Volkswagen Crafter vs Mazda Mazda3

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.

Volkswagen Crafter in South Africa

Volkswagen Crafter

50 Panel Van XLWB 8AT Diesel Current
ZAR 1,406,000 ex-showroom
⚡ 103 kW 🔧 340 Nm ⛽ 16.7 km/l
VS
Mazda Mazda3 in South Africa

Mazda Mazda3

2.0 Astina Edition Auto FWD Petrol 6-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 629,700 ex-showroom
⚡ 121 kW 🔧 213 Nm ⛽ 15.9 km/l
+ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

Volkswagen Crafter vs Mazda Mazda3: the short answer

Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.

Mazda3 starts ZAR 362,900 cheaper Crafter from ZAR 861,200 · Mazda3 from ZAR 498,300

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification Crafter Mazda3
Maximum Power Crafter103 kW Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque Crafter340 Nm Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size Crafter1968 cc Mazda31998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy Crafter16.7 km/l Mazda315.9 km/l
Ground Clearance Crafter195 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 Crafter

50 Panel Van XLWB 8AT

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Mazda Mazda3

2.0 Astina Edition Auto FWD

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Crafter Mazda3
Model Introduced Year Current local generation year not confirmed 2019
Generation Current South African Crafter listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data. Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Facelift History Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle. 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 Original current-generation version 2019
Facelift Version Ending Current Current
Body Style Van Hatchback
Color Note Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering. -
Dealer Stock Note Flagship 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 GVM class 5000 kg 1350 kg
Vehicle Type Van Hatchback
Spec Crafter Mazda3
Length 7391 mm 4460 mm
Width 2040 mm 1795 mm
Height 2590 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase 4490 mm 2725 mm
Ground Clearance (Default) 195 mm 140 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 75 l 51 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 6000 kg 1870 kg
Seating Capacity 3 seats 5 seats
Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Boot/Cargo Space - 295 l
Kerb Weight - 1350 kg
Payload Capacity - 520 kg
Towing Capacity - 1000 kg
Minimum Turning Radius - 5.3 m
Front Legroom - 1075 mm
Rear Legroom - 891 mm

In depth: how these cars differ

This Crafter and Mazda3 comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.

Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.

Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.

Specification Score Withheld

Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.

Fail closed

Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.

Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.

What the evidence means

No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.

Crafter vs Mazda3 questions

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.