Mazda South Africa has confirmed it will be launching an updated CX-3 to our market in early 2022 and has shared some specification details to whet our appetites.

The Mazda CX-3 has been quite the sales success for the Japanese brand. It made landfall in SA back in 2015 and many units have found homes. The range was updated in 2018, with some slight visual updatesas well as trim and feature upgrades.

What’s interesting is we reported that the Mazda CX-3 is on its way out, with Mazda Netherlands admitting that European and American CX-3 sales will cease by the end of this year. And there are no immediate succession plans.With fewer developed markets todeliver CX-3into next year, Mazda could find efficiencies in its build specification for markets such as South Africa.

That could mean CX-3s with better option packages and fewer specification idiosyncrasies. In fact, Mazda South Africa confirmed that a more market-specific model would be landing here as early as January 2022, which is the model being talked about here.

For 2022, Mazda SA has confirmed an updated CX-3 will be hitting its dealerships in January 2022 and while we don’t have pricing yet, the brand did confirm some of the changes. Inside, there’s a new version of the Mazda MZD Connect infotainment screen which now features a larger screen.

The current 7-inch has been replaced by a new 8-inch unit and there are seatbelt warnings for the rear seats. For the top two trims (Individual and Hikari), Mazda SA has introduced wireless charging for mobile devices. There’s a new colour too called Platinum Quartz, which you can see here.

As far as trim levels go, there are the Active, Dynamic, Individual and Hikari derivatives. All models are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine which produces 115 kW and 206 Nm. Customers will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Individual and Hikari models are automatic only.

We won’t have pricing until early next year, but currently, the range starts at R358 900.

Mazda CX-3 Range for SA

CX-3 2.0L Active 6MT

CX-3 2.0L Active 6AT

CX-3 2.0L Dynamic 6MT

CX-3 2.0L Dynamic 6AT

CX-3 2.0L Individual 6AT

CX-3 2.0L Hikari 6AT

Further Reading

No more Mazda CX-3 for Europe, what about SA?

Latest Mazda specs and prices here