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
EX-8 Dropside
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
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Model Introduced Year
2015
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Current South African EX-8 Dropside listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
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.
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
2015
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Dropside truck
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Compact crossover
Van
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
2650 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
Van
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Length
4275 mm
6620 mm
Width
1765 mm
2100 mm
Height
1542 mm
2355 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
3850 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
200 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
100 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
-
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
2650 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
7800 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
5150 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
3 seats
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1058 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
888 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Automatic
Not Available
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Smart
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Wireless
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
Not Applicable
AC Type
Automatic
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
4
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
ex-8-dropside
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
mid
Variant Role
-
Core range derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
3.9-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
3907 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
83.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
91.2 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
103 kW @ 2800 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
373 Nm
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
RWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
197 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
38.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
140.8 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
EX-8 Dropside
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
5
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Rear-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
5
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
5.2 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
4.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
6.1 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
100 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
48
100
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
5.2 km/l
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Airbags
6
Airbags not listed in official Hyundai EX8 brochure
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Seat Material
Black Leather
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Cloth
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Digital instrument cluster
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EX-8 Dropside grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Infotainment System
Standard
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
7
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
SYNC
Touchscreen
8-Inch
SYNC
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
8-Inch
SYNC
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Bluetooth
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
LED Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
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.
3
Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Body Type
-
Van
Led Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Headlight Type
Standard
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
200 mm
Approach Angle
-
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Tyre Size
215/50R18
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
-
4
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
3 Years/Unlimited km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years/Unlimited km
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Mid
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
656500 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
551600
656500
Starting Price Zar
551600
656500
Spec
CX-3
EX-8 Dropside
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-3 and EX-8 Dropside 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 EX-8 Dropside 58.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs EX-8 Dropside 31.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs EX-8 Dropside 94.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs EX-8 Dropside 67.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs EX-8 Dropside 65.
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 EX-8 Dropside 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
EX-8 Dropside leads by 4 points
CX-3 and EX-8 Dropside 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
EX-8 Dropside
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai EX-8 Dropside
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, EX-8 Dropside 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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