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.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Kona
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
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
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Model Introduced Year
2015
2018
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Second generation Kona on Hyundai's K2 GEN platform; the design is more conservative than the first gen but better resolved
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.
Second generation launched globally in 2023 and brought to SA; softened styling compared to the sharper first gen, improved interior quality and tech
Facelift Launched Since
2015
2023
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not confirmed
Body Style
SUV
Not confirmed
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Production Status
Active
Not confirmed
Segment
Compact crossover
Not confirmed
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
1460 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
Not confirmed
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Length
4275 mm
4355 mm
Width
1765 mm
1825 mm
Height
1542 mm
1570 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2660 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
165 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
466 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1460 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
Not confirmed
Payload Capacity
465 kg
Not confirmed
Towing Capacity
850 kg
Not confirmed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
Not confirmed
Front Legroom
1058 mm
Not confirmed
Rear Legroom
888 mm
Not confirmed
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Automatic
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
Front & Rear
All
Keyless Entry
Smart
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Standard
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
No
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
Not confirmed
AC Type
Automatic
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
Boot Opener
-
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Manual
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Steel
Tachometer
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Automatic
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
18-inch Alloy
Sound System
7
8 Bose Premium
Unlocking
Smart
Yes
Wireless Charger
Standard
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
998 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
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
Direct Injection
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
88 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
172 Nm @ 1500 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
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
197 km/h
185 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
10.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
60.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
117.8 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
Kona
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
FWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
Not confirmed
Number of Gears
6
Not confirmed
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Not confirmed
Drivetrain
FWD
Not confirmed
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not confirmed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Axle Layout
4x2
Not confirmed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Transmission Speeds
6
Not confirmed
Engine Position
-
Front
LSD Available
-
No
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
15.5 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
12.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
19.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
50 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not confirmed
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Litres
48
50
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not confirmed
AEB
Not Available
No
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Not confirmed
Side Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not confirmed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not confirmed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not confirmed
Auto Wipers
Standard
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not confirmed
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Seat Material
Black Leather
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Yes
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
Not confirmed
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
Not confirmed
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Not confirmed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Not confirmed
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Not confirmed
Seat Adjustment
-
Power Driver
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
-
4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
-
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Manual
Cooled Seats
-
No
Fabric Seats
-
Yes
Front Headrest
-
Yes
Leather Seats
-
No
Memory Seats
-
No
Rear Headrest
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Infotainment System
Standard
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
7
8 Bose Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
8-Inch
Not confirmed
Navigation System
-
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
-
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
Yes
Audio Speakers
7
8 Bose Premium
Spec
CX-3
Kona
LED Headlamps
Standard
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic + Machining
18-inch Alloy
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.
Not confirmed
Headlights
Standard
Full LED
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not confirmed
Fog Lamps
-
LED
Roof Rails
-
Yes
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
Standard
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
Standard
Full LED
Daytime Running Lights
Standard
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
-
LED
Headlamps
Standard
Full LED
Headlight Type
Standard
Full LED
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
Not confirmed
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
165 mm
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
165 mm
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Tyre Size
215/50R18
235/45 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
18-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not confirmed
Wheel Type
Black Metallic + Machining
18-inch Alloy
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Steel
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
18 X 7.0 J
18-inch Alloy
Wheels
Black Metallic + Machining
18-inch Alloy
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
Macpherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion beam axle
Multi-Link
Spec
CX-3
Kona
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
120 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Unleaded 95
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
4
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
3 Years/Unlimited km
4
Service Plan Distance
3 Years/Unlimited km
4
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
CX-3
Kona
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Not confirmed
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
Not confirmed
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Not confirmed
Starting Price
551600
Not confirmed
Starting Price Zar
551600
Not confirmed
Spec
CX-3
Kona
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
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-3 and Kona comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. 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 Kona 40.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs Kona 62.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs Kona 87.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs Kona 67.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs Kona 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.
Specification Evidence Index
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
Kona leads by 4 points
CX-3 and Kona are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
CX-3 +7
Efficiency
Kona +1
Safety
Kona +3
Practicality
Kona +19
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Kona
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
87/100
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 Kona
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Kona 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 African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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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