Mazda South Africa says it's here to stay, confirms four enticing new products

Mazda has reaffirmed its commitment to the South African market, with the importer confirming new strategic partnerships and four new vehicles for the local market.

Mazda South Africa has also refuted rumours that it plans to exit the South African market.

The company’s Head of Marketing and Communications Deolinda Da Costa told IOL that these false rumours were the work of social media trolls.

“Categorically we can state that we’re here to stay and we are excited about the products we are bringing,” Da Costa said.

She acknowledged that Mazda had become smaller in terms of sales, but stated that this had been expected as the brand was moving more into the luxury space, a process that started with the introduction of the CX-60 premium SUV in 2023.

In a statement released to the media this week, Mazda confirmed that it planned to launch four new products in South Africa: the new-generation CX-5, CX-60 PHEV, CX-80 and Mazda 6 e.

The latter is an interesting surprise. The sleek looking three-box hatchback serves as an all-electric spiritual successor to the Mazda 6. It’s essentially a global version of the Chinese Mazda EZ-6 that was developed through a partnership with Changan Automobile.

In Europe the Mazda 6 e will be offered in two rear-wheel drive versions, with the standard model boasting 190kW of power and a claimed (WLTP) range of 480km, and a Long Range variant with 180kW and a 552km range. Local specifications for new EV will be confirmed closer to launch.

The launch timing of these vehicles has yet to be confirmed, but the importer said it was aiming to introduce as many of them as possible within the next two years.

Another interesting newcomer is the Mazda CX-80, which will be sold in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form in South Africa.

Revealed internationally in 2024, the CX-80 is related to the CX-60, but is 250mm longer and 24mm taller, allowing it to offer six- and seven-seat cabin configurations. 

The hybrid powertrain, identical to the one that will also serve in the CX-60 PHEV, pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for system outputs of 241kW and 500Nm, and Mazda claims an all-electric range of up to 61km.

Finally, at the lower end of the range, we have the next-generation Mazda CX-5. Replacing the company’s most popular model, a lot is riding on the success of this midsize SUV. 

The new Mazda CX-5 has yet to be unveiled, so not much information is available at present. However, in its financial results statement released earlier in 2024, the company did confirm that the CX-5 successor would be equipped with a Mazda-developed hybrid powertrain.

Australian publication WhichCar also reported last year, citing insider information, that the new model was expected to debut in 2025, offering similar “size, packaging and value” to the current version.

In addition to new products, Mazda South Africa said it planned to offer an ever-evolving premium customer experience.

"Mazda South Africa is here to stay with a bright future ahead," said the company’s head of finance, Bonite van der Merwe.

"We've strategically partnered with new suppliers, relocated to modern premises with extended leases, and collaborated with expert partners such as DSV to enhance efficiencies. These operational changes and partnerships underscore our commitment to growth and adaptability in the local market."

Further to that the importer said it planned to simplify the ownership experience through various after-market services, including WhatsApp-based assistance and a courtesy vehicle programme to ensure uninterrupted mobility.

IOL