A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Dashing starts ZAR 440000 cheaperCX-3 from ZAR 440,000 · Dashing from ZAR 439,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Engine Power
115 kW
115 kW
Torque
206 Nm
230 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
1498 cc
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
160 mm
Boot / Load Bay
230 l
977 l
Airbags
6
Front and front side airbags plus side curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1530-1580 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Dashing has a slight advantage, but CX-3 remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Dashing
+2 pts
Efficiency
CX-3
+11 pts
Safety
Dashing
+5 pts
Practicality
Dashing
+29 pts
Ownership
Dashing
+22 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Dashing
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Dashing
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Model Introduced Year
2015
-
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Current local listing
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.
Not listed by current South African source page.
Facelift Launched Since
2015
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Active
Active
Segment
Compact crossover
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Ground Clearance
155 mm
160 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2720 mm
Length
4275 mm
4590 mm
Width
1765 mm
1900 mm
Height
1542 mm
1685 mm
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1530-1580 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
1735 kg
1888 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
230 l
977 l
Towing Capacity
850 kg
-
Turning Radius
5.7 m
-
Load Bed Length
230 l
977 l
Load Bed Width
-
-
Front Legroom
1058 mm
-
Rear Legroom
888 mm
-
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
977 l
Number of Doors
5
-
Max Payload
465 kg
-
Boot Volume
230 l
977 l
Doors
5
-
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
57 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1735 kg
1888 kg
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
160 mm
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
160 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
155 mm
160 mm
Height Mm
1542 mm
1685 mm
Length Mm
4275 mm
4590 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
230 l
977 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
465 kg
-
Cargo Volume
230 l
977 l
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
1530-1580 kg
Turning Circle
5.7 m
-
Turning Circle M
5.7 m
-
Width Mm
1765 mm
1900 mm
Front Track Width
-
-
Rear Track Width
-
-
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Engine
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
SQRE4T15C
Engine Type
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5-litre turbo petrol
Displacement
1998 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
-
Power
115 kW
115 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
5500
Torque
206 Nm
230 Nm
Torque @ RPM
2800
1750-4000
Turbocharger
Naturally Aspirated
-
Top Speed
197 km/h
180 km/h
Compression Ratio
13:0:0
-
Cylinder Bore
83.5 mm
-
Piston Stroke
91.2 mm
-
Power
154 bhp
154 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Inline
-
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
-
Engine Type Config
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
-
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1498 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1998 cc
1498 cc
Engine Config
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
-
Engine Cylinders
4
-
Engine Displacement Cc
1998 cc
1498 cc
Engine Power kW
115 kW
115 kW
Engine Torque Nm
206 Nm
230 Nm
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
-
Max Power kW
115 kW
115 kW
Max Torque Nm
206 Nm
230 Nm
Maximum Power
115 kW
115 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm
230 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6000
5500
Torque Nm Rpm
2800
1750-4000
Turbo Type
-
-
Valves per Cylinder
-
-
Fuel System
-
-
0-100 km/h
-
-
Engine Code
-
SQRE4T15C
Fuel Grade Required
-
Petrol
0–100 km/h
-
-
Acceleration 0 100
-
-
Engine Valves
-
-
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
-
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
-
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
-
-
Paddle Shifters
Standard
-
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
-
Number of Gears
6 km/h
6 km/h
Transmission Type
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
-
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
4WD Engagement
-
-
4WD Hi Range
-
-
4WD Lo Range
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
-
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
FWD
-
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
6 km/h
LSD Available
-
-
Clutch Type
-
-
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
57 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
-
Average Fuel Consumption
6.3 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.3 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.3 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
-
-
Charging Time AC Full
-
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
-
Combined Consumption
6.3 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.3 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
6.3 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
48 l
57 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
-
-
Combined Driving Range
-
-
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
-
Range Wltp
-
-
City Mileage
-
10.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
-
14.7 km/l
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.8 km/l
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Airbags
6
Front and front side airbags plus side curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
-
-
Hill Start Assist
-
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
-
Front Parking Sensors
-
-
AEB
-
-
BA
Standard
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
-
Hill Hold
-
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
-
Side Airbags
Standard
Front and front side airbags plus side curtain airbags
Knee Airbag
-
-
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
-
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Yes
Brake Override System
-
-
TCS
-
Yes
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
Yes
Front Seat Side Airbags
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Cruise Control
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Lane Keep Assist
-
-
Lane Departure Warning
-
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
-
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
-
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Drive Modes
Sport
-
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Around View Monitor
-
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
-
Yes
Park Assist
-
-
Forward Collision Warning
-
-
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Seat Material
Black Leather
Black synthetic leather seats with red stitching
Heated Seats
-
-
Ventilated Seats
-
-
Ambient Lighting
-
8 colours
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
-
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Driver electric 6-way; passenger manual 4-way
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Driver electric 6-way; passenger manual 4-way
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Black synthetic leather seats with red stitching
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver electric 6-way; passenger manual 4-way
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Climate Control
Automatic
-
Power Windows
Front & Rear
-
Keyless Entry
Smart
-
Push Button Start
Standard
-
Wireless Charging
Standard
40W
Sunroof
Standard
Yes
Electric Tailgate
-
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Automatic
-
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
-
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5-year/60,000 km service plan
Stability Control
Standard
-
Automatic Headlamps
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
7.8
Spare Wheel
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Non full-size
Valves Per Cylinder
-
-
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Infotainment Screen
Standard
Dual 10.25-inch instrument cluster and infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
7
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
-
USB Ports
2
Front Type-A x2; rear USB ports listed
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
10.25-inch
Touchscreen
8-Inch
10.25-inch
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Yes
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.
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Yes
Fog Lamps
-
-
Roof Rails
-
-
Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Headlight Type
Standard
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Sport
-
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
FWD
-
Approach Angle
-
-
Wading Depth
-
-
Breakover Angle
-
-
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Tyre Size
215/50R18
235/55R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc brake
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Solid disc brake
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Non full-size
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
19
Handbrake Type
Electronic
-
Brake Type Front
-
Ventilated disc brake
Brake Type Rear
-
Solid disc brake
Spare Tyre
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Non full-size
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multiple link independent suspension
Front Suspension Type
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion beam axle
Multiple link independent suspension
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
185 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
South Africa market model
Price Source
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
https://jetour.co.za/models-dashing/
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
top
Starting Price
551600
439900
Starting Price Zar
551600
439900
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Spec
CX-3
Dashing
Gear Shift Indicator
-
-
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Dashing leads by 9 points
Dashing has a slight advantage, but CX-3 remains highly competitive.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Dashing
Performance
49/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
66/100
Practicality
77/100
Ownership
69/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
61/100
Practicality
48/100
Ownership
47/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Jetour Dashing
wins with 62 pts
vs 53 pts for CX-3
In structured scoring, Dashing emerges as the stronger overall package. However, CX-3 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Dashing edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: CX-3 61 vs Dashing 50. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: CX-3 61, Dashing 66. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: CX-3 47, Dashing 69. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: CX-3 48, Dashing 77. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-3 47, Dashing 49. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Dashing edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Dashing scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between CX-3 and Dashing in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-3 scores 47 vs 49.
Efficiency: CX-3 scores 61 vs 50.
Safety: CX-3 scores 61 vs 66.
Practicality: CX-3 scores 48 vs 77.
Ownership: CX-3 scores 47 vs 69.
Final structured scoring gives Dashing
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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