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.
2.0 Individual Auto FWDPetrol6-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 551,600ex-showroom
⚡ 115 kW🔧 206 Nm⛽ 15.9 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceC9
⛽Fuel EconomyCX-3
🛡SafetyC9
📦PracticalityC9
🔑OwnershipNot enough comparable data
CX-3 starts ZAR 345,900 cheaperC9 from ZAR 785,900 · CX-3 from ZAR 440,000
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
C9
CX-3
Maximum Power
192 kW @ 5500 rpm
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
400 Nm
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
Engine Size
2000 cc
1998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
11.8 km/l
15.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
165 mm
155 mm
Boot / Load Bay
660 l
230 l
Airbags
Multiple airbags
6
Kerb Weight
-
1270 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
7 Years / 200 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
C9 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-3.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
C9
+34 pts
Efficiency
CX-3
+15 pts
Safety
C9
+10 pts
Practicality
C9
+30 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
C9
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
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?
C9
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
Spec
C9
CX-3
Model Introduced Year
2024
2015
Generation
Current South Africa C9 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
2024
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
Not Available
1270 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
C9
CX-3
Length
4775 mm
4275 mm
Width
1920 mm
1765 mm
Height
1671 mm
1542 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
165 mm
155 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
660 l
230 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2281 kg
1735 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Kerb Weight
-
1270 kg
Payload Capacity
-
465 kg
Towing Capacity
-
850 kg
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.7 m
Front Legroom
-
1058 mm
Rear Legroom
-
888 mm
Spec
C9
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
C9
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
1783 l
1140 l
AC Type
Automatic
Automatic
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
C9
CX-3
Engine
2-litre Turbocharged Petrol
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2000 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
Not Officially Disclosed
13.0:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
83.5 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
192 kW @ 5500 rpm
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
400 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
AWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
197 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
90.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
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
C9
CX-3
Gearbox
8 AT
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
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
8
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Automatic clutch
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
-
Gear Shift Type
Electric
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Available
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
8 AT
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
AWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
6
Spec
C9
CX-3
Claimed Mileage
11.8 km/l
15.9 km/l
City Mileage
9.5 km/l
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
13.9 km/l
18.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 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
11.8 km/l
15.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
65
48
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
C9
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
C9
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
C9
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
C9
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
C9
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
C9
CX-3
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
25.7 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Standard
Sport
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
AWD / 4WD as listed
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
165 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance Min
165 mm
155 mm
Spec
C9
CX-3
Tyre Size
245/50 R20
215/50R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Wheel Rim Size
245/50 R20
18 X 7.0 J
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electronic
Spec
C9
CX-3
CO2 Emissions
197 g/km
146 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
C9
CX-3
Service Plan
5 Years / 75 000 km
3 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
C9
CX-3
Ownership Role
flagship or capability-focused
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
885900 ZAR
551600 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship or capability-focused
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
785900
551600
Starting Price Zar
785900
551600
Spec
C9
CX-3
Warranty
7 Years / 200 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
C9 leads by 17 points
C9 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-3.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
C9
Performance
81/100
Efficiency
46/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
78/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Omoda C9
leads the catalogue index with 77 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, C9 leads. However, CX-3 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This C9 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: C9 81 vs CX-3 47.
Efficiency index: C9 46 vs CX-3 61.
Safety-equipment index: C9 94 vs CX-3 84.
Practicality index: C9 78 vs CX-3 48.
Ownership-cover index: C9 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.
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