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
Volkswagen Caddy vs Mazda Mazda3: the short answer
Caddy and Mazda3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Mazda3 starts ZAR 74,900 cheaperCaddy from ZAR 573,200 · Mazda3 from ZAR 498,300
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Caddy
Mazda3
Maximum Power
Caddy81 kW
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Caddy300 Nm
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
Caddy1968 cc
Mazda31998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Caddy18.2 km/l
Mazda315.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Caddy144 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.
Volkswagen Caddy
Caddy Maxi 2.0 TDI Manual
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
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
Caddy
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Mazda3
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
Caddy
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Mazda3
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Model Introduced Year
2021
2019
Generation
SA5 fifth generation on MQB platform – major improvement over previous generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Facelift History
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2021 – completely new platform and design
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
2021
2019
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Van
Hatchback
Color Note
White, Silver, Black
-
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Drivetrain Note
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
-
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
published
Active
Segment
Van
C-segment hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
1707 kg
1350 kg
Vehicle Type
Van
Hatchback
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Length
4853 mm
4460 mm
Width
1855 mm
1795 mm
Height
1823 mm
1440 mm
Wheelbase
2970 mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
144 mm
140 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
446 l
295 l
Kerb Weight
1707 kg
1350 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2250 kg
1870 kg
Payload Capacity
543 kg
520 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.1 m
5.3 m
Front Legroom
-
1075 mm
Rear Legroom
-
891 mm
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Front Track Width
1571 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1563 mm
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Torsion beam axle
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
Front
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Smart
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1720 l
687 l
Boot Space Seats Folded
1720 l
687 l
AC Type
Not Available
Dual-zone climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
caddy
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
top
-
Variant Role
Entry or fleet-access derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1968 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
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
81 kW
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
300 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
Not Officially Disclosed
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
47.5 kW/tonne
89.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
175.7 Nm/tonne
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
Caddy
Mazda3
Gearbox
Manual
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
4x2
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
3.850
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Automatic
Drivetrain
4x2
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 Applicable
Standard
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Manual
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
6
6
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Claimed Mileage
18.2 km/l
15.9 km/l
City Mileage
14.8 km/l
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
21.3 km/l
18.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
18.2 km/l
15.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
50 l
51
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
Caddy
Mazda3
Airbags
Front airbags
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Not Available
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
-
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
-
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Not Available
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
-
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
-
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Seat Material
Not Applicable
Black Leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1414 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1356 mm
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Standard
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
(60:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Car-like cabin with 8-inch infotainment display, air conditioning, modern switchgear
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
Black Leather
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Infotainment System
Not Available
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Wireless
Android Auto
Not Available
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
12
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Not Available
USB Ports
Not Available
2
Infotainment Screen
Not Available
10-Inch
Touchscreen
Not Available
10-Inch
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
-
Roof Rails
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
Mazda South Africa offers model-specific solid, metallic and premium paint finishes subject to current edition availability.
Body Type
Van
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Sport
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
144 mm
140 mm
Ground Clearance Min
144 mm
140 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Tyre Size
Not Available
215/45 R18
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
18x7J
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
146 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Service Plan
Not Available
5 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
Caddy
Mazda3
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
722650 ZAR
629700 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
722650
629700
Starting Price Zar
722650
629700
In depth: how these cars differ
This Caddy 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: Caddy 44 vs Mazda3 50.
Efficiency index: Caddy 72 vs Mazda3 61.
Safety-equipment index: Caddy 88 vs Mazda3 96.
Practicality index: Caddy 66 vs Mazda3 50.
Ownership-cover index: Caddy 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
Caddy 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
Caddy leads by 3 points
Caddy 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
Caddy
Performance
44/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
66/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Caddy
leads the specification evidence index with 67 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Caddy 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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