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 Carbon Edition Auto FWDPetrol6-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 688,400ex-showroom
⚡ 121 kW🔧 213 Nm⛽ 14.5 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé vs Mazda CX-5: the short answer
CLA Coupé and CX-5 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
CX-5 starts ZAR 322,468 cheaperCLA Coupé from ZAR 892,968 · CX-5 from ZAR 570,500
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Maximum Power
CLA Coupé120 kW
CX-5121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
CLA Coupé270 Nm
CX-5213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
CLA Coupé1332 cc
CX-51998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CLA Coupé16.7 km/l
CX-514.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
CLA Coupé135 mm
CX-5200 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.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé
CLA 200
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
CLA Coupé
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
CX-5
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CLA Coupé
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
CX-5
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
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Model Introduced Year
2026
2017
Generation
Current South African CLA Coupé generation represented by derivative CLA 200
Second-generation KF-series Mazda CX-5, current outgoing South African range
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
The second generation arrived in 2017 and received a substantial update from 2021. An all-new replacement is scheduled to reach South Africa on 1 August 2026, while this current range remains on sale.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
2017
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Coupe
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
Active
Segment
Premium coupé
Mid-size family SUV
Vehicle Type
Coupé
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1575 kg
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Length
4695 mm
4575 mm
Width
1830 mm
1845 mm
Height
1430 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
135 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
56 l
Boot/Cargo Space
460 l
438 l
Kerb Weight
1580 kg
1575 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
2065 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.55 m
5.95 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
-
Rear Headroom
960 mm
-
Front Legroom
900 mm
1041 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
1007 mm
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Engine
1332/L4
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
M282
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1332 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.6:1
13.0:1
Bore
72.2 mm
83.5 mm
Stroke
81.4 mm
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
120 kW
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
270 Nm
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Combined Power
120 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
270 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed DCT
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
229 km/h
182 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.4 sec
10.3 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
76.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
135.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
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
No
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Gearbox
8-Speed DCT
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
4.624
Number of Gears
8
6
Transmission Type
8-Speed DCT
Automatic
Clutch Type
Dual-clutch
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
No
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
No
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Standard
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
8-Speed DCT
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: FWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
6
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Claimed Mileage
16.7 km/l
14.5 km/l
City Mileage
16.7 km/l
11.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
16.7 km/l
17.1 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
56 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Real-world Mileage
16.7 km/l
14.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
56
Combined Driving Range
0
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
-
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
-
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
-
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
-
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
-
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
-
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
with red stitching
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
(40:20:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Front Shoulder Room
-
1451 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1391 mm
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Front & Rear
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Smart
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone climate control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1340 l
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
13
10
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Standard
USB Ports
USB-C ports
2
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
10.25-inch
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
10.25-inch
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Standard
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
-
Roof Rails
No
-
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Current paint selection depends on edition and remaining dealer allocation as the next-generation CX-5 approaches local launch.
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
-
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
22.5 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Sport
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
-
Ground Clearance Max
-
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
200 mm
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
225/55 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Wheel Rim Size
19
19x7J
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electronic
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Multi-link
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
CO2 Emissions
154 g/km
160 g/km
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
style-focused upper derivative
Price Zar
892968 ZAR
688400 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
style-focused upper derivative
Starting Price
1050000
688400
Starting Price Zar
1050000
688400
Spec
CLA Coupé
CX-5
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLA Coupé and CX-5 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: CLA Coupé 55 vs CX-5 48.
Efficiency index: CLA Coupé 68 vs CX-5 56.
Safety-equipment index: CLA Coupé 95 vs CX-5 88.
Practicality index: CLA Coupé 59 vs CX-5 61.
Ownership-cover index: CLA Coupé not separately scored vs CX-5 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
CLA Coupé and CX-5 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
CLA Coupé leads by 6 points
CLA Coupé and CX-5 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
CLA Coupé
Performance
55/100
Efficiency
68/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
59/100
CX-5
Performance
48/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLA Coupé
leads the specification evidence index with 69 pts
vs 63 pts for CX-5
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLA Coupé leads. However, CX-5 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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