Mazda Southern Africa has quietly trimmed its Mazda3 range to half its previous size, with the cut including the discontinuation of the entry-level grade…

The family hatchback category – already under serious pressure in South Africa – has just shrunk a little more. Yes, Mazda Southern Africa has quietly discontinued half of the derivatives in its Mazda3 range, reducing the line-up to just 3 variants but adding a handful of features.

The entry-level Active grade – which had been priced from R429300 – is no more, while the high-spec Individual trim level (previously pegged at R502600 in manual form and R517700 in automatic guise) has also been culled.

That means the Mazda3 hatch range now comprises the 1.5 Dynamic grade (still offered with a choice of transmissions) and the flagship 2.0 Astina (available exclusively in self-shifting form). Each of these 3 derivatives has also received a small price increase, according to Mazda SA’s latest price list (see full pricing at the bottom of this page).

The local Mazda3 range now comprises just 3 derivatives.

Mazda SA says the vehicle has been “facelifted”, though there are no discernible exterior styling changes, other than the addition of a new Ceramic White paint colour. Inside, however, the hatchback gains Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, USB Type-C connectivity and wireless charging.

The 4th-generation Mazda3 launched in South Africa in mid-2019, with as many as 12 variants (6 hatchbacks and 6 sedans) on offer. By the 2nd half of 2021, the slow-selling sedan body style had been removed from the local market.

As a reminder, the Mazda3’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine delivers 88 kW and 153 Nm to the front axle via either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission with the same number of cogs. The range-topping Astina’s likewise atmospheric 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor makes 121 kW and 213 Nm.

The Mazda3 sedan was discontinued locally in the 2nd half of 2021.

Over the opening 7 months of 2023, Mazda SA registered 156 examples of the Mazda3 hatchback, translating to a monthly average of just 22 units. The best month thus far was April 2023, with 26 registrations.

Alongside the Toyota Corolla Hatch, the Mazda3 is one of the last remaining traditional C-segment hatchbacks on the local market, with the likes of the Ford Focus, Kia Cerato, Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Opel Astra having long since departed South Africa (and models such as the Honda Civic hatch, Hyundai i30, Renault Mégane and Volkswagen Golf now offered only in performance guise).

A few premium contenders (in the form of the Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class) are still available, though.

How much does the Mazda3 cost in South Africa?

Mazda3 1.5L Dynamic 6MT – R447500

Mazda3 1.5L Dynamic 6AT – R462 500

Mazda3 2.0L Astina 6AT – R565 700

The prices above include a 3-year/unlimited kilometre service plan and a warranty of the same duration.

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