Mazda

Been around a while but Mazda’s compact hatchback design has matured brilliantly.

Beneath the neatly proportioned design is deep engineering integrity. Mazda’s 1.5 petrol engines are slightly more powerful and efficient than Suzuki’s Swift 1.5s.

Cabin quality is class-leading, besting VW’s Polos. But ergonomics and in-car UX are mixed.

Lots of traditional dials and buttons that work great. But its rotary dial infotainment system controller is wildly frustrating to use and a poor UX substitute for a full touchscreen experience.

Low theft risk and hugely reliable, mechanically.  

One of the Golf’s few remaining rivals. With styling and design that’s something akin to a Japanese Alfa Romeo.

Look beyond the steep prices and crossover hype. These Mazdas are incredibly well-built family cars that look remarkably good.

All Mazda3 engines are naturally aspirated and can’t match turbocharged rivals for overtaking performance. Especially the entry-level 1.5 at Highveld altitudes.

But the engines are ultra-reliable and deliver consistently achievable fuel economy.

Interior architecture is class-leading, blending daring design with functional ergonomics. Luggage space is a bit smaller than Golf. Mazda3’s overall product quality shames most German brands.

Compact crossover version of the Mazda2. With the bigger Mazda3’s engines. Terrific design, as expected from Mazda.

Most rivals have 1- or 1.5-litre turbopetrol engines. CX3 uses Mazda’s ultra-reliable and consistent 2-litre naturally aspirated engine.

Like all Mazdas, interior execution and quality are class leading. Comfort levels are high. Noise levels are premium car low. Lack of touchscreen infotainment is an issue, though.

Small-car size, but big-car feel at highway speeds. Very capable on an all-day driving on a road trip. Only issue is having less luggage space than its rivals.

Tiggo4 offers more spec value. Difficult to factor Mazda’s excellent mechanical quality into CX3’s steep pricing. But it is a thing.

Mazda’s mid-size crossover. Trending sloping tailgate crossover looks with outstanding quality.

Unlike other Mazda crossovers, CX-30’s luggage space is good. It’s even got more luggage space than VW’s T-Roc.

Gorgeous interior design and detailing. Cabin feels more special than some European crossovers at twice the price.

Annoyingly, the touchscreen only works when you parked. You need to use an old-school rotary dial for menu and function selection on the move.

CX-30’s mid-size weight and Mazda’s 2.0 petrol engine mean very average performance at Highveld altitudes.

Expensive compared to more powerful, better-equipped Chinese crossovers. But Mazda’s build and mechanical quality are valuable ownership realities.

Looks better than anything in class. With mechanical integrity and build quality to match.

No all-wheel drive versions. Or turbocharged engines. Mazda’s CX-5 features an attractive exterior design. Beautiful cabin architectures. And mechanically proven engines.

A fully laden CX5 does feel slow compared to turbopetrol, diesel and hybrid rivals. But Mazda’s 2.0 petrol engine promises longevity and low mechanical risk.

The interior structure and detailing are better than those of European rivals. But you can only navigate the infotainment functions with a physical rotary dial on the move. Which is very annoying.

Like many other Mazdas, luggage capacity is small for its body size.

Looks better than any other Japanese large luxury car.

A very brave statement vehicle. With typically excellent Mazda build quality and lots of space.

The 2.5 petrol engine feels very underpowered at Highveld altitudes. CX-60’s 3.3 turbodiesel is the only choice. The only Japanese inline-six turbodiesel you can buy, and an excellently smooth, powerful, and economical option that suits the CX-60 design intent perfectly.

Spacious cabin feels premium, but luggage capacity is a bit tight. The infotainment flow is frustratingly limited by a rotary-dial-only menu and function selection on the move.

The thinking person’s alternative to legacy German luxury brands. The CX-60 3.3 diesel is one of the best stealth-luxury vehicles you can buy in SA.