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.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
D90
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
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Spec
CX-3
D90
Model Introduced Year
2015
2025
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Current South African D90 generation.
Facelift History
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.
No later South African facelift is published.
Facelift Launched Since
2015
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Seven-seat large SUV
Model Year
2026
2025
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Compact crossover
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-3
D90
Length
4275 mm
5046 mm
Width
1765 mm
2016 mm
Height
1542 mm
1876 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2950 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
210 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
Not Officially Disclosed
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
343 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
2370 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
3100 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
730 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
3100 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
6.45 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
888 mm
950 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
-
3 rows
Front Headroom
-
1010 mm
Rear Headroom
-
990 mm
Spec
CX-3
D90
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Automatic front and rear
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
-
AC Type
Automatic
Automatic front and rear
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-3
D90
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2.0L twin-turbo diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
SC20M218Q6B
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1996 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
High-pressure common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
15.9:1
Bore
83.5 mm
83 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
92 mm
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
160 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
500 Nm @ 1500-2400 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
FWD
4WD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
197 km/h
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Sport, Normal, Eco
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
67.51 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
210.97 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
CX-3
D90
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-engine four-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Intelligent/selectable 4WD
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Centre + Rear + Front
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Torque-converter automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Steering wheel
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Standard
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Standard
Axle Layout
4x2
4WD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Standard
Transmission Speeds
6
8
LSD Available
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
D90
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
10.99 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
8.77 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
12.82 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
75 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
20 l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
48
75
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
824.18
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
735.29 km
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
10.99 km/l
Spec
CX-3
D90
Airbags
6
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
AEB
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Yes
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
D90
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
CX-3
D90
Seat Material
Black Leather
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Not Officially Disclosed
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
8-way electric + lumbar + massage + heating
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
4-way electric + lumbar + heating + massage + ventilation
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Leather
Spec
CX-3
D90
Infotainment System
Standard
12.3-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
7
12
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
12.3
USB Ports
2
Standard
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
12.3
Touchscreen
8-Inch
12.3
Spec
CX-3
D90
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic + Machining
-
Exterior Colour Options
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.
Natural White; Metal Ash; Metal Black; Spruce Green
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
-
Standard
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
D90
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
25 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Standard
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
28 deg
Wading Depth
-
550 mm
Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Spec
CX-3
D90
Tyre Size
215/50R18
265/50 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
255/60 R18
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
20
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic parking brake
Spec
CX-3
D90
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Double wishbone
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
5-link coil spring
Spec
CX-3
D90
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
239 g/km
Spec
CX-3
D90
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 100000 km
Spec
CX-3
D90
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
899900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current go-live price
Starting Price
551600
899900
Starting Price Zar
551600
899900
Spec
CX-3
D90
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 200000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-3 and D90 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: CX-3 47 vs D90 82.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs D90 45.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs D90 93.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs D90 78.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs D90 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
CX-3 and D90 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
D90 leads by 16 points
D90 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-3.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
D90
Performance
82/100
Efficiency
45/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
78/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLDV D90
leads the specification evidence index with 76 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, D90 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.
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