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
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet vs Mazda CX-3: the short answer
CLE Cabriolet has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CX-3 remains close.
CX-3 starts ZAR 1,033,600 cheaperCLE Cabriolet from ZAR 1,473,600 · CX-3 from ZAR 440,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Maximum Power
CLE Cabriolet150 kW
CX-3115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
CLE Cabriolet320 Nm
CX-3206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
Engine Size
CLE Cabriolet1999 cc
CX-31998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CLE Cabriolet14.3 km/l
CX-315.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
CLE Cabriolet120 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.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet
CLE 200 Cabriolet
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
CLE Cabriolet
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?
CLE Cabriolet
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
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Model Introduced Year
2026
2015
Generation
Current South African CLE Cabriolet generation represented by derivative CLE 200 Cabriolet
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
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
Current South African model cycle
2015
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Convertible
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
Active
Segment
Luxury convertible
Compact crossover
Vehicle Type
Convertible
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1270 kg
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Length
4850 mm
4275 mm
Width
1861 mm
1765 mm
Height
1424 mm
1542 mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
120 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
385 l
230 l
Kerb Weight
2050 kg
1270 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
1735 kg
Payload Capacity
420 kg
465 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
850 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.7 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
-
Rear Headroom
960 mm
-
Front Legroom
900 mm
1058 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
888 mm
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Engine
1999/L4
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
M254
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1999 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
10.5:1
13.0:1
Bore
83.0 mm
83.5 mm
Stroke
92.0 mm
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
150 kW
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
320 Nm
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
Combined Power
150 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
320 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
RWD
FWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
236 km/h
197 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.9 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
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
90.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
162.2 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
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
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
4.325
Number of Gears
9
6
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
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
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: RWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
9
6
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Claimed Mileage
14.3 km/l
15.9 km/l
City Mileage
14.3 km/l
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.3 km/l
18.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
48 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Real-world Mileage
14.3 km/l
15.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
48
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
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
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
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
Not Available
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
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
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
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
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
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
-
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Black Leather
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
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
(60:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Black Leather
Front Shoulder Room
-
1360 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1281 mm
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Automatic
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
Standard
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic climate control
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
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
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
7
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Not Available
USB Ports
USB-C ports
2
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
8-Inch
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
8-Inch
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
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
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
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic + Machining
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
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
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
-
Ground Clearance Max
-
155 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
155 mm
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
215/50R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Wheel Rim Size
19
18 X 7.0 J
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electronic
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Torsion beam axle
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
CO2 Emissions
175 g/km
146 g/km
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
3 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
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.
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
1473600 ZAR
551600 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
1600000
551600
Starting Price Zar
1600000
551600
Spec
CLE Cabriolet
CX-3
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CLE Cabriolet 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: CLE Cabriolet 65 vs CX-3 47.
Efficiency index: CLE Cabriolet 60 vs CX-3 61.
Safety-equipment index: CLE Cabriolet 95 vs CX-3 84.
Practicality index: CLE Cabriolet 53 vs CX-3 48.
Ownership-cover index: CLE Cabriolet 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
CLE Cabriolet 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
CLE Cabriolet leads by 9 points
CLE Cabriolet 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
CLE Cabriolet
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
60/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
53/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet
leads the specification evidence index with 69 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CLE Cabriolet 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 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.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.