The sportiest Mazda CX-3 will soon be available in the SA market
Orders for the upgraded Mazda CX-3 recently opened at Mazda dealers in South Africa. The popular compact SUV was first introduced in 2014 and underwent a minor refresh during the better half of 2018. A handful of exterior and interior updates were carefully implemented to give the vehicle a refreshed feel. With all the style of a hatchback combined with the functional versatility of an SUV, there’s nothing wrong with Mazda’s CX-3.
The most striking cosmetic change is the color of the front fog light bezel, which is now black. It is accompanied by 18-inch alloy wheels and a more pronounced grille with fewer but more prominent lines than before. There is also a combination LED taillight option for the Individual and Individual Plus variants. There’s also a new color on the block, with Soul Red Crystal now part of the CX-3 color palette range.
Inside, leather seat upholstery is now standard for Individual and Individual Plus. There are also fancier cup holders and a rear center armrest that also has cup holders. These features, along with an auto-dimming rear view mirror function, are included in the Dynamic variant.
The range remains as before, with 6 derivatives available for the South African market. The lineup features the renowned 2.0-liter SKYACTIV petrol engine that is available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The motor is rated at around 115kW, which is just about right for fast and spirited driving through city congestion.
The update, while subtle, has proven to be a great reminder of the potential this car has. An excellent family car, the Mazda CX-3 has an undeniable charm. With the crossover market getting thicker, it’s great to have a reliable and attractive option in the middle of it all.
Unsurprisingly, the range is backed by a 3-year, unlimited-mile service plan. For added convenience and peace of mind, Mazda offers a 3-year factory warranty along with 3-year roadside assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty as well.
The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact crossover SUV aimed at first-time buyers. These little SUVs are sometimes called “cute-utes.” It’s designed and built to the highest level of performance and reliability, and it’s the crossover type because it deftly maintains a delicate balance between SUV and hatchback. At the end of the day, the Mazda CX-3 is a sporty crossover that few comparably priced competitors can match.