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.
Punch starts ZAR 195,100 cheaperCX-3 from ZAR 440,000 · Punch from ZAR 244,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
65 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
115 Nm @ 3250 rpm
Engine Size
1998 cc
1199 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
15.9 km/l
17.86 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
187 mm
Boot / Load Bay
230 l
366 l
Airbags
6
2
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1059 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 125,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
CX-3 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Punch remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
CX-3
+16 pts
Efficiency
Punch
+7 pts
Safety
CX-3
+40 pts
Practicality
Punch
+13 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
CX-3
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Punch
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Punch
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Model Introduced Year
2015
2025
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
First-generation South African-market Tata Punch compact five-door 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.
Introduced with Tata Passenger Vehicles' South African return in 2025; no South African facelift has been announced
Facelift Launched Since
2015
2025
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
Passenger Car
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Length
4275 mm
3827 mm
Width
1765 mm
1742 mm
Height
1542 mm
1615 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2445 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
187 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
35 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
366 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1059 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
1483 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
424 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
5.0 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
870 mm
Rear Legroom
888 mm
890 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
159 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
-
940 mm
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
FATC
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Front Rear
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
-
AC Type
Automatic
FATC
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1199 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
12
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
11.3:1
Bore
83.5 mm
77 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
85.8 mm
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
65 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
115 Nm @ 3250 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
5-Speed AMT
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
Eco, City
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
61.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
108.6 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
Punch
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
5-Speed AMT
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
4.64
Number of Gears
6
5
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automated Manual Transmission
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automated manual gear selector
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
AMT
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
-
No
Clutch Type
-
Automated dry single-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
17.86 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
16.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
35 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
BS VI Phase 2
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
35
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
17.86 km/l
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Airbags
6
2
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Through PEPS
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Through PEPS
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
TCS
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
Punch
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
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Seat Material
Black Leather
Tri Arrow Design Fabric Seat
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Leather-wrapped
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual slide and recline
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Tri Arrow Design Fabric Seat
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Infotainment System
Standard
Floating 10.5" Infotainment System
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless Connectivity
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
7
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
4" Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2
Front A and Fast C type USB
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
10.5-inch
Touchscreen
8-Inch
10.5-inch
Spec
CX-3
Punch
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
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.
Orcus White with Black Roof, Tornado Blue with White Roof, Calypso Red with White Roof, Daytona Grey with Black Roof, Tropical Mist with Black Roof
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
With Cornering Lamps
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
37.6 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Available
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
-
20.3 deg
Wading Depth
-
370 mm
Breakover Angle
-
22.2 deg
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Tyre Size
215/50R18
195/70 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Steel spare wheel, 185/70 R15
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
16-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Manual handbrake
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Independent, Lower Wishbone, Mcpherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Semi-independent Twist Beam with Coil Spring and Shock Absorber
Spec
CX-3
Punch
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
132 g/km
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
2 years / 30,000 km
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
New passenger vehicle
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
339900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Recommended retail price
Starting Price
551600
339900
Starting Price Zar
551600
339900
Spec
CX-3
Punch
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 125,000 km
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
CX-3 leads by 10 points
CX-3 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Punch remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
Punch
Performance
31/100
Efficiency
68/100
Safety
44/100
Practicality
61/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Mazda CX-3
leads the catalogue index with 60 pts
vs 50 pts for Punch
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, CX-3 leads. However, Punch may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. 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.
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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This CX-3 and Punch 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 Punch 31.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs Punch 68.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs Punch 44.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs Punch 61.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs Punch 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.
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