MOTORING: Mazda’s Mazda2 and CX-3: Two sides of the same shiny coin By Deon Schoeman Deon_Schoeman
In South Africa, Mazda enjoys a rare reputation for quality, value and individuality, despite being considered a mainstream, mass-market brand around the world.
These days, Mazda is proudly independent, with a smaller but dedicated dealer network, and its brand image has acquired a lot more sheen. If you discount the low-volume MX-5 sports car, the marque’s passenger car palette is focussed on only four models: the Mazda2 and Mazda3 hatchbacks, and the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5 SUVs.
Similarly, the CX-3 finds itself facing up to the likes of Hyundai’s Kona, the Toyota CH-R and Honda’s HR-V, the Ford Ecosport and Renault’s Captur in an equally crowded segment. The larger and taller CX-3 capitalises on the SUV genre’s popularity, although it’s more crossover than SUV. It’s definitely a more family-orientated vehicle than the zippy Mazda2, promising more space and versatility.
As the Individual Plus nomenclature indicates, the two examples on test here occupy the top rung of their respective model range ladders. They’re literally crammed with comfort, safety and convenience gear, rivalling many a so-called premium product. The CX-3 Individual Plus follows a similar full-house route. Highlights include adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, glass sunroof, seven-speaker Bose sound, the same touchscreen infotainment system, auto headlights and wipers, six airbags, smart city braking and driver attention alert.
They’re fun to use, especially when you’re motoring through a mountain pass and want full control of gear selection. But even in Sport mode, those gear changes are just a little too pedestrian: I’d stick to full auto most of the time. Again, the tactile appeal of the materials, intuitive layout, and the attention to assembly quality create a smart, sophisticated impression. Dashboard execution, thoughtful packaging and overall design are all typically Mazda.
Hustle it through some curves and corners with intent, and it responds with more enthusiasm – and more talent – than expected. Because it’s not as tall as a ‘real’ SUV, it feels more like a hatchback than a crossover on the move.
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