Mazda SUVs raise the bar
Ever since Mazda and Ford filed for divorce, the separation has clearly done both brands the world of good. Just look at the successful new models being launched by both manufacturers and their successes on the national sales charts and you will understand. Needless to say, with greater focus on their respective brands, the results are significant. We take a look at the two Mazda SUV offerings.
Launched in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 was the first to introduce a remarkable new range of vehicles featuring SKYACTIV Technology and KODO Soul of Motion styling. It has since grown into a core model that is sold in over 120 countries and accounts for approximately one quarter of Mazda's global sales volume. The outgoing Mazda CX-5 has been South Africa's best-selling model with an average of 350 units a month.
Fully redesigned, the all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV refines every element of Mazda's design and technology; raising the bar for the line-up's combination of fuel efficiency, driving fun, award-winning looks and topclass safety.
Bold character
With a solidly sporty yet refined stance, a lower roofline, sleeker sides and minimalist styling; the CX-5's exterior exudes strength and maturity. Its bold character is accentuated with the offering of new additional colours from Mazda's next-generation premium colour palette.
South Africa's power-train line-up comprises three engine options that offer powerful, linear driving performance and outstanding environmental performance, SKYACTIV-G 2.0l and 2.5l petrol as well as the SKYACTIV-D 2.2l diesel engines.All 2.0l engine derivatives are available in both the manual and automatic transmissions with the Dynamic derivative now offering an automatic option. The 2.5l petrol and 2.2l diesel engine derivatives are available with automatic transmission.
Having driven the CX-5 for a week, the dynamic performance is remarkable while the newly refreshed front-end
design was a head turner. If it was not for the bold Mazda logo many would have confused it for a much more exclusive brand. The quality is up there with some of its best competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga and dare it be said, Volkswagen's Tiguan.
Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 offers a design of the finest quality and style thanks to the KODO – Soul of Motion design language. It adopts the full suite of SKYACTIV Technologies and has been carefully crafted to match human sensibilities to deliver performance that can be enjoyed without reservation. A fifth model in Mazda's line-up of new-generation vehicles, its size and packaging aim to make it easy to use in a wide variety of situations.
The CX-3 boasts a boldly-inspired exterior, a stylish interior as well as dynamic performance and sporty handling. Mazda looked at what values were of essence to buyers and produced a brand new vehicle aimed at creating the standard for a new era. With a combination of Mazda's latest technology and design, maximised fuel efficiency and the latest active safety and connectivity technology; the compact cross-over is a successful combination of engineering, design and a flexible driver-oriented approach.
While sharing many KODO design traits with other new-generation models, the Mazda CX-3 exterior clearly expresses vitality that stands out.
New cabin
Developers came up with a radically new cabin echoing the CX-3's exterior design, giving interior elements a handcrafted level of quality. The interior wraps around occupants with character lines highlighting the CX-3's high beltline, while the glass and unobtrusive pillar trim above also engender openness.
The CX-3 is powered by the SKYACTIVG 2.0l petrol engine, a four cylinder engine delivering a sporty 115kW of power and 204Nm of torque, using as little as 6.1l of fuel every 100km combined.The six-speed automatic transmission combines the best aspects of conventional automatic, continuously variable and dual clutch transmissions.
The compact SUV combines advantages such as extra ground clearance and rough road capabilities with easy city driving, confidence on the motorway and fun in the curves thanks to a wide track and relatively low centre of gravity.
Both cars are built to the highest standard of performance and reliability and backed up by a three-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty. To provide complete peace of mind motoring, a three-year roadside assistance, three-year service plan and a five-year Corrosion Warranty are also included.