By Mabuyane Mabuza
Mazda seems to have realised that walala wasala. I still struggle to understand how such a well-rounded brand managed to sleep at the wheel and shrink into a small player in the South African market. The Ma2k generation would be shocked to learn that, not so long ago, Mazda was a serious force on our roads.
For many of us who grew up in the townships in the 1970s and 1980s, the brand carries real nostalgia. The Mazda 323 was a proper street fighter, going toe to toe with the Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Conquest. It was affordable, tough and respected. When you saw one pull up, you knew it meant business.
I recently drove Mazda’s current flagship, the Mazda CX-60 Takumi. For now, it sits at the top of the range, although the bigger Mazda CX-80 is expected in South Africa soon. Mazda clearly sees the CX-60 as a premium product that can take on the Germans. That is brave, because the luxury SUV space is ruthless. You blink and you are out.
The Looks
Mazda wanted the CX-60 Takumi to look premium. Simple. And to be fair, they got it right. It has presence. The shape is clean, the lines are confident and it carries itself as if it belongs in the executive parking lot.
Of course, saying you are premium and getting buyers to believe it are two different things. Still, this is the first time in a long while that I have seen people genuinely admire a Mazda in public. For all intents and purposes, the CX-60 Takumi looks and feels like it belongs among the big names.
Technology
Mazda has not held back on tech. The CX-60 comes with a 360-degree parking camera, a panoramic roof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and adaptive LED headlamps, to mention a few highlights. The cabin feels modern but not overcomplicated. Everything is where it should be, and it makes sense.
It feels like Mazda understood that today’s driver wants comfort and convenience without having to study a manual first.
The Engine
Under the bonnet sits a 3.3-litre turbocharged diesel engine. It delivers strong torque, smooth power and decent efficiency. On the road, the CX-60 feels planted and confident. It moves with purpose, and there is enough punch to back up its premium ambitions.
Pricing
At R1 085 100, the real question is whether loyal German buyers are ready to swap their familiar badges for some Japanese flavour. That is not an easy ask in a segment where brand loyalty runs deep.
Verdict
Car buyers today, especially those who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, are less sentimental about brands. They want value, style and performance. Nostalgia alone will not move units.
The South African car market has changed. It is fast, competitive and unforgiving. Only the brands that stay sharp will survive.
The CX-60 Takumi is a beautiful, solid car with genuine premium ambition. It deserves a proper look. Whether it will sell in big numbers is another story. It has the goods. Now it needs the market to believe again.
