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The Mazda3 is the Japanese brand’s best-selling model, accounting for over six-million units globally since its launch in 2003. In an attempt to make the car even more popular, the recently released seventh iteration of the model has been repositioned in the market place, featuring racy new styling and a premium quality feel.
There was a time when forerunners of the Mazda3 were perceived as affordable, reliable and durable – though unexciting to look at or to drive. Small, boxy and noisy, with a sparsely furnished interior, a model such as the 323 proved to be light on fuel, cheap to maintain and easy to park – ideal for use as an inexpensive, daily runabout.
In introducing the 323’s replacement in 2003, Mazda opted for a larger, less boxy styling interpretation and, over the years, the generations of 3s that have followed have grown and grown. The latest version is the largest of the lot – elegant, streamlined and spacious, a world apart in terms of styling, comfort and features compared with the model from which it is derived.
Measuring 4 460mm long, 1 795mm wide and 1 435mm high – and with its wheelbase stretched to 2 725mm – the Mazda3 is the first model from the Japanese brand to be released in line with a global strategy that’s aimed at moving the company’s products upmarket.
In terms of the repositioning, Mazda’s spokesmen say the 3 will no longer compete in the market place against a traditional rival such as Volkswagen’s Golf – rather it will be up against Audi’s A3, mainly because it is more closely aligned to the latter car in terms of perceived quality, features and technology.
Craig Roberts, managing director of Mazda South Africa, says the repositioning strategy is aimed at leading the brand into a new era. “The decision has been taken to go the premium route – upcoming models will follow a similar course,” he says.
As the first car in the brand’s stable to reach the “more premium” milestone, the 3 blends elegant styling proportions with good driving dynamics; a carefully crafted, comfortable cabin with high-tech, premium-quality features; and a choice of petrol-fuelled engines that eschew downsizing and turbocharging in favour of high compression, fuel-saving, Skyactiv technology.
“We believe the Mazda3 will help to create an emotional bond with our customers that will facilitate deeper engagement,” says Roberts. “Our mission is to deliver a product that exceeds both customer expectations and industry standards, and which enhances the car ownership experience. The overall aim is to raise brand value.”
From a styling perspective, the new 3 – which remains available in hatchback or sedan form – follows Mazda’s established Kodo design philosophy, but with richer expression apparent in the interpretation. While each of the bodies features a horizontal flow line to accentuate width, the taut, sharp back section of the hatch helps it to look sporty and dynamic. In contrast, the graceful yet lithe proportions of the sedan’s rear end help to emphasise elegance. Incidentally, the slope of the rooflines also plays a role in highlighting each of the cars’ personalities – that of the hatch angled to suggest speed, that of the sedan flat and flowing.
Inside the cabins, the look is uncluttered and minimalistic. Black is the favoured trim colour in the sedan, while the hatch offers the option of burgundy red leather for the seats. Controls and switches are well-positioned for easy, intuitive access.
In both vehicles, the fascia is dominated by a centrally placed, 8,8-inch infotainment screen which offers Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Bluetooth phone and audio pairing, and two USB ports. A navigation system is a standard feature. Lesser specification derivatives are equipped with an eight-speaker sound system, while those higher up in the range feature a 12-speaker Bose equivalent. Control is via a large, twist-and-click rotary dial that’s handily positioned on a console between the front seats, or through steering wheel mounted switchgear.
Ahead of the driver is a seven-inch, super-clear, TFT gauge cluster that can be configured to show a variety of useful information, supplemented by a head-up display that’s projected onto the base of the windscreen. Standard features across the range include remote keyless entry, push-button ignition, auto door locks, auto-on headlights and wipers, an electronic parking brake, and LED headlamps.
Higher specification models get rear parking sensors; cruise control; an auto-dimming rear view mirror; a 10-way, power adjustable driver’s seat and zone adjustable air-conditioning. In addition, top-of-the-range derivatives – dubbed Astina – feature air vents for rear seat passengers, a rearview camera, rear combination lamps, daytime running lights and adaptive LED headlamps.
Engine choice extends to petrol-fuelled, four-cylinder units that produce 88kW and 153Nm in 1,5-litre form, or 121kW and 213Nm in 2,0-litre configuration. Each of the units features Mazda’s high-compression Skyactiv technology, which incorporates direct fuel injection, cavity pistons, and a 4-2-1 exhaust system among innovations aimed at improving fuel efficiency and increasing torque output in the low to mid rev ranges.
Speaking of Skyactiv, a number of other applications developed by the division have been incorporated in the 3 with a view to improving vehicle behaviour to create a smooth, efficient and refined ride, among them suspension and steering components, and elements that suppress noise, vibration and harshness.
Transmission options include six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes for most derivatives in the 1,5-litre range – only entry-level Active variants are equipped solely with manual shifters – while the 2,0-litre line-up, which comprises Astina derivatives, is confined to auto-shifting versions.
Whatever the transmission system, on the road each of the cars responds crisply and positively to driver inputs, lower powered models easily capable of maintaining pace whether in traffic or on the open road, and 2,0-litre versions reacting with verve to throttle inputs.
Whether hatch or sedan, there’s very little body roll in hard cornering; steering is quick, accurate and light in feel; brakes are sharp but easy to modulate; and road and wind noise intrusion is well contained. Seats are comfortable and supportive, Mazda’s spokesmen claiming that the design to which they conform has been shown in tests to improve occupant well-being, especially on long trips.
Safety aspects, too, have been maximised, the vehicle scoring five stars in Euro NCAP tests conducted earlier this year. Incorporation of i-Activsense in the range-topping Astina derivatives, for example, adds aids such as adaptive LED headlights, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. However, all models across the line-up are equipped with hill launch assist, anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist as well as driver, passenger, side, curtain and knee air bags.
If you’re in the market for a modern, stylish, well-equipped, spacious vehicle that is likely to prove as reliable and durable as its cramped forerunner was – and which is far more pleasurable to drive and to look at – in my view the new Mazda3 deserves a top place on your shopping list.
Dealership sales staff are the best persons to tell you about all the ins and outs and features of various models on the showroom floor. However, once you have decided which car is best for you, you will be handed over to a business manager or F&I specialist who will guide you through the financing process. A business manager within the dealership environment is an expert in the different financing processes and will be able to structure the best deal according to your needs, affordability and financial situation. However it is important to have a basic understanding of the following financing terms in order to make the best decision about how to finance your next car.
Deposit
The deposit is the cash amount that you will need to pay as part of the financing deal. It is up to the buyer what percentage they would like to put down as a deposit, but most financial institutions will require a minimum of 10 percent. A bigger deposit means a lower loan amount which will translate into a lower monthly payment. A bigger deposit also means less risk for the bank which could translate into a lower interest rate.
Pre-approval
A pre-approval is the amount your financial institution determines they are able to lend you according to your credit rating and affordability. This is a valuable tool as it will allow you to shop within your means and avoid applying for finance on a car that you can’t afford only to be declined by the financing institution.
Interest rate
Financial service providers will charge you interest on the amount they loan you and this percentage will be added to your monthly repayment amount. Depending on the option you choose, the interest rate will either be fixed, or it will be linked to the Prime Interest Rate which is determined by the South African Reserve Bank.
Instalment Finance
Instalment finance is the traditional way of financing a vehicle. This sees the motorist pay a deposit and then monthly repayments along with interest for a period of between 36 and 72 months as per the agreement. At the end of the financing period once all payments have been made, the vehicle becomes your property.
Balloon payment
A balloon payment is when you initially only finance a portion of the total vehicle price via an instalment finance agreement in order to pay a lower monthly instalment. At the end of the contract period the remaining percentage will need to be paid in cash, refinanced or the vehicle can be sold to settle that outstanding balloon payment amount.
Guaranteed Future Value
Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) is becoming an increasingly popular financing option. Vehicles depreciate the moment they drive off the showroom floor and a GFV plan gives motorists a future value for the vehicle after a certain amount of time and mileage upfront. For example after three years the vehicle is worth R300 000.
Knowing what the vehicle will be worth after three years allows a deal to be structured around that amount. Options include an instalment finance agreement with a balloon payment which is equal to the GFV, which will allow the motorist to drive the vehicle for a certain period of time, pay a monthly instalment but then not have to worry about refinancing the balloon payment. At the end of the period they will be able to return the vehicle for an amount equal to the balloon payment and walk away not owing anything further.
Settlement amount
The settlement amount is the amount that needs to be paid to the financial institution to settle the finance agreement prematurely. This will be required when you want to buy a new car before paying off your existing car or if you choose to pay off your car with cash from a yearly bonus or savings. Once the settlement amount is paid the vehicle becomes your property.
Total price
This is the total price you will pay for the vehicle over the contract period and includes the selling price, , interest and admin fees over the repayment period. The longer the repayment period and the higher the interest rate the more you will pay in total.
Title holder
While you might think that your new car is yours it is actually owned by the bank or financing institution until paid in full. While paying off a vehicle you will be listed as the owner, but the bank will remain the title holder, and they will retain the registration document until the vehicle is paid off. Once the vehicle has been paid in full, the vehicle becomes your property and will be transferred into your name at the provincial licensing authority.
Leasing agreement or full maintenance lease
A leasing agreement or full maintenance lease sees motorists drive a new car for a certain amount of time and pay a monthly fee for the usage of the vehicle. This fee will include usage as well as maintenance and insurance bundled into one amount. At the end of the term you simply return the vehicle. This type of agreement is akin to a long-term rental as the vehicle never becomes your property, you only pay for the usage thereof.
Trading in your vehicle means selling your vehicle to a dealership as part of a transaction to buy a new vehicle.
The profits from the trade in are then used towards part finance of the new model and the dealership will go on to sell your old vehicle on their pre-owned floor or into the trade.
The trade in process was how motorists traditionally swapped their old car for a new car but this process has been challenged in recent years with the advent of retailers who specialise in buying and selling pre-owned vehicles and who aggressively market these services, but which is the best option?
The benefits of trading in your vehicle
Trading in your vehicle for a new vehicle simplifies the process as both transactions can be handled as one deal. This could also mean savings as retailers will be more willing to give you a better trade in price if you are buying a new vehicle from them or a better deal on a new vehicle if you are trading in a vehicle with them. This is due to the fact that there is an opportunity for the dealership to make an additional profit by reselling your old vehicle to the next person. One transaction via one dealership also simplifies the financial transaction as the dealership will handle everything for you. This includes settling the balance owing on your old vehicle and either paying you out or transferring the balance towards the financing of your new vehicle.
The benefits of selling your vehicle?
The biggest benefit of selling your vehicle outright is that you can sell it as is. This is particularly attractive if your car has known issues, such as slight damage or requires maintenance to be done, such as the replacement of the tyres. While issues with the car will affect the price there will always be willing buyers as long as the price is right. Selling your car outright might be necessary if your car doesn't meet the dealerships trade in requirements, which could include criteria such as condition or mileage.
Selling your car outright allows you to take the money and buy your next car according to your terms. This option might also be attractive if you are considering a new financing option such as leasing a vehicle or moving onto a company car scheme. The disadvantage of selling your car in this manner is that you need to deal with a second entity and conduct a separate financial transaction.
How is your cars value determined?
Whether you choose to trade in your vehicle or sell it, the value of your car is determined by an industry standard for that exact model adjusted according to age, mileage and condition. Cars depreciate significantly during their first year and will then continue to do so every year. Mileage also has a significant impact on the value and whether you drive less or more than an average of 15 000km per year will have a bearing on your vehicles resale value.
The vehicles condition will also be taken into account when determining the trade in or selling price. Any issues such as stone chips, damage to bodywork and chipped windscreens as well as the wear and tear to the interior will affect the value.
Factors such as service history, the balance of a service or maintenance plan and remaining warranty period will also affect your vehicles value but less significantly.
Do your homework
There is no point in saving in the short term if it is going to cost you in the long run. When considering whether to sell or trade in your car as part of the new car shopping process it is important to consider the deal in its entirety to ensure that that you are getting the best deal in the long run.
Buying a pre-owned vehicle is a great way to drive the car of your dreams at a significantly reduced price. Unfortunately the pre-owned vehicle market is flooded with resellers who are focussed on making a profit and less so on the quality of the vehicles that they offer for sale.
One of the easiest ways to ensure that you are getting a good quality pre-owned vehicle is to shop at a reputable reseller such as Motus Select.
Motus Select prides themselves in offering good quality pre-owned vehicles that adhere to strict criteria that guarantee quality and allow motorists to shop with confidence.
Motus Select have a number of checks in place to ensure that all vehicles sold through their outlets are of a good quality as well as a pre delivery process that ensures a hassle-free purchase experience.
Vehicles offered for sale via Motus Select are only done so after being subjected to a thorough inspection, vehicles are either subjected to the in house 110-point quality check or they are inspected by independent specialists such as Dekra.
A Dekra report will highlight any special options that a vehicle may be fitted with while also making buyers aware of any imperfections. This ensures that the buyer knows exactly what they are getting, which is a reliable car that will not be followed by surprises down the road.
A Dekra report is a customised, professional used vehicle condition evaluation completed by expert, independent, Dekra examiners. The quality of the Dekra condition report ensures complete peace of mind when purchasing a vehicle as it virtually eliminates any surprises.
The 110-point Motus quality check includes a thorough inspection of the engine transmission and fuel lines as well as systems such as the air conditioning, steering, lighting systems, exterior condition, exhaust system, under carriage, brake system, tyres, clutch, windshield and safety belts.
To ensure that all cars have a fresh look and feel, they are treated to a full valet as part of preparing them for delivery to their new owner.
Before a vehicle is put on sale any outstanding accident damage, service and maintenance tasks will be sorted. This will either be done by the franchised dealer if the car is still covered by a service plan and warranty or by an approved repairer in the case of damage or the fitment of maintenance items such as tyres. This alleviates the burden of having to get any issues sorted before you can really start enjoying your new car.
Motus Select further ensures that all vehicles have a full, verifiable vehicle history that includes a full servicing history, certified ownership and a certified accident report.
The Motus Select Business Manager will be able to assist with financing the vehicle by structuring a deal that suits your budget. Business managers will also be able to assist with other administrative tasks such as insurance cover if required.
If the vehicle you are purchasing is nearing the end of its service plan or warranty, these specialists will also be able to advise on peace of mind offerings such as an extended warranty or service plan.
All vehicles sold through Motus Select will be registered onto your name. In order to do so the vehicle will need to undergo a roadworthy check, and all the previous owners outstanding finance would have been settled. While having the car registered onto your name alleviates any administrative burden it also ensures that there are no surprises down the line.
Dealing with a reputable reseller such as Motus Select offers many advantages, including the fact that they will handle all the admin, allowing you to drive off in the car of your dreams, knowing that all the t’s have been crossed and i’s dotted where necessary. Buying from a large group such as Motus Select also comes with added peace of mind, due to the fact that Motus Select own all the vehicles that they offer for sale and because shopping at Motus Select means dealing with SA’s largest dealer group.
Buying a new or pre-owned car can be an extremely exciting process but it can also be a daunting prospect as dealership sales staff and banks throw around technical terms that can be confusing. Understanding what these terms related to the car buying process mean will allow motorists to make a much more informed decision around the intricacies of the car buying process.
Credit check
When applying to buy a car via a loan or leasing agreement the financial institution will do a credit check. This check is done to determine a few things including the level of risk they are taking by entering into the agreement with the motorist, how good you are at servicing existing credit agreements as well your affordability.
Loan agreement
A loan agreement allows motorists to buy a car and pay it over a number of years, which can range from four to six years. At the end of this period, once all payments are made, the car becomes your property.
Lease agreement
A lease agreement allows you to pay a monthly fee and to drive a car for a certain period of time and is often referred to as a long-term rental. At the end of that period you will need to return the car to the leasing company in a pre-agreed condition. The advantage of such an agreement includes lower monthly payments but the disadvantage is that the car will never become your property.
Deposit
A deposit is the cash amount that you pay upfront when financing a car and will be subtracted from the total price of the car. The balance will then be paid off via a repayment agreement. Not all financing institutions require a deposit, and this requirement can depend on your credit rating. However, the bigger your deposit, the less your monthly payments will be and the less interest you will pay over the contract period.
Monthly payment
Your monthly payment is the agreed amount that you need to pay back every month for the period agreed upon in your loan or leasing agreement. This amount will include interest, admin fees as well as a portion that goes towards repaying the capital amount.
Interest rate
The interest rate is the amount that the financial institution charges to loan you the money and is added to your repayment on a monthly basis. The interest rate is determined by your credit rating. Interest rates are either fixed for the entire term or can change along with the prime lending rate if you opt for that option.
Residual value or balloon payment
A residual value allows motorists to only finance a certain percentage of the car, for example 60% and pay a lower monthly instalment. At the end of the contract period the remaining 40% will still be due and this will need to be paid off via a new finance arrangement or by selling or trading in the car and using the proceeds from that transaction to settle the outstanding debt. While lower monthly payments are attractive to many motorists, a big disadvantage of a balloon payment is that it takes much longer to pay off the car, which means you will pay more interest over the contract period.
Comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance protects motorists against loss or damage to their vehicle. Comprehensive insurance will replace your vehicle in the event of theft or replace or repair a vehicle should it be involved in an accident. Financing institutions will require insurance as the car remains the property of the financing institution until it is fully paid for.
Service plan
A service plan covers regular service items such as oil and filters at manufacturer determined service intervals with work carried out in an OEM manufacturers workshop. A service plan will be valid for a predetermined period of time and mileage, such as five-years/75 000km and will expire once one of those parameters are met.
Maintenance plan
A maintenance plan covers service items as well as wear and tear items such as brake pads, tyres and shock absorbers, with work carried out in an OEM manufacturers workshop. A maintenance plan means that motorists will not need to spend any additional money on maintaining their vehicle for the period of the plan. A maintenance plan will be valid for a predetermined period of time and mileage, such as five-years/75 000km and will expire once one of those parameters are met.
On the road fees
On the road fees are the financing charges applied for getting the car ready for delivery. This includes a pre delivery inspection, registering the vehicle into your name, licensing and the fitment of numberplates if required.
We live in an era of online shopping where almost everything we want, and need can be found online. The same goes for cars. Long gone are the days of driving from dealership to dealership looking for the car that suits your criteria and pocket, these days internet searches have simplified that process entirely.
It is even possible to complete the entire car buying process online and while that does offer numerous advantages, a physical test drive should still form part of that process. A vehicle might seem perfect for your needs, but a test drive could reveal shortcomings in areas that are important to you such as performance, a lack of features or even ergonomic issues such as a seating position that doesn't accommodate your body shape comfortably.
Test driving a car before buying is a crucial part of the process as it is the only way to truly get a feel for the car and whether it is right for your needs and usage requirements. These tips will help you get the most out of the test drive experience.
Is it the right car for me?
A test drive is a great opportunity to gauge aspects of a car in a real-world environment such as whether it has enough performance, if the interior is large enough for your family and whether the boot or load capacity is ample for your requirements. Being seated comfortably is crucial to driver safety and enjoyment and a test drive is the only way to determine which car fits your body type best.
How does the car perform?
Judging a cars driving characteristics is about more than just outright performance. A test drive gives you an opportunity to feel what the car steers and brakes like, how heavy the clutch is and how smooth it shifts gears. It is also a great way to get a feel for how the controls and systems like the infotainment system work.
Drive more than one car
If you are undecided on an exact model a test drive is a great way to compare different vehicles and get a better feel for the options. If you are shopping in the pre-owned market, driving more than one example of the same model will allow you to compare vehicles with the aim of determining if the particular vehicle you are considering is a good example.
Check for damage
While the test drive process is important when shopping for a new car it is critical when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle. A test drive is a great opportunity to inspect a vehicle for any signs of abnormal wear and tear or serious damage that has been repaired. While accidents do happen, vehicles that have been badly repaired and show signs thereof, with misaligned panels and mismatched paint should be carefully considered. A test drive is a great opportunity to listen out for any potential issues under the skin. Strange noises and rattles could hint at outstanding maintenance issues. While driving listen out for any strange sounds, especially when turning, driving over bumps or while braking and accelerating.
Don't skip the test drive
The age old saying which goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”, is said to mean that one can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used or experienced it. This is particularly true when it comes to car shopping, whether that be for a new or pre-owned model. The only way to truly know if a car is right for you is to get behind the wheel.