
Mazda has confirmed that it has four new cars in planning for South Africa comprising three SUVs and an all-electric sedan.
The models include the recently unveiled 6e, the next-generation CX-5, the CX-60 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and the CX-80 PHEV.
This comes after the manufacturer told us at the tail end of 2024 that the local debut of the CX-80 was “indefinitely postponed.”
Unfortunately, however, the specific launch dates of these cars have not yet been determined.
“All the vehicles mentioned… are in consideration for South Africa, we’re just not in a position right now to confirm official dates,” a company spokesperson told TopAuto.
“This most certainly does include Mazda CX-80.”
Perhaps the most interesting among the potentially new Mazdas is the 6e – a battery-electric sedan that was unveiled for the first time on 10 January.
The four-door comes in at 4,921mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,491mm tall with looks that rival the most premium of high-end sedans.
It can be had with two rear-wheel-drive powertrain configurations, the first generating 179kW and the second 210kW, while both produce the same level of torque at 320Nm.
Two batteries are available, too, encompassing a 68.8kWh cell with a maximum driving range of 482km or an 80kWh module that ups the ante to 555km.
Both options support 200kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80% charge of 22 minutes with the smaller battery and 45 minutes with the larger one.
The driver-focused cabin boasts a 14.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch instrument panel, complemented by an augmented reality heads-up display, in addition to a panoramic sunroof and either artificial or Nappa leather upholstery.
A 330-litre boot at the rear should be generous enough for your wares, but if not, it also provides 70 litres of storage in the front trunk owing to the lack of a combustion engine.
The Mazda 6e will go on sale in left-hand-drive European markets in 2025 before arriving in UK dealers in the first half of 2026.
As such, we don’t expect to see the sedan on South African roads for at least another year and a half, should it be given the green light for a domestic introduction.
As for the rest of the incoming models, we already have the CX-60 available in South Africa in petrol and diesel guise, hence, the PHEV variant will simply be a fourth option.
The CX-80 is very similar to the CX-60 in that it has the same drivetrain, features, and general design, except it is noticeably bigger to accommodate a third row of seating for a total of seven chairs, compared to five in the CX-60.
Meanwhile, the next-generation CX-5 Mazda spoke about is yet to be unveiled.
The current model has been on sale since 2017 and underwent several feature and cosmetic upgrades over the years to keep it looking and feeling fresh.
Rumour has it that the next-gen version will be released in 2026 with a global reveal expected before the end of 2025.
All in on South Africa
Alongside the new vehicle introductions, Mazda has made several changes to its South African division in a drive to increase market share.
It has partnered with new suppliers, relocated to modern premises with extended leases, and collaborated with companies such as DSV Global Transport and Logistics to enhance efficiencies.
“These operational changes and partnerships underscore our commitment to growth and adaptability in the local market,” said Bonite van der Merwe, Head of Finance at Mazda South Africa.
Furthermore, it has launched a new marketing campaign under the banner “Wonderrr Awaits” which has already garnered praise from consumers and the industry alike.
“We’re seeing positive momentum on social media, with high consumer engagement and brand appreciation, redefining Mazda’s future, but this is just the beginning of more innovative and provocative work to come, which aligns with consumer insights and the exciting Mazda product line-up,” said Deolinda da Costa, Head of Marketing and Communications.
The company also aims to improve its after-market service with a new Customer Relationship Management system, dedicated dealer support, and WhatsApp-based owner assistance.
It will henceforth also provide Mazda owners with a courtesy vehicle while their cars are being serviced or repaired.
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