aesthetic for Active and Dynamic Models

Interior materials on the CX-30 Active and Dynamic derivatives have been updated to create a more cohesive cabin appearance. Navy trim elements previously used on the instrument panel upper section, door trims, armrests, and rear console are now finished in black.

This change delivers a cleaner, more uniform interior aesthetic that aligns with contemporary design preferences. The black finish also provides better long-term durability and easier maintenance compared to lighter colour options.

Driver-First Design Philosophy Maintained

These updates reflect Mazda’s commitment to subtle but meaningful refinements that enhance the ownership experience. Rather than dramatic overhauls, the brand focuses on addressing real-world usability concerns identified through customer feedback and market research.

The CX-30 remains positioned as a compelling option in the competitive C-segment crossover market, balancing sophisticated design with practical functionality. The model continues to appeal to drivers who prioritize understated elegance over flashy features.

Comprehensive Warranty and Service Package

All Mazda CX-30 models continue to be supported by Mazda’s industry-leading ownership package, which includes:

• 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• 5-year service plan
• 5-year roadside assistance

This comprehensive coverage provides peace of mind and helps maintain resale value throughout the ownership period. The service plan covers all scheduled maintenance, while the roadside assistance ensures help is available 24/7 across South Africa.

Customers interested in the updated CX-30 can contact their nearest Mazda dealer for more information on availability, pricing, and test drive opportunities.

Key Updates:

• Touchscreen centre display (all derivatives)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Dual input: touch and rotary controls
• Black interior trim replaces navy (Active and Dynamic)
• Available: Early November 2025
• Warranty: 5-year unlimited km + 5-year service plan + 5-year roadside assistance

Purposeful Power Under the Bonnet

The star of the show is undoubtedly what’s under the bonnet. The CX-60 3.3L houses Mazda’s first-ever straight-six diesel engine – a 3.3-litre turbocharged unit that delivers 187kW of power and a commanding 550Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, deliberately eschewing the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) that have become commonplace in the segment.

On the road, the inline-six provides effortless acceleration, with peak torque available from just 1,500rpm. The engine’s smooth character is immediately noticeable, especially when compared to four-cylinder competitors. Whether overtaking on the N1 highway or navigating the winding passes of Mpumalanga, the CX-60 responds with assured confidence. The engine’s refinement is particularly impressive, with diesel clatter well-suppressed even under hard acceleration.

The real revelation, however, comes in the CX-60’s handling characteristics. Mazda’s decision to adopt a rear-biased drivetrain configuration pays dividends in the way this sizeable SUV tackles corners. There’s a balance to the chassis that’s reminiscent of premium European offerings, with precise turn-in and impressive body control for a vehicle of this size and weight. The Mi-Drive system offers customisable driving modes including Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Towing, with each noticeably altering the vehicle’s character.

Fuel economy is respectable for a vehicle in this class. During our testing on a mix of urban and highway routes, the CX-60 3.3L returned approximately 8.2L/100km, impressively close to Mazda’s claimed 5.9L/100km combined figure.

Premium Interior Execution

Step inside the CX-60, and it’s immediately apparent that Mazda has moved upmarket. The cabin follows Mazda’s ‘less is more’ design philosophy with a clean, uncluttered dashboard that eschews the trend of overwhelming digitalisation. High-quality materials abound, with genuine wood trim, Nappa leather, and precise aluminium (or is it chrome?) accents creating an ambiance that wouldn’t feel out of place in vehicles costing substantially more.

The front seats deserve special mention, offering 10-way electric adjustment with heating and ventilation functions in the top-spec Takumi trim we tested. The driver’s seat features Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System, which uses facial recognition to automatically adjust seat position, steering wheel, side mirrors, and even climate control settings based on saved driver profiles – a neat party trick that actually proves useful in daily use.

The 12.3-inch infotainment screen isn’t the largest in the segment, but it’s thoughtfully implemented with both touch and rotary dial controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a wireless charging pad. The 12-speaker Bose sound system delivers impressive audio quality, though it stops short of the audiophile experience offered by some European rivals.

Rear seat passengers aren’t forgotten either, with generous legroom and dedicated climate controls. The panoramic sunroof, standard on higher trims, floods the cabin with light and enhances the sense of spaciousness. Boot space is a practical 570 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,726 litres when folded – ample for family holidays or weekend getaways to Bela-Bela.

Distinctive Design Language

The CX-60’s exterior design represents an evolution of Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design language, characterised by clean surfacing and minimal character lines. The long bonnet and set-back cabin visually communicate the vehicle’s rear-drive architecture, while the front end is dominated by a bold grille and slim LED headlights that give the CX-60 a purposeful stance.

At 4,740mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,685mm tall, the CX-60 occupies a footprint similar to the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It’s a handsome vehicle that attracts attention without resorting to design gimmicks or overstyled elements. The Soul Red Crystal paint option (R13,000 extra) remains one of the most striking finishes available on any car at any price point, with a depth and lustre that sets it apart from typical metallic reds. Our test model though, came in an executive Deep Crystal Blue.

The 20-inch alloy wheels fitted to our test vehicle struck a good balance between aesthetic appeal and ride comfort. Despite their size, they didn’t unduly compromise the ride quality on rougher surfaces – a common issue with large wheel options.

Tech That Serves the Driver

Mazda has taken a measured approach to technology integration in the CX-60. The digital instrument cluster and centre touchscreen are crisp and responsive, but they don’t dominate the cabin experience. Physical controls remain for all functions, it feels weird and slightly restricting given that the norm lately is touch screens in modern cars.

The heads-up display is one of the best in the business, projecting speed, navigation, and driver assistance information directly into the driver’s line of sight. Active driving displays have become increasingly common, but Mazda’s implementation stands out for its clarity and unobtrusiveness.

Safety and driver assistance systems are comprehensive, with the CX-60 featuring Mazda’s i-Activsense suite. This includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The 360-degree camera system provides excellent visibility when parking, though the resolution could be sharper.

One thoughtful feature is the vehicle’s See-Through View, which creates a virtual transparent view of the vehicle’s underside when off-roading – particularly useful when navigating rough terrain where obstacles might be hidden from direct view.

Value Proposition

Starting at R914,000 for the 3.3L AWD Exclusive model and rising to R1,027,300 for the top-spec Takumi variant we tested, the CX-60 3.3L positions itself as a premium offering. While not inexpensive, it undercuts similarly equipped European rivals by a significant margin while offering comparable – and in some areas superior – quality, performance, and equipment levels.

The standard warranty package includes a 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan, providing peace of mind for owners. Service intervals are set at 15,000km, which is on par with competitors.

The front of the CX-60 exudes charm, thanks to Mazda’s tasteful incorporation of chrome, seamlessly connecting the grille with its LED headlights. It achieves a distinctive look without resorting to overly exaggerated designs seen in some competitors. However, the rear end may divide opinions, as the sloping glass meets the boot door at a slightly awkward angle, resulting in a somewhat misshapen appearance for the CX-60’s rear.

Step inside, and the CX-60’s interior leaves no room for complaints. Mazda’s dedication to refined cabin design and finish is evident, outshining even more expensive luxury vehicles. The CX-60 effortlessly upholds this standard.

Admittedly, this review of ours is based on the 2.5l Dynamic package, which brings the price of this particular CX-60 to R739 800. The more expensive trim level, set at R844 500, offers more flashy materials and tech. Nevertheless, Mazda maintains a clean and intuitive layout across all trims, addressing common criticisms of past Mazda interiors.

The interior of the CX-60 is spacious. The Black leather upholstery looks and feels luxurious, a standard feature on all trims.

Mazda’s attention to detail extends to the CX-60’s interior, regardless of trim level. The dashboard, featuring textured chrome along the center, exudes beauty and sophistication. However, caution is warranted to prevent sticky fingers from soiling it. The HVAC system’s switchgear, with its organ toggle-style temperature controls, adds a unique touch, and the leather clad steering wheel provides the perfect grip.

Although the center console trim has a metal-woodgrain effect, it is made of plastic. However, the quality of the materials and Mazda’s robust switchgear create a sense of solidity. The CX-60 offers an abundance of physical controls, even with the presence of a large display atop the dashboard. The size of the display is 12 inches. A rotary controller and shortcut cluster near the transmission shifter provide additional convenience. An inconvenience worth pointing out is that the screen is not touchscreen. Why?

While the screen supports direct interaction in wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto mode (standard on all trims), Mazda’s interface primarily emphasizes the jog-dial control, prioritizing safety considerations according to the automaker.

Under the hood, Mazda offers one powertrain option for the CX-60, with a choice of either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on the trim. The lineup includes two variants of a new inline-six, longitudinally-oriented engine. The details of the engineering might be best skipped for now.

Both the Dynamic and Individual trims feature a 2.5-litre inline-six engine delivering 141 kW of power and 261 Nm of torque. Both variants employ an eight-speed automatic transmission developed in-house, providing rather disappointing and less than enthusiastic gear-changes. Fuel consumption remained at a steady 10l per 100km during our time with it.

Regarding active safety technology, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and adaptive cruise control are standard across the CX-60 lineup. Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and lane-keep assistance also come as standard features. The “Cruising and Traffic Support” system, despite its plain name, adds hands-on lane centering for highway driving, offering a smooth experience.

Standard features include a power liftgate, three-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, and heated side mirrors. Higher trims introduce a 360-degree camera.

In summary, the 2023 CX-60 embodies Mazda’s long-standing charm in its largest vehicle yet. With its disengaged dynamics, handsome design, and a cabin that exceeds expectations in terms of quality and features, the CX-60 manages to overcome its few shortcomings. While rivals may excel in certain aspects, Mazda’s approach makes its sizable SUV truly special and worthy of consideration.

Rivals to the Mazda CX-60 are cars such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota Rav4, Nissan X-Trail, BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5.

We all know that Mazda had since dropped its “Zoom, Zoom” slogan back in 2015, around the same time when the brand’s SkyActiv technology came to fruition. But then again, Mazda cars never lost their sporting touch. The Mazda CX-5 first debuted in 2012 and immediately won the Japan Car of The Year award, an impressive feat for a first-gen model crossover.

The second-gen CX-5 came in 2016 riding on the same platform as the previous model and received a couple of facelifts as the years went by. Rumors are ripe of an all-new, third-generation Mazda CX-5 waiting in the wings. Still, the current model is bidding its last hurrah by offering a few more styling updates, improved mechanicals, better refinement, and relentless traction with its standard all-wheel drivetrain.

It may be hard to discern the styling changes at first glance, but the 2022 Mazda CX-5 has a slightly redesigned fascia with a new three-dimensional front grille, modern design alloy wheels, and new headlights with flashy rectangular LED lights. Meanwhile, the taillights also receive horizontally spaced rectangular LED light clusters to match the sleek front end.

But Mazda didn’t stop there and call it a day. The 2022 CX-5 has updated driving modes, new seats, a stiffer frame, and a reconfigured suspension to improve handling and ride quality. Mazda also tinkered with the six-speed SkyActiv automatic gearbox and promised better responsiveness to throttle inputs and smoother acceleration.

The CX-5 is Mazda’s bestselling car in Mzansi and remains the gold standard for an affordable, comfortable, and sporty-driving crossover. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has arrived at SA dealerships at the below price points.

What has changed, you might ask; The product enhancements include the Mazda MZD Connect infotainment screen which will increase from 7-inch to 8-inch (available in the Dynamic, Individual and Hikari models).

For better safety, seatbelt warnings are introduced on the rear seats as well.
The updated CX-3 will also include wireless charging on the Individual AT and Hikari AT models, which allows smartphones to charge easily by simply placing them on the console.

There’s also a new colour “Platinum Quartz” that will be introduced to the overall CX-3 range while the model line-up will remain unchanged with its 6 derivatives.

Before we go anywhere, its imperative that we mention that the BT-50 is riding on a new Isuzu-based platform motivated by an Isuzu diesel engine.

We reckon this could be that Mazda’s efficient diesel is not powerful or torquey enough to handle the BT-50’s 3,500 kg towing capacity. Instead, Mazda went to Isuzu for a solution. The answer came in the form of the latter’s 1.9 and 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel mills from the Isuzu D-Max bakkie. Mind you, that very same D-Max bakkie is yet to launch in Mzansi.

Let’s talk first impressions. The exterior of the BT-50 holds up better than the interior, particularly in Mazda’s Ice White paint. It somewhat suits the BT’s craggy fascia and deep sculpting well, as do the 18-inch alloy wheels. With the matching front skid plate, big Mazda logo grille, the BT-50 looks stolid and a little grumpy. Like a grown-up CX-5.

There is, for better or worse, a design language we expect from bakkies. While practicality is king, they also have to look burly and tough; we expect road presence and a sense of invulnerability, too. The original BT-50 was odd-looking enough that the conversation instantly shifted to that love-it-or-hate-it appearance, but Mazda’s second attempt was just close enough to a family SUV to be an outlier in its segment.

Compared to the AWD systems on rival bakkies, the BT-50 is not so positively space-age. On the road, it contributes significantly to how very much tractor-like the BT-50 feels: planted and steady, with the suspension level and predictable, and some of that unexpected squirming some bakkies can suffer when they’re underloaded and you suddenly put a little foot. The 6-speed automatic transmission is dependable and shifts with greater urgency.

The downside, though, is that some of the more mechanically-minded settings four-wheel drive competitors have are absent. There are modes modes for different off-road conditions, yes, but the Mazda lacks in character.

The inside is where things really start to fall short. Clamber in and you’ll find the cabin earns its name from us with cavernous accommodations. Even those as tall as 2m who refuse to take off their helmets and demand to sprawl their legs out are unlikely to complain. Storage is plentiful too, with big uncomplicated bins to fill including a sizable one under the 60/40 split rear bench. Everything feels sturdy and reliable, though that’s not to say it’s uncomfortable or spartan.

The 7 or 9-inch Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard now. A range of safety features are standard too, with Auto door lock, Reverse Camera, Smart Advanced Keyless Entry, ISOFIX and Driver, Passenger, Knee (driver), Curtain and Side airbags.

Like in the best makeover shows, you’re rooting from the BT-50 from the start. Mazda’s bakkie always had most of the practicality required to satisfy everyday bakkie drivers. What it lacked wasn’t ability but aesthetic, and don’t let anybody tell you bakkie buyers are any less swayed by that than those shopping for a sports car.

What stands out in the 2021 BT-50 is how comprehensively Mazda has addressed that while avoiding diluting any of the vehicle’s underlying charm. It’s eminently drivable, and its on-road dynamics are a level above what most rivals bring to the table.

The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact SUV that has been in production since 2015. We recently test drove the CX -30 but rest assure that these are two different models and I believe this subcompact SUV will impress even the biggest sceptic. This 2021 model has a much shaper and more sleek front design compared to the previous models. The crossover design has a striking beauty that you really can’t contest.

For our long test of the Mazda CX-3 we received the car in Mazda’s newly developed paint called Polymetal Grey of which I’m a fan of. The colour is different and just helps you engage with the car more than you normally would, if that makes sense. Not much has changed on the exterior of the car expect the new pain colour that compliments the car exceptionally well.

The fun starts in the interior of the vehicle, as it sees the most change more so on the tech end. The vehicle has been updated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, the updated multimedia system and head-up display and blind spot monitoring. The car also has a rear cross traffic alert which lets you know of potential hazards when reversing. This uses the rear mounted radar sensors. Rear parking sensors and reverse camera have been installed with an audible alarm to assist the driver when reversing.

Our test vehicle was also fitted with a sunroof of which adds so much to the general aesthetic of the car of which I love. The interior design is definitely my favourite part of the car as it boasts a great BOSE sound system and well-designed leather seats and panels.

The use of high-end leather adds such great comfort and luxury to this subcompact SUV. I guess this is definitely something I enjoy about Mazda. Their uncompromised interiors. They understand that as a driver of the car you spend lots of time in it and the comfort and great design will go a long way.

The engine of the Mazda CX-3 is not the most desirable part of this vehicle as it to lack considerably when it comes to performance. Even with the 2.0L engine that produces 115kW is underwhelming. However, when you are pacing your travels it’s seems to manage very well especially in high traffic conditions. Other subtle features I like are the electronic parking brake, power fold mirrors and cruise control.

With the Mazda CX-3 the brand does live up to the notion “a tangible sense of quality and pleasure on tight city streets” and “It’s smoother to drive, quieter and more refined.” The car does live to this testament and the Mazda has stepped up its offering by introducing a high level of luxury in a car that starts from R346 700.

Mazda also gives you a 3-year unlimited kilometre warranty, 3-year Mazda care roadside assistance and a 3-year Mazda care unlimited kilometre service plan.

The new BT-50 was launched online by Mazda South Africa this morning. Right off the bat, we were intrigued by the non-availability of Mazda’s excellent Skyaktiv-D engine in the BT-50 line-up.

We reckon this could be that Mazda’s efficient diesel is not powerful or torquey enough to handle the BT-50’s 3,500 kg towing capacity. Instead, Mazda went to Isuzu for a solution. The answer came in the form of the latter’s 1.9 and 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel mills from the Isuzu D-Max bakkie.

If you can remember, all previous models of the Mazda BT-50 were based on the Ford Ranger. As such, it also came with a slew of Ford powerplants. But in the new BT-50, the 3.0-litre Isuzu diesel mill is pumping out 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque while the entry 1.9l is good for 110kW and 350Nm. The BT-50 may not look as tough or utilitarian as the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max, but this bakkie is ripe for some serious hauling.

The new diesel engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox while an automatic is optional. Meanwhile, both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains are available across the line-up. We also know the new BT-50 is equipped with a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen along with a refined cabin similar to other Mazda vehicles. Android Auto and Apple Carplay are standard.

The 2021 Mazda BT-50 is available in 6 colours: Gun Blue, Rock Grey, Red Volcano, Ice White, Ignot Silver and Concrete Grey. The bakkie will be produced in Thailand in conjunction with the latest-gen Isuzu D-Max. Pricing starts at R611 900.

There’s not much space in-between the CX-3 and CX-5 crossovers, but Mazda has decided to fill it nonetheless with the CX-30. The automaker would’ve called it the CX-4, in fact, had that name not already been used in China for a different model.

Mazda’s design language is a familiar thing these days, but it’s no less handsome. The CX-30 takes what we’ve seen on the CX-3 and CX-5 and gives it a slightly butcher refresh, with chunky black cladding around the front and rear lower spoilers, around the wheel arches, and along the side sills. There’s a splash of chrome in the kohl-like lining under the headlamps and grille, but generally the look is more purposeful than that of its siblings.

The side trim in particular helps to shrink down the sheet metal of the doors, visually at least. From some angles the CX-30 almost looks like a jacked-up Mazda3, or a better looking CX-3. Funnily enough, that’s pretty much what it actually is.

Both sedan/hackback and crossover share the same platform – the CX-3, in contrast, uses that of the Mazda2 – though Mazda juggles how it uses the space for the front and rear seats. Those in the front get the best deal, while the three-seater bench in the back is really scaled more for two adults by width. If you happen to have three narrow, long-legged friends, they’ll be okay.

There’s a lot to like inside as well. If I’ve had a criticism about recent Mazda interiors it’s that they can often look the part but not quite feel it; the CX-30 doesn’t make that pratfall.

Again, Mazda3 drivers will see a lot they recognize here, and that’s no bad thing. Mazda’s designers aren’t afraid of leaving swathes of clean space, and leaving things like leather on the dashboard and the pleasingly tactile physical controls to reassure your fingers and gaze. Only the glossy black plastic in the tunnel around the transmission shifter feels a little underwhelming.

On the tech side, there’s an 8.8-inch display nestled in a bay on the top of the dashboard. Mazda positioned it high enough so that it’s just below your eye-line as you look at the road ahead, even if that does also mean it’d be too far to comfortably reach. That doesn’t matter, though, as it’s not a touchscreen.

Instead you use a rotary controller in the center console. Mazda’s argument is that it’s less distracting to use, though I’m not sure I agree. With us fully trained on touchscreens at this point, reaching out to jab at an icon or button is a whole lot quicker than trying to scroll through to it, particularly when you’re attempting to navigate Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which are standard.

Unfortunately there are no more USB ports than the front two all trims make do with, leaving rear passengers out of luck.

Shared across the line-up is a single engine, Mazda’s 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G with 121kW of power (at 6,000rpm) and 213Nm of torque (at 4,000rpm).

On paper, the CX-30’s 0-100 km/h time of around 8 seconds drops it somewhere in the middle of the compact crossover pack. From behind the wheel, though, you’d not think it. Mazda has always punched above its weight when it comes to chassis dynamics, and the CX-30 keeps its Mazda3 cousin’s poise. Eagerness? It shows a little

Turn on Sport mode and the transmission keeps things ticking right where it should. This isn’t the shock-and-awe method of throwing power at the situation, the crossover instead relying on precise and beautifully-weighted steering, just the right mix of compliance and firmness in the corners, and predictable brakes. It leaves the CX-30 as much at home on highway jaunts as it is nipping around corners, and if you had assumed more practicality would come at the cost of driver engagement, Mazda is here to tell you that’s not the case.

I’ll confess, my first inclination was to deride the CX-30 as a range-padding exercise, Mazda following the example of automakers like Mercedes and BMW and leaving no gap in the line-up unfilled. As I waved it goodbye, however, I was about ready to crown it king of Mazda’s crossovers.

The tweener sizing means it’s big enough for family duties but not so large as to feel profligate or unwieldy. The cabin feels the part, the styling hits the mark, and it’s priced competitively (though I’d skip straight to Individual trim at the very least). Most important, the experience behind the wheel is a reminder that crossovers were meant to combine practicality with car-like driving dynamics. Too often it feels like automakers have sacrificed the latter: the 2021 Mazda CX-30 nudges the scales back in a way that keener drivers will appreciate.

The engine under the bonnet makes 121kW of power and 213Nm of torque on petrol. Every car across the range comes standard with high grade features such as LED Headlamps with Auto levelling; Driver, Passenger, Knee (Driver), Side & Curtain airbags and Head-Up Display (HUD).

The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with sport mode. The vehicle also features an 8.8-inch centre display with the latest Mazda Connect system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Advanced keyless entry, eight-speaker sound system, dual USB audio inputs, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning vents, electric parking brake, Bose 12-speaker audio system, a rear-view camera, and rain-sensing wipers are all included as standard on Individual models.

The Individual package adds new safety features and more. The base 2.0 is R469 000. There are eight premium paint colours offered.

The Carbon Edition spruce includes bespoke Polymetal Grey paint, black exterior accents, and red leather upholstery. Also standard are premium amenities including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with Mazda’s iActive-sense driver assist feature.

But what really makes the Carbon Edition different? Common across the board is the Polymetal grey paint first seen in the Mazda 3 hatchback. The paint has a slightly bluish hue and provides a futuristic vibe on the CX-5.

Meanwhile, the ‘carbon’ look is courtesy of contrasting exterior and interior accouterments. Included in the package are black metallic alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, black interior accents, and sumptuous red leather seats with red stitching and black honeycomb trim.

Mentioned earlier, Mazda’s i-Activesense driver assist feature is standard on all Carbon Edition models. It includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise control and with stop & go functions, and smart brake support.

There are no specific mechanical changes to Mazda’s Carbon Edition model. The Mazda CX-5 remains powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 121kW of power and 213Nm of torque. Mazda has yet to reveal pricing for the Carbon Edition trim.

But for what it’s worth, Mazda vehicles have always stood out with their evocative design, and the Carbon Edition package has only made all of it look better in our eyes.

The Mazda3 Hatchback has long been the wildcard choice in its segment. Sure, it’s easy to go for a Corolla, or a Civic, or whatever Sam the sales guy is offering a juicy lease deal on at the time, but eager drivers – enthusiasts – look to Mazda for their practical thrills.

Production of the Mazda 3 initially began in 2003 and the evolution of the design both on the exterior and interior are quite attractive especially when you place each generation side by side. The 2020 Mazda 3 has a minimalist approach in design, both on the interior and exterior.

It’s a good looking car, outside and in. This trim comes with 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels, signature LED lights front and back, body colour mirrors, and gloss black exterior detailing, and they look fantastic with the shimmering red paint.

The most notable thing on the Mazda 3 exterior is the height as it sits lower and has a lower roof than the previous generation. This design element gives the car a sporty appearance while the small design makes for a more intermate cabin. However, the design limits the amount of light flowing into the car.

Fortunately, the small sunroof does come to the rescue to open up the Mazda 3 to more light. The sharper design on the front of the car allows the Mazda 3 to have a more sporty and aggressive appearance. These design elements do contribute to making the car feel more luxe. I think the Mazda 3 has succeed in making you feel something toward it. Be it the design element or the engine response that feeling is present.

Open the door and you’ll see why the interior is my favourite element of the current model. It has that luxury feel because of the use of soft leathers finishes and on the seats and around the cabin. Sitting in the drivers seat all instrumentation feels ergonomically right and is placed where it should be. The 8.8-inch touch sensitive infotainment screen sits neatly on the dash board and has a knob that works very much like the ones found in BMW’s.

The volume button also sits next to the menu knob and this small design touch makes so much sense when you wish to select a track and increase the volume. The 12 speaker Bose system also ensures that you have all the rich bass you need when pumping your favourite hip hop tune. The infotainment is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto friendly, has three USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and blind-spot monitoring.

The Mazda 3 is available in 3 derivatives namely; the Active with its 1,5l engine that produces 88 kW and 153Nm of torque. Second is the Dynamic that has the same engine capacity but has extras such as cruise control, auto dimming of the rear-view mirror, leather wrapped steering, parking sensors along with many other features.

The Individual comes in tow with also has the same engine capacity as the Active and Dynamic, again there are more features compared to the previous two. The individual has keyless entry, auto fold mirrors 10-way power adjustable seat for the driver, including 2 memory settings, a 12-speaker Bose sound system with subwoofer and those 18’ alloy wheels we mentioned earlier. The Astina is the fourth derivative, this model has a 2.0l engine that produces 121kW and 213Nm of torque. Also, more features are available on this model such as daytime running lamps, adaptive front lighting system, rear vents, sunroof that power sides and tilts along with many added features.

The 2.0l Astina with automatic transmission we had on test was unfortunately lacking in power. However, I do feel the car Is beautifully designed and with great interior features and even though the engine power is not a favourite. The Mazda 3 does produce a very comfortable drive and at a cruising speed its very smooth with decent fuel efficiency that’s just under the 7.0l/100km mark.

Pricing starts at R369 100 for the hatch and R366 100 for the sedan. I’m more of a hatch kind of guy but the sedan does add that much needed boot space. In closing, Mazda gives you a 3-year unlimited kilometre warranty, 3 year Mazdacare roadside assistance and a 3-year Mazdacare unlimited kilometre service plan.