A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
2.0 Astina Edition Auto FWDPetrol6-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 629,700ex-showroom
⚡ 121 kW🔧 213 Nm⛽ 15.9 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
BAIC B30 vs Mazda Mazda3: the short answer
B30 and Mazda3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Mazda3 starts ZAR 21,600 cheaperB30 from ZAR 519,900 · Mazda3 from ZAR 498,300
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
B30
Mazda3
Maximum Power
B30138 kW
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
B30305 Nm
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
B301498 cc
Mazda31998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
B3012.41 km/l
Mazda315.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
B30215 mm
Mazda3140 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BAIC B30
B30 Elite Adventure
Hagalu editorial rating
4.1/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
B30
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Mazda3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
B30
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Mazda3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Model Introduced Year
2025
2019
Generation
Current first-generation BAIC B30 for South Africa, introduced locally for the 2025 model year with petrol and self-charging HEV derivatives.
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Facelift History
The B30 was unveiled locally in August 2025 and launched in November 2025 as the first South African version; no later local facelift has been announced.
The seventh-generation South African hatchback launched in 2019 and the current range has since been consolidated to Dynamic and Astina editions.
Facelift Launched Since
2025
2019
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door mid-size SUV
Hatchback
Model Year
2025
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
Mid-size SUV
C-segment hatchback
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
-
1350 kg
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Length
4730 mm
4460 mm
Width
1910 mm
1795 mm
Height
1790 mm
1440 mm
Wheelbase
2820 mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
215 mm
140 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
Not Officially Disclosed
295 l
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1350 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2034 kg
1870 kg
Payload Capacity
459 kg
520 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
5.3 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1075 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
891 mm
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Engine
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
A156T2H
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1498 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
13.0:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
83.5 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
138 kW
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
305 Nm
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
7-Speed DCT
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
9.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Standard, Sport, Economy, Snow
Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
89.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
157.8 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Gearbox
7DCT
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
3.850
Number of Gears
7
6
Transmission Type
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Gear Shift Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Dual-clutch
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
No
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
7
6
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Claimed Mileage
12.41 km/l
15.9 km/l
City Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
18.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro VI
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Real-world Mileage
12.41 km/l
15.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
60
51
Combined Driving Range
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Standard
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
-
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Seat Material
Leather
Black Leather
Heated Seats
Optional
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Optional
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
(60:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Seat Trim
Leather
Black Leather
Front Shoulder Room
-
1414 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1356 mm
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Front
Keyless Entry
Standard
Smart
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1496 l
687 l
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic
Dual-zone climate control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1496 l
687 l
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Infotainment System
BAIC DA head unit with DAB radio
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Android Auto
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
12
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster
Not Available
USB Ports
USB-A front; USB-C front and rear
2
Infotainment Screen
14.6-inch central touchscreen
10-Inch
Touchscreen
14.6-inch central touchscreen
10-Inch
Spec
B30
Mazda3
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
-
Roof Rails
Optional
-
Exterior Colour Options
Mint Green, Blue, White, Light Grey, Matte Grey, Grey, Black
Mazda South Africa offers model-specific solid, metallic and premium paint finishes subject to current edition availability.
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Optional
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Approach Angle
25 deg
-
Departure Angle
30 deg
-
Wading Depth
450 mm
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Sport
Locking Differential
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
21 deg
-
Ground Clearance Max
-
140 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
140 mm
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Tyre Size
235/65 R18
215/45 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Non-full-size space-saver spare wheel
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch
18x7J
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Electronic
Towing Unbraked Kg
750 kg
-
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Front Suspension
MacPherson independent suspension
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link independent suspension
Torsion beam axle
Spec
B30
Mazda3
CO2 Emissions
Not Officially Disclosed
146 g/km
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Service Plan
7 Years / 90 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Ownership Role
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
519900 ZAR
629700 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current ex-showroom price
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
519900
629700
Starting Price Zar
519900
629700
Spec
B30
Mazda3
Warranty
7 Years / 200 000 km; 7-year unlimited-mileage roadside assistance
5 Years/Unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This B30 and Mazda3 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: B30 59 vs Mazda3 50.
Efficiency index: B30 51 vs Mazda3 61.
Safety-equipment index: B30 92 vs Mazda3 96.
Practicality index: B30 61 vs Mazda3 50.
Ownership-cover index: B30 not separately scored vs Mazda3 not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
B30 and Mazda3 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
B30 leads by 2 points
B30 and Mazda3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
B30
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
51/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
61/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBAIC B30
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, B30 leads. However, Mazda3 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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