By Mabuyane Mabuza
Mazda is finally realising that walala wasala. In all honesty, I cannot understand why it was that such a well-rounded brand could sleep at the wheel to a point where it has been reduced to a tiny player in the South African market. Ma2k would be shocked if I told them that once upon a time(not so long ago), around the time they were starting to arrive in this world the Mazda brand was a formidable force.
Most of us, the 1970s and 1980s children, have fond memories of the Mazda brand. Growing up in the township during the 90’s the Mazda 323 was a force to be reckoned with, fighting for the roads with the likes of Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Conquest. But things have not been the same for Mazda since that “divorce” in the mid 2000s. Mazda seem to have healed and trying to catch up with the rest of the peck.
Just recently, I had the pleasure of driving the CX-60 Takumi, Mazda’s flagship for now, but there is talk that the CX-80 is also coming to SA. They see this as a premium product worthy of fighting for a place with the Germans. While the product is on par, this won’t be an easy fight and here’s why.
The Looks
At first glance, the CX-60 Takumi gives a presence of a premium brand, to its credit. That is where Mazda is positioning this vehicle, and they are not far off the mark. Driving around in this SUV was the first time, in a long time to receive compliments from members of the public who were admiring a Mazda product. It was a pleasant surprise.
Technology
Like all car makers, Mazda has also beefed up the tech department to meet the demands of the modern day motorist. For starters, this Mazda comes fitted with a 360-degree parking camera, panoramic roof, 12-speaker Bose system not forgetting adaptive LED headlamps, to name but a few.
The engine
The flagship is a powerful 3.3-litre turbocharged diesel engine, offering an excellent blend of torque, efficiency, and refinement.
Pricing
The jury is still out if the German loyalists would be ready to dish their brands for some Japanese flavour at R1 085 100.
