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.
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
L4
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
L4
Model Introduced Year
2015
2026
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
First-generation LEPAS L4 compact SUV
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.
The L4 launched as the first LEPAS model in South Africa in 2026.
Facelift Launched Since
2015
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
Active
Segment
Compact crossover
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-3
L4
Length
4275 mm
4406 mm
Width
1765 mm
1820 mm
Height
1542 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
458 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1346 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
1844 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
498 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
1200 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
5.275 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
888 mm
890 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
170 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
1005 mm
Rear Headroom
-
975 mm
Spec
CX-3
L4
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Climate control
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
-
AC Type
Automatic
Climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-3
L4
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
SQRE4T15C
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1499 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
9.5:1
Bore
83.5 mm
77.0 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
80.5 mm
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
108 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
225 Nm @ 2000-4000 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
6-Speed DCT
Top Speed
197 km/h
185 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
10.2 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
17.6 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
80.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
167.2 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
L4
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
6-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
4.13:1
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
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 Available
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
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
6
LSD Available
-
No
Clutch Type
-
Dual clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
L4
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
14.3 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
11.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
16.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 6B
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
48
51
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
14.3 km/l
Spec
CX-3
L4
Airbags
6
6
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
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Standard
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
Yes - front seats
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Yes
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
L4
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive
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
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
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
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Park Assist
-
No
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
L4
Seat Material
Black Leather
Faux leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
No
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Yes
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Faux leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
6-way power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
4-way manual
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Faux leather
Spec
CX-3
L4
Infotainment System
Standard
13.2-inch
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
7
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
8-inch segment display
USB Ports
2
2
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
13.2-inch
Touchscreen
8-Inch
13.2-inch
Spec
CX-3
L4
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
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.
LEPAS South Africa colour availability varies by derivative and launch allocation.
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
-
Rear
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
L4
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
28.0 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
No
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
20.0 deg
Wading Depth
-
400 mm
Breakover Angle
-
18.5 deg
Spec
CX-3
L4
Tyre Size
215/50R18
215/60 R17
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Temporary T-type spare tyre
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
17-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Spec
CX-3
L4
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut independent suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Torsion beam semi-independent suspension
Spec
CX-3
L4
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
159 g/km
Spec
CX-3
L4
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 75,000 km
Spec
CX-3
L4
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
safety and comfort flagship derivative
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
419900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
safety and comfort flagship derivative
Starting Price
551600
419900
Starting Price Zar
551600
419900
Spec
CX-3
L4
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 150,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-3 and L4 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 L4 47.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs L4 56.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs L4 92.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs L4 59.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs L4 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 L4 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
L4 leads by 4 points
CX-3 and L4 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
L4
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
59/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLEPAS L4
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, L4 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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