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.
Tiggo 4 Cross starts ZAR 440000 cheaperCX-3 from ZAR 440,000 · Tiggo 4 Cross from ZAR 279,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Engine Power
115 kW
83 kW
Torque
206 Nm
170 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
1.5 cc
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
14.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
180 mm
Boot / Load Bay
230 l
-
Airbags
6
Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 150 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both CX-3 and Tiggo 4 Cross are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
CX-3
+9 pts
Efficiency
CX-3
+5 pts
Safety
Tiggo 4 Cross
+14 pts
Practicality
Tiggo 4 Cross
+19 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-3
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Tiggo 4 Cross
Strengths
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Tiggo 4 Cross
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Model Introduced Year
2015
2026
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Current South Africa Tiggo 4 Cross range
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.
Current South Africa version listed by official source
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
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Ground Clearance
155 mm
180 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2610 mm
Length
4275 mm
4351 mm
Width
1765 mm
1831 mm
Height
1542 mm
1662 mm
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Weight
1735 kg
1701 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
230 l
-
Towing Capacity
850 kg
-
Turning Radius
5.7 m
-
Load Bed Length
230 l
-
Load Bed Width
-
-
Front Legroom
1058 mm
-
Rear Legroom
888 mm
-
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
-
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
465 kg
-
Boot Volume
230 l
-
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
-
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1735 kg
1701 kg
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
180 mm
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
180 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
155 mm
180 mm
Height Mm
1542 mm
1662 mm
Length Mm
4275 mm
4351 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
230 l
-
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
465 kg
-
Cargo Volume
230 l
-
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
-
Turning Circle
5.7 m
-
Turning Circle M
5.7 m
-
Width Mm
1765 mm
1831 mm
Front Track Width
-
-
Rear Track Width
-
-
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Engine
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5L petrol
Engine Type
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5L petrol
Displacement
1998 cc
1.5 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Power
115 kW
83 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
5500
Torque
206 Nm
170 Nm
Torque @ RPM
2800
1750-4000
Turbocharger
Naturally Aspirated
-
Top Speed
197 km/h
-
Compression Ratio
13:0:0
-
Cylinder Bore
83.5 mm
-
Piston Stroke
91.2 mm
-
Power
154 bhp
111.3 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally aspirated
Engine Type Config
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5L petrol
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1.5 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1998 cc
1.5 cc
Engine Config
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5L petrol
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
1998 cc
1.5 cc
Engine Power kW
115 kW
83 kW
Engine Torque Nm
206 Nm
170 Nm
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally aspirated
Max Power kW
115 kW
83 kW
Max Torque Nm
206 Nm
170 Nm
Maximum Power
115 kW
83 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm
170 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6000
5500
Torque Nm Rpm
2800
1750-4000
Turbo Type
-
-
Valves per Cylinder
-
16
Fuel System
-
Petrol injection
0-100 km/h
-
-
Engine Code
-
-
Fuel Grade Required
-
Petrol
0–100 km/h
-
-
Acceleration 0 100
-
-
Engine Valves
-
16
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Manual
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
FWD
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
-
-
Paddle Shifters
Standard
-
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
-
Number of Gears
6 km/h
5 km/h
Transmission Type
6-Speed Auto
Manual
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Manual
4WD Engagement
-
-
4WD Hi Range
-
-
4WD Lo Range
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
-
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Auto
Manual
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
FWD
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
5 km/h
LSD Available
-
-
Clutch Type
-
Manual clutch
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
14.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
-
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
-
Average Fuel Consumption
6.3 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.3 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.3 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
-
-
Charging Time AC Full
-
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
-
Combined Consumption
6.3 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.3 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
6.3 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
48 l
-
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
-
-
Combined Driving Range
-
-
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
-
Range Wltp
-
-
City Mileage
-
-
Highway Mileage
-
-
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
14.3 km/l
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Airbags
6
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
-
-
AEB
-
-
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
-
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
-
-
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Standard
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Lane Keep Assist
-
-
Lane Departure Warning
-
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
-
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
-
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
-
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco / Normal / Sport
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Around View Monitor
-
-
Blind Spot Warning
-
-
Park Assist
-
-
Forward Collision Warning
-
-
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Seat Material
Black Leather
Fabric or cloth trim
Heated Seats
-
-
Ventilated Seats
-
-
Ambient Lighting
-
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Polyurethane / synthetic
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Fabric
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Climate Control
Automatic
Manual / automatic by trim
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
-
Sunroof
Standard
-
Electric Tailgate
-
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
-
AC Type
Automatic
Manual / automatic by trim
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Manual
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
3 Years / 45 000 km
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Valves Per Cylinder
-
4
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Infotainment Screen
Standard
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
7
4-6
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Standard
USB Ports
2
Front and rear USB where listed
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Touchscreen
8-Inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
LED Headlamps
Standard
LED / halogen by trim
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.
White, black, grey, silver, blue, green and other official Chery market colours by model.
Headlights
Standard
LED / halogen by trim
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
-
Fog Lamps
-
-
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Sport
-
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
FWD
FWD
Approach Angle
-
-
Wading Depth
-
-
Breakover Angle
-
-
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Tyre Size
215/50R18
215/60 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
-
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
215/60 R16
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic parking brake
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Torsion beam
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
159 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
entry-value
Price Source
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
Official model page price card
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
279900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
entry-value
Starting Price
551600
279900
Starting Price Zar
551600
279900
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 150 000 km
Spec
CX-3
Tiggo 4 Cross
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Tiggo 4 Cross leads by 4 points
Both CX-3 and Tiggo 4 Cross are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Tiggo 4 Cross
Performance
38/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
75/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
47/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
61/100
Practicality
48/100
Ownership
47/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Chery Tiggo 4 Cross
wins with 57 pts
vs 53 pts for CX-3
In structured scoring, Tiggo 4 Cross 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 Tiggo 4 Cross 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 Tiggo 4 Cross 56. 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, Tiggo 4 Cross 75. 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, Tiggo 4 Cross 47. 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, Tiggo 4 Cross 67. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-3 47, Tiggo 4 Cross 38. 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 Tiggo 4 Cross edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tiggo 4 Cross 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 Tiggo 4 Cross in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-3 scores 47 vs 38.
Efficiency: CX-3 scores 61 vs 56.
Safety: CX-3 scores 61 vs 75.
Practicality: CX-3 scores 48 vs 67.
Ownership: CX-3 scores 47 vs 47.
Final structured scoring gives Tiggo 4 Cross
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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