The slightly updated Mazda3 has landed in South Africa, here are the facelifted range’s details and local pricing.

The Mazda3 has been selling relatively well in SA – the Hiroshima-based manufacturer sells around 200 units a month in a highly competitive segment that includes the VolkswagenGolf, Ford Focus and Opel Astra, plus many others. The update to the Mazda3 adds G-Vectoring and other high-end technologies to the compact hatchback's package.

The exterior enhancements are limited to a Mazda badge that sits slightly lower than on the current model, redesigned fog lights, new alloy wheels and reshaped side skirts. The back of the hatch receives a minor redesign, but it’s difficult to tell the difference if we’re honest. New exterior colours have also been introduced: Eternal Blue Mica, Sonic Silver metallic, Soul Red metallic and Machine Gray metallic, the manufacturer says.

Judging by this rear 3-quarter-angle aspect, the Mazda3's changes are very subtle. "Answers on a postcard please".

Meanwhile, the G-Vectoring control system makesits debut on the Mazda3 and is available as standard on all the 2.0-litre models. The system directs torque/transfers weight to the driven wheel with the most traction and Mazda claims the system “aims to make racecar-like cornering precision.”

Mazda has also added a new top-of-the-range derivative called the Astina Plus. The Astina Plus is fitted with much of Mazda’s advanced tech that we have seen on the CX-5. Standard features includeadaptive LED headlights, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert and Smart City Brake support. City Brake support works at speeds of 4-80 kph and monitors the car in front in order to detect the possibility of impact.

In the event the system detects a high risk of impact, it issues visual and audible warnings and primes the brakes for faster responses to middle pedal inputs.

Mazda3 pricing and model lineup

Mazda3 1.6L Original Manual 4Dr/5Dr – R258 900

Maximum power: 77 kWMaximum torque: 144 NmPower windowsAir-conditioningInstrument panel light dimmerCloth trimTrip computerOne-touch window for driverAudio controls on steering wheelRadio / CD / AUX / USBBluetooth connectivity4 speakersSeatbelt warning (Front)3-point seatbelts for all seatsISOfixRear folding seats (60:40) (Hatch only)16-inch steel wheels6 airbags plus ABS, EBD and EBARemote central lockingKeyless startTilt & telescopic steering adjustment

Mazda3 1.6L Active Manual 4Dr/5Dr – R271 800 (Incl VAT)

Front LED foglampsMap reading spot lamps6 speakersOverhead sunglass storage16-inch alloys wheelsIlluminated vanity mirrors7-inch display MZD connect system

Mazda3 1.6L Dynamic Manual 4-door/5-door –R284 900

Auto 1.6L –R295 900

Auto on/off headlampsLeather handbrake handleRain-sensing wipersPower fold mirrorsLeather steering wheelRear spoiler (sedan)Auto-dimming rear-view mirrorLeather gearshift selectorLeather seats

Mazda3 2.0L Individual Manual 4Dr/5Dr –R331 900

Auto 2.0L –R343 900

Maximum power: 121 kWMaximum torque: 210 NmAdvanced keyless entryDynamic stability controlHill launch assistG-Vectoring ControlPower sliding and tilt glass sunroofi-stopCruise controlAuto-shift switch/Shift paddles (Auto models only)

Mazda3 2.0 Astina Auto 4Dr/5Dr –R378 400

Reverse-view cameraIntegrated navigationActive driving displayPower lumbar support (driver only)BOSE sound system9 speakersDual-zone climate control8-way electrically adjustable seat (driver only)Blind spot monitoringAnalog tachometerParking sensors (rear)18-inch alloy wheels

Mazda3 2.0 Astina Plus Auto 4Dr/5Dr –R407 900

Adaptive LED headlightsDaytime running lightsLane departure warningLane keep assist systemSmart City brake support (front and rear)Driver Attention Alert

Redesigned grille detail and foglamps are apparent from the frontal view.

Related content:

Extended Test: Mazda3 2.0 Astina[with Video]

Extended Test: Mazda CX-5 2.2DE AWD Akera[with Video]

Mazda3 2.0 Astina Hatch (2015) Review

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