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 Individual Auto FWDPetrol6-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 551,600ex-showroom
⚡ 115 kW🔧 206 Nm⛽ 15.9 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Suzuki Celerio vs Mazda CX-3: the short answer
CX-3 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Celerio remains close.
Celerio starts ZAR 251,100 cheaperCelerio from ZAR 188,900 · CX-3 from ZAR 440,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Celerio
CX-3
Maximum Power
Celerio49 kW
CX-3115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Celerio89 Nm
CX-3206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
Engine Size
Celerio998 cc
CX-31998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Celerio18.2 km/l
CX-315.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Celerio0 mm
CX-3155 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.
Suzuki Celerio
1.0 GL AMT
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)
Celerio
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
CX-3
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Celerio
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Model Introduced Year
2026
2015
Generation
Current market generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Facelift History
Current market specification
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
Hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
Hatchback
Compact crossover
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1270 kg
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Length
3695 mm
4275 mm
Width
1655 mm
1765 mm
Height
1555 mm
1542 mm
Wheelbase
2435 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
0 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
150 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
32 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
230 l
Kerb Weight
825 kg
1270 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1260 kg
1735 kg
Payload Capacity
435 kg
465 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
850 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
5.7 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
-
Rear Headroom
950 mm
-
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1058 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
888 mm
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Engine
1.0-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
K10C
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
998 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
3
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
12
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Multi-point fuel injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
13.0:1
Bore
73.0 mm
83.5 mm
Stroke
85.0 mm
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
49 kW
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
89 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
Not Officially Disclosed
FWD
Transmission
5-Speed AMT
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
197 km/h
0-100 km/h
12.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
18.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
59.4 kW/tonne
90.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
107.9 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
Celerio
CX-3
Gearbox
5-speed automated manual
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
2WD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.3
4.325
Number of Gears
5
6
Transmission Type
5-speed automated manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Dry single-plate clutch
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Automatic
Drivetrain
2WD
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
No
Standard
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
5-speed automated manual
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front driven axle
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
5
6
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Claimed Mileage
18.2 km/l
15.9 km/l
City Mileage
16.0 km/l
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
18.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
32 l
48 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6 equivalent
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
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
32
48
Combined Driving Range
700
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
650 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
600 km
Not Applicable
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Not Applicable
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
-
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
-
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
No
Not Available
AEB
No
Not Available
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
-
Curtain Airbags
No
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Not Applicable
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
No
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
-
Knee Airbag
No
Not Available
ABS EBD
Not Applicable
Standard
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Cruise Control
Cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
No
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
No
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
No
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Applicable
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Not Available
Park Assist
No
-
Around View Monitor
No
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Applicable
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
No
-
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Seat Material
Fabric upholstery
Black Leather
Heated Seats
No
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
No
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
(60:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Seat Trim
Fabric upholstery
Black Leather
Front Shoulder Room
-
1360 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1281 mm
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Climate Control
Manual air conditioning
Automatic
Power Windows
Yes
Front & Rear
Keyless Entry
Yes
Smart
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
No
Standard
Sunroof
No
Standard
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Applicable
Standard
AC Type
Manual air conditioning
Automatic
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1140 l
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment system
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Android Auto
Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
7
Digital Instrument Cluster
Analogue instrument cluster with multi-information display
Not Available
USB Ports
USB-A / USB-C
2
Infotainment Screen
7
8-Inch
Touchscreen
7
8-Inch
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
LED Headlamps
No
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
No
-
Roof Rails
No
-
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple Suzuki factory exterior colours
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
No
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic + Machining
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
-
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
25.7 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Sport
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
-
Ground Clearance Max
-
155 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
155 mm
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Tyre Size
195/60 R16
215/50R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space-saver spare wheel
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Wheel Rim Size
16
18 X 7.0 J
Handbrake Type
Manual parking brake
Electronic
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Torsion beam axle
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
CO2 Emissions
125 g/km
146 g/km
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Service Plan
5 Years / 90000 km
3 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Ownership Role
Suzuki ownership programme
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
250000 ZAR
551600 ZAR
Pricing Role
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
250000
551600
Starting Price Zar
250000
551600
Spec
Celerio
CX-3
Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Celerio and CX-3 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: Celerio 20 vs CX-3 47.
Efficiency index: Celerio 69 vs CX-3 61.
Safety-equipment index: Celerio 67 vs CX-3 84.
Practicality index: Celerio 43 vs CX-3 48.
Ownership-cover index: Celerio 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.
Model imagery
Celerio and CX-3 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
CX-3 leads by 12 points
CX-3 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Celerio remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
Celerio
Performance
20/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
67/100
Practicality
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMazda CX-3
leads the specification evidence index with 60 pts
vs 48 pts for Celerio
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CX-3 leads. However, Celerio 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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