A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
CX-3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
C7
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
C7
CX-3
Model Introduced Year
2026
2015
Generation
Current South Africa C7 range
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Facelift History
Current South Africa version listed by official source
The CX-3 has received successive equipment and design updates since its 2015 debut; Carbon and Individual now sit together at the top of the South African range.
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2015
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
SUV
Compact crossover
Tare Mass Kg
1578 kg
1270 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
C7
CX-3
Length
4660 mm
4275 mm
Width
1875 mm
1765 mm
Height
1670 mm
1542 mm
Wheelbase
2720 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
176 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
176 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
614 l
230 l
Kerb Weight
1578 kg
1270 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2090 kg
1735 kg
Payload Capacity
512 kg
465 kg
Towing Capacity
1250 kg
850 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.7 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
-
Rear Headroom
960 mm
-
Front Legroom
1090 mm
1058 mm
Rear Legroom
750 mm
888 mm
Spec
C7
CX-3
Front Track Width
Not Available
-
Rear Track Width
Not Available
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Torsion beam axle
Spec
C7
CX-3
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Automatic
Automatic
Power Windows
Standard
Front & Rear
Keyless Entry
Standard
Smart
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1371 l
1140 l
AC Type
Automatic
Automatic
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
C7
CX-3
Engine
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
SQRF4J16
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1600 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Petrol injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
9.9:1
13.0:1
Bore
77.0 mm
83.5 mm
Stroke
85.8 mm
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
145 kW @ 5500 rpm
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
290 Nm
206 Nm @ 2800 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
190 km/h
197 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.4 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
16.3 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
91.9 kW/tonne
90.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
183.8 Nm/tonne
162.2 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
C7
CX-3
Gearbox
7 DCT
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
4.325
Number of Gears
7
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Automatic clutch
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
-
Gear Shift Type
Electric
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
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
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
7 DCT
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
FWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
7
6
Spec
C7
CX-3
Claimed Mileage
13.3 km/l
15.9 km/l
City Mileage
10.7 km/l
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.7 km/l
18.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
48 l
Emission Standard
Euro VIb
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Real-world Mileage
13.3 km/l
15.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Plug-in hybrid AC/DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC/DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
51
48
Combined Driving Range
Not Available
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Available
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Available
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Available
Not Applicable
Spec
C7
CX-3
Airbags
Multiple airbags
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
Standard
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
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
C7
CX-3
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
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard
Front & 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 Available
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 Available
-
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
-
Spec
C7
CX-3
Seat Material
Leatherette / leather
Black Leather
Heated Seats
Standard
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Available
1360 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Available
1281 mm
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
(60:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Power
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Seat Trim
Leatherette / leather
Black Leather
Spec
C7
CX-3
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
7
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Not Available
USB Ports
Front and rear USB where listed
2
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
8-Inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
8-Inch
Spec
C7
CX-3
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
Standard
-
Roof Rails
Standard
-
Exterior Colour Options
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, moonlight silver, grey and other official Omoda market colours where listed.
Aero Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Platinum Quartz and Soul Red Crystal are listed, with Carbon availability limited to selected finishes.
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic + Machining
Spec
C7
CX-3
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
25.7 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Sport
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
176 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance Min
176 mm
155 mm
Spec
C7
CX-3
Tyre Size
235/50 R19
215/50R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Wheel Rim Size
235/50 R19
18 X 7.0 J
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electronic
Spec
C7
CX-3
CO2 Emissions
173 g/km
146 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
C7
CX-3
Service Plan
5 Years / 70 000 km
3 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
C7
CX-3
Ownership Role
mid-to-high value
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
539900 ZAR
551600 ZAR
Pricing Role
mid-to-high value
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
539900
551600
Starting Price Zar
539900
551600
Spec
C7
CX-3
Warranty
5 Years / 150 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This C7 and CX-3 comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: C7 61 vs CX-3 47.
Efficiency index: C7 52 vs CX-3 61.
Safety-equipment index: C7 94 vs CX-3 84.
Practicality index: C7 67 vs CX-3 48.
Ownership-cover index: C7 not separately scored vs CX-3 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.
Specification Evidence Index
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
C7 leads by 9 points
C7 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CX-3 remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
C7
Performance
61/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
67/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexOmoda C7
leads the specification evidence index with 69 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, C7 leads. However, CX-3 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 African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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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