The facelifted Mazda 3 hatchback arrived in South Africa in 2023. Here are the specifications and pricing details for this stylish offering from the Japanese firm.
The Mazda 3 hatchback has racked up millions of sales in over 120 countries and it’s one of Mazda’s best-selling products.
A revised Mazda3 range was launched in South Africa in 2023 ushering in new connectivity features as well as a truncated trim offering. Note that the Mazda3 sedan body style has been discontinued but can be bought as a used car option on Cars.co.za.
What trim levels are offered for the Mazda 3?
In 2025, the compact hatchback segment remains under considerable pressure in South Africa as buying preference has clearly shifted to Crossovers and SUVS. In 2023, Mazda rationalised its Mazda3 range by culling the entry-level Active grade and leaving the Dynamic and Astina trim lines intact.
Engines include a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 88 kW and 153 Nm that powers the manual and automatic Dynamic derivatives while the Mazda3 Astina automatic is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 121 kW and 213 Nm.
What standard features are offered on the Mazda 3?
The Mazda3 Dynamic trim line includes 16-inch alloy wheels and a host of comfort and tech features including an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, Heads-Up Windscreen Display, wireless charging, a reverse camera, cruise control and a height-adjustable driver’s seat, to name a few feature highlights.
See standard specification for the Mazda3 Dynamic
If you opt for the Mazda3 Astina derivative, additional standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, BOSE sound system, black leather upholstery, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and a powerslide sunroof, to name a few.
See standard specification for the Mazda3 Astina
How much does the Mazda3 cost in South Africa
*Note that pricing is accurate as of September 2025.
The Mazda3 comes standard with a 5-year / unlimited km warranty and a 5-year / unlimited km service plan.
| Model | Price |
| Mazda3 1.5L Dynamic Manual Hatch | R490 900 |
| Mazda3 1.5L Dynamic Auto Hatch | R507 200 |
| Mazda3 2.0L Astina Auto Hatch | R620 400 |
Buy a used Mazda3 on Cars.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mazda3 available as a sedan and hatchback in South Africa?
Yes, the Mazda3 is available in South Africa in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Both versions offer the same engine and trim level options, with the choice of body style catering to different customer preferences regarding practicality and design.
What engines are available in the Mazda3 in South Africa?
The Mazda3 in South Africa is powered by a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G petrol engine. It produces 121 kW of power and 213 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission across all models.
What are the main safety features of the Mazda3?
The Mazda3 has a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard safety features include seven airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill Launch Assist. Higher-spec models come with a comprehensive suite of i-Activsense safety features, such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Is the Mazda3 a good alternative to premium brands?
The Mazda3 is often seen as a strong value-for-money alternative to entry-level premium brands like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It is praised for its high-quality interior, refined driving experience, and sleek design, which give it a premium feel without the premium price tag.
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