Consumer Reports has named Mazda the best vehicle brand you can buy.
It received an overall score of 80/100, placing it in first place out of 32 brands.
BMW came second with 78/100, and Subaru and Porsche tied in third place – with 76.
This result is based on the of judging of nearly every major brand on the market on the basis of four principles:
- Safety
- Road-test score
- Owner satisfaction
- Predicted reliability
Vehicles from each brand were put through over 50 tests to determine their ratings in the different categories.
The overall score was then calculated with the values of each individual rating.
Mazda South Africa
Mazda South Africa told TopAuto it is very proud of this achievement, which they have taken for the first time.
“It is a testament not only to the hard work of our colleagues and dealer partners in America. it also shows that Mazda products, Mazda quality and technology, as well as the experiences we aim to create with our customers are always at the heart of everything we do,” said Claudia Walters, head of marketing and communications for Mazda South Africa.
“Pride and passion in every stage of the process from conception of a car, through to modelling, design and production, is so that our customers can have pride in every moment of ownership.”
Mazda added that it is excited for the future of the brand in South Africa.
“Since our inception as an independent sales organisation in South Africa in 2014, it has been our goal to build a brand that is recognized as a premium brand.”
Walters said this is only possible through maintaining a strong and healthy relationship with their dealer partners, who are ultimately the first point of contact with the customers.
“We have an exciting product portfolio that is tailored to the South African market, and with our simplified grade making it easy to choose the model and specification suited to your needs.”
“Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy is deeply bound to Japanese ideas of aesthetics, and appeals to customers around the world.”
This design philosophy is already lived out in their current vehicle line-up, and will be boldly expressed in the new BT-50 bakkie that will be arriving later this year.
“We look forward to it’s introduction, a bakkie with a special appeal to the South African market.”
How much a Mazda costs in South Africa
Mazda currently offers seven models in the local market.
The range covers all bases, and features one sedan, two hatchbacks, three SUVs, and one bakkie.
Their vehicles are also fitted with an array of features and safety systems.
Each passenger vehicle sold from this brand gets a standard 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, roadside assistance, and a service plan.
The BT-50, being a light commercial vehicle, will be offered with a 5-year/150,000km warranty.
The list below details what these vehicles sell for new in the country.
Mazda 2
- Starting price – R275,100
- Top-of-the-range – R368,900
Mazda 3 Hatch
- Starting price – R374,600
- Top-of-the-range – R492,300
Mazda 3 Sedan
- Starting price – R371,600
- Top-of-the-range – R488,900
Mazda CX-3
- Starting price – R346,700
- Top-of-the-range – R469,700
Mazda CX-30
- Starting price – R469,000
- Top-of-the-range – R540,000
Mazda CX-5
- Starting price – R455,500
- Top-of-the-range – R676,100
Mazda BT-50
- Starting price – R509,000
- Top-of-the-range – R641,100
Keyword: Mazda is the best brand to buy – Here’s what they cost in South Africa