Hi-tech Astina Plus heads new Mazda3 range

Published Aug 26, 2016

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By Motoring Staff

Johannesburg - Mazda's facelifted Mazda3 range, now on showroom floors in South Africa, has been extended with the addition of a new flagship model, the 2.0L Astina Plus, and some high-tech new features.

It's available, as are all Mazda3 derivatives, in either four-door sedan or five-door hatch configuration, at the same price.

The cosmetic upgrades are so subtle, however, that you'll probably have to stand the new model next to its predecessor to spot them: an updated front badge that's mounted slightly lower than previously, new-look foglights, revised side skirts and new alloy rims, while the rear trim has been redesigned to make it look sleeker.

Interior upgrades include Bluetooth connectivity across the range, cruise control as standard issue on Individual models and Auto Shift Switch (that's Mazdaspeak for paddle shift) for versions with the six-speed automatic transmission.

The new Astina Plus features intelligent low-speed braking support, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, and blind spot monitoring, which it shares with the Astina.

The two-litre Individual, Astina and Astina plus are also the first to feature the G-Vectoring Control system, which detects steering inputs in cornering situations and subtly varies engine torque, backing off just enough to bring the car's nose down, transferring more weight to the front wheels for tighter response and more accurate steering.

PRICES

1.6L Original - R258 900

1.6L Active - R271 800

1.6L Dynamic - 284 900

1.6L Auto - R295 900

2.0L Individual - R331 900

2.0L Auto - R343 900

2.0L Astina AT - R378 400

2.0L Astina Plus AT - R407 900

These include a three-year, unlimited distance warranty, a three-year service plan and three year's roadside assistance.

Motoring.co.za

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