AIMING FOR THE TOP

MAZDA’S PREMIUM PASSENGER CAR RANGE AIMING FOR PREMIUM SEGMENT STATUS, MAZDA HAS QUIETLY BEEN UPGRADING AND EXPANDING ITS LOCAL MODEL LINE-UP IN RECENT YEARS. WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME KEY MODELS IN MAZDA SOUTH AFRICA’S CURRENT ARSENAL.

MAZDA2

Mazda recently announced the introduction of the new Mazda2 Individual Plus 1.5L Auto derivative to the Mazda2 model line-up, bringing the total model range offering to seven derivatives. Hitting the streets with an array of enhanced features that are now also available on the Mazda2 Hazumi 1.5L DE Auto derivative. These include a shark fin antenna, auto-fold mirrors, head-up display (HUD), half leather seats, side- and curtain airbags, rear parking sensor and a lane departure warning system (LDWS). In addition to the LDWS, the diesel model also introduces blindspot monitoring.

Two new paint colours – Eternal Blue Mica and Deep Crimson Mica – have also been added to the line-up, with our range-topping Hazumi test car sporting the latter. It also featured new LED front fog lamps and cruise control, which is available from the Dynamic model. Paddle shifters are also new on the Hazumi, and on the Individual Plus version.

Backed up by a three-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty, the Mazda2 may be the entry point into the Mazda range, but it wants for nothing in terms of quality and reliability. A three-year roadside assistance and service plan, as well as a five-year corrosion warranty, are included for complete peace of mind motoring.

MAZDA3

Any serious player in the South African motoring market should have a B-segment competitor, and for Mazda that would be the Mazda3.

Recently enhanced to include the Mazda3 2.0L Astina Plus derivative – available in four- and five-door versions, the new Astina Plus model comes with advanced safety features that include Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), adaptive LED headlights, lane-keep assist and lane departure warning, Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and blind-spot monitoring, which is also available on the slightly more affordable Astina derivative.

On the inside, the Mazda3 range – available with either of Mazda’s 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre SKYACTIV engines – Bluetooth connectivity is included from the entry model upward, while cruise control is standard fare on Individual models, as are paddle shifters on models with Mazda’s six-speed automatic transmission.

“BACKED UP BY A THREE-YEAR UNLIMITED

KILOMETRE FACTORY WARRANTY, THE MAZDA2 MAY BE THE ENTRY POINT INTO THE MAZDA RANGE, BUT IT WANTS FOR NOTHING

IN TERMS OF QUALITY AND RELIABILITY.”