Mazda's new CX-3 crosses over into South Africa

Mazda has launched a new compact crossover in South Africa - the new CX-3.

Despite its looks and nomenclature Mazda says its not a mini-version of the CX-5.

'Jinba-Ittai' (fun driving)

The automaker says the CX-3 represents a new "standard for the era of customers". It uses Mazda's Kodo design language and boasts new SkyActiv technologies. 

Mazda SA managing director, David Hughes, told Wheels24 that the CX-3 is "not a CX-5 hybrid, nor is it a Mazda2 SUV."

"The CX-3 is a new compact SUV that delivers on the our brand DNA known as 'Zoom-Zoom'; Jinba-Ittai (fun-driving) and defies convention with a clean page approach."

Hughes said that there's no all-wheel drive version for the CX-3 yet, but "we'll get there".