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.
CX-3 starts ZAR 259,900 cheaperCX-3 from ZAR 440,000 · H6 PHEV from ZAR 699,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
268 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
760 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
1500 cc
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
90.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
170 mm
Boot / Load Bay
230 l
560 l
Airbags
6
Front double, front side and side curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1980 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
H6 PHEV holds a noticeable edge over CX-3, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
H6 PHEV
+51 pts
Efficiency
H6 PHEV
+35 pts
Safety
CX-3
+23 pts
Practicality
H6 PHEV
+20 pts
Ownership
H6 PHEV
+18 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-3
Strengths
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
H6 PHEV
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
H6 PHEV
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
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
H6 PHEV
Model Introduced Year
2015
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Current South African H6 PHEV 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
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
Compact crossover
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
1946 kg
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
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5T Ultra Luxury Hi-4 4WD PHEV DHT
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
4WD / AWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
4x2
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Available
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
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Two-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
90.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
55 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
6.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
6.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
6.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
48
55
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Over 1000 km
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
City Mileage
-
74.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
-
105.4 km/l
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
90.9 km/l
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Airbags
6
Front double, front side and side curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Not Available
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
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
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
-
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
-
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
TCS
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
540-degree panoramic camera
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
540-degree panoramic camera
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Pre-Collision System
-
Standard
Surround View Camera
Not Available
540-degree panoramic camera
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Seat Material
Black Leather
Not Applicable
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
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
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
-
10.25-inch
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen H6 PHEV grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Climate Control
Automatic
Dual-zone
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Smart
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic
Dual-zone
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
1445 l
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Climate Zones
-
Dual-zone
Engine Warranty
-
5
Heads Up Display
-
Full-colour
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Skid Plates
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Air Conditioning
Automatic
Dual-zone
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
-
10.25-inch
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
Manual Aircon
-
Dual-zone
Heated Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Sound System
7
9
Source Model Column
-
h6-phev
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
540-degree panoramic camera
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trailer Stability Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Length
4275 mm
4703 mm
Width
1765 mm
1886 mm
Height
1542 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2738 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Payload Capacity
465 kg
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
55 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1980 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
1500 kg
Front Legroom
1058 mm
-
Rear Legroom
888 mm
-
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
170 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
560 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
2400 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
-
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
FWD
4WD
Top Speed
197 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Bore
83.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
91.2 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1500 cc
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
19.1 kWh
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Plug-in Hybrid
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
268 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
760 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Plug-in Hybrid
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
106 km
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Wireless
Number of Speakers
7
9
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
10.25-inch
Infotainment System
Standard
Coffee OS
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
Coffee OS
Touchscreen
8-Inch
Coffee OS
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Infotainment Screen Size
8-Inch
Coffee OS
Infotainment Display
-
Coffee OS
Audio Speakers
7
9
Audio System
-
9
Display Audio
-
Coffee OS
Head Up Display
-
Full-colour
Multi Information Display
-
10.25-inch
Connected Services
-
Wireless
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Wireless
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic + Machining
-
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
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
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
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
170 mm
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
170 mm
Approach Angle
-
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
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
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
Standard
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
0 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Plug-in hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
PHEV
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
0
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
0
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Flagship
Price Source
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
749900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
551600
749900
Starting Price Zar
551600
749900
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
7 years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
7 years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
7 years
Spec
CX-3
H6 PHEV
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 75 000 km
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Approx Service Cost
-
Included in Service Plan
Battery Warranty
-
8 years / 150 000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
5 Years / 75,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
10,000 km
First Service At
-
5000
Service Plan Duration
3 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 75 000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 75 000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
-
Yes
Alternator
-
110A
Service Intervals
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
H6 PHEV leads by 20 points
H6 PHEV holds a noticeable edge over CX-3, especially in key ownership areas.
In structured scoring, H6 PHEV 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 H6 PHEV 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 H6 PHEV 96. 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, H6 PHEV 38. 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, H6 PHEV 65. 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, H6 PHEV 68. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-3 47, H6 PHEV 98. 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 H6 PHEV edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The H6 PHEV 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 H6 PHEV in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-3 scores 47 vs 98.
Efficiency: CX-3 scores 61 vs 96.
Safety: CX-3 scores 61 vs 38.
Practicality: CX-3 scores 48 vs 68.
Ownership: CX-3 scores 47 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives H6 PHEV
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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