Mazda Southern Africa just rolled out the updated CX-3 Active Auto for 2026, and it is a solid refresh. There are more features without messing with what makes this compact crossover popular in the first place.
Inside, you will notice a bunch of upgrades aimed at making life easier and more connected. The car now comes standard with Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment system, shown off on a crisp eight-inch colour screen.
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You get a six-speaker sound system, plus built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so syncing your phone for maps or music is a breeze. The Commander Dial sits right on the centre console, so you can control everything without poking at the screen and there is a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel to finish things off.
Mazda stays with its naturally aspirated 2,0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine under the hood. It pushes out 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque; all sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic. The setup gets you an average of 6,3 l/100 km, thanks in part to the i-Stop start/stop system that shuts off the engine when you are waiting at a red light. On paper, the CX-3 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 9,5 seconds and maxes out at 197 km/h.
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Safety-wise, you are still covered with dynamic stability control, cruise control, and hill launch assist. The car rides on 16-inch alloys wrapped in 215/60 tires.
Pricing for the 2026 CX-3 2.0 Active Auto kicks off at R440 000. You get a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, three years of service, and five years of roadside assistance. It is available right now at Mazda dealerships across the country.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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