Mazda launches all-out attack

All-wheel drive available in the CX-5 range-topper

After nearly 50 years of being under the protective wing of Mama Ford, the Japanese carmaker has finally fled the nest with big plans to re-establish itself as the darling brand of locals. Once a much-loved badge, dating back to its wild-child days when its rotary-engine cars spinned dust onto the windscreens of many contenders in rallies and race tracks around the world, its famous win at Le Mans in 1991, and its iconic MX-5 which became so widely popular that it was even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the bestselling two-seater sports car in the world.

50 new dedicated dealerships

The brand's growth was stunted under Ford's care (with sales dropping by two-thirds in the past six years) where it played second fiddle to the blue badge's own products, particularly at dealerships. Now it has big plans for the future with a new ex-Mazda boss from Aus, a new store and offices in Midrand and a roll-out of 50 new dedicated dealerships countrywide.

Six Mazda 6 variants to choose from

Mazda's likeable BT50 (virtually a re-badged Ford Ranger) will also be upgraded next year. Meanwhile it will still be assembled in Pretoria side-by-side the Ranger. The new independent Mazda range will comprise the smart Mazda 6 (highly rated in Europe where it has been on sale for the past two years), Mazda 3 sedan and hatch, and the CX-5.

Even better news is that a turbodiesel engine will also, at last, find its way to local shores, as well as the latest version of the much-loved MX5 sports car and a sparkling new Mazda 2 sometime next year.

"SkyActive" equipped

The buzzword of the new Mazda fleet is "SkyActive" which is an umbrella description for a number of new technologies developed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across all models. This translates to lighter vehicles (made of aluminium instead of steel) with better aerodynamics all aimed at reducing the brand's impact on the environment.

Competitively priced

Mazda has stepped back into the local fray with three strong contenders in three highly-competitive categories. Into the SUV slot comes a new Mazda CX-5 offering six variants, three different petrol and diesel engines, plus the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and, for the first time, all-wheel drive in the range-topper. The CX-5 range is priced between R316,600 and R456,100).

Stepping through the hatchback/sedan ropes is a sprightly new Mazda 3 in seven different spec levels plus the options of two petrol engines, five or six-speed manual transmissions and four and six-speed automatic transmissions. Prices range from R232,900 to R326,300.

Seven different spec levels for Mazda 3

Fans of the previous Mazda 6 will be delighted that this medium-sized sedan, already regarded as one of the most under-rated, classy and well-priced medium-sized sedans worldwide, is also back on local shores in a new guise. There are six variants to choose from, priced from R342,000 to R430,500.

Mazda says it has priced all its vehicles competitively against its key competitors in all three segments, generally dominated by German, Japanese and Korean badges, and although launch prices are closely linked to the fluctuating Rand, the company plans to hold the prices for as long as possible at the current levels.

Mazda 6 Atenza for the win

At the local motoring media re-launch of the brand, I drove the top of the range variants of the CX-5, Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 models and my clear favourite was the Mazda 6 flagship Atenza powered by a 2.2 turbodiesel that enthusiastically punches out 129kW and 420Nm.

The streamlined, spacious sedan boasts attractively sporty lines and 19-inch alloys and is richly furnished with luxury features, smart equipment and driver aids. The long list tick-offs include a fully adjustable steering column, a 3.5-inch multi-information display, a 5.8-inch touchscreen for infotainment systems, 11-speaker BOSE surround sound (complete with playback technology), iPod, USB and Bluetooth connections (including hands-free connectivity) plus an AUX jack and voice recognition functionality.

Mazda 6 well-insulated to block out road and engine noise

Also standard are parking sensors and rear parking camera, daylight running lights, cruise control, driver seat with 8-way power adjustments, push-button keyless start, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, leather trim, 60:40 folding rear seats, dual-zone aircon, audio control on the steering wheel, adaptive front lights, lane departure warning and many more.

The cabin is cleverly designed for maximum leg, knee and shoulder room and is particularly well-insulated to block out road and engine noise. Geared towards occupant safety, it is also armed with an array of front, side and curtain airbags.

Although the launch route wasn't particularly challenging, the Six felt solid and secure through the corners. The steering is positive without being razor sharp and the auto transmission is smooth and fairly quick when under the whip. The twin turbo-charged engine pulls like a steam train and even though maximum power only kicks in at a relatively high 4500rpm, Mazda claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.3-litres per 100km.

New tech for the new Six

However, what probably impressed the most is the way the car's suspension performed over badly neglected stretches of road, ironing out most of the bumps and rough patches. Close your eyes and you could be driving any one of the three smart German brands.

New technology

The new Six is also the first model in the Mazda stable to be equipped with new technology such as i-LOOP, a brake regeneration system, and a new SKYACTIVE-body designed for maximum passenger protection, and new technology throughout, including the engine, transmission and chassis.

Overall a good-looking range of vehicles, well-equipped, competitively priced and a pleasure to drive - and all backed by peace of mind, price-inclusive extras such as a three-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty, a three-year road assistance plan, a three-year service plan and a five-year corrosion warranty.