The head of Mazda in South Africa says the Japanese brand plans to launch a PHEV in Mzansi in 2027, though she stopped short of confirming which model is coming…
- Mazda’s local boss confirms PHEV is coming
- CX-60 PHEV or CX-80 PHEV seem most likely
- Scheduled to arrive at some point in 2027
Mazda Southern Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that it plans to enter South Africa’s growing plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) segment in 2027, though the head of the Japanese brand’s local division stopped short of revealing which model is on the cards.
Bonite van der Merwe, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, made the comments during an interview in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s SA Auto Week 2026 event in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal earlier in October.
“We’re working on an alternative new-energy vehicle for next year [2027] and we are currently making sure that our dealers are ready for [its] introduction into the South African market,” she said, before adding: “I can confirm it’s a plug-in hybrid”.
So, which PHEV is on the cards for Mzansi? Well, we’d speculate that Van der Merwe was referring to one of two models: either the CX-60 PHEV or the CX-80 PHEV. As a reminder, the CX-60 is already available in SA, offered with either a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine or a 3.3-litre turbodiesel motor featuring mild-hybrid assistance.
Meanwhile, the CX-80 – which, like the CX-60, is available overseas with a PHEV powertrain built around the Fuchū-based automaker’s atmospheric 2.5-litre petrol engine – was tipped for a local introduction back in 2024. However, this 3-row contender didn’t arrive, with Van der Merwe’s predecessor suggesting the local division’s CX-80 plans had been nixed.
Are there any other outside possibilities? Well, Mazda also sells its CX-70 and CX-90 in PHEV form in North America, but these models seem far less likely candidates for South Africa. And, considering the new CX-5 is not (yet?) available anywhere in the world with a plug-in set-up, we’d rule out that model, too.
Van der Merwe, who stepped into the top job at Mazda Southern Africa in October 2025, said the company’s global division was well aware that “not all markets” were transitioning to new-energy vehicles at the same pace.
“We will continue with our ICE [internal combustion engine] vehicles and we’ll gradually introduce new-energy vehicles. As the [local] market transitions [to NEVs], we will provide the [relevant] vehicles to the market,” she explained.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Mazda launching a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in South Africa?
A: Yes, Bonite van der Merwe, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Japanese brand plans to introduce its first plug-in hybrid model to the local market in 2027.
Q: Which Mazda PHEV models are most likely coming to Mzansi?
A: While the exact model has not been officially named, Cars.co.za reports that the most likely candidates for South Africa are the CX-60 PHEV or the 3-row CX-80 PHEV.
Q: What type of plug-in hybrid set-up does Mazda offer overseas?
A: In right-hand-drive global markets, Mazda’s PHEV powertrain combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
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Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
