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 228,100 cheaperCX-3 from ZAR 440,000 · Tiguan from ZAR 668,100
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
140 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
250 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
2000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
15.9 km/l
13 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
201 mm
Boot / Load Bay
230 l
652 l
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1599 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Tiguan has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CX-3 remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tiguan
+13 pts
Efficiency
CX-3
+10 pts
Safety
CX-3
+2 pts
Practicality
Tiguan
+29 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Catalogue-index leader
Tiguan
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Tiguan
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Model Introduced Year
2015
2007
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Current Tiguan generation offers modern safety and tech upgrades
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.
Recent facelift improved technology and styling
Facelift Launched Since
2015
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
Compact crossover
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
1599 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x4 configuration for the local line-up
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Length
4275 mm
4539 mm
Width
1765 mm
1842 mm
Height
1542 mm
1660 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2676 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
201 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
58 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
652 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1599 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
2210 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
-
Towing Capacity
850 kg
1800 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
11.5 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
-
Rear Legroom
888 mm
-
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Automatic
Not Available
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Smart
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
1650 l
AC Type
Automatic
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
1650 l
Speed Limiter
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
7.7
Skid Plates
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Speed Alert System
-
Adjustable speed limiter
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Bottle Holders
-
Standard
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Centre Console
-
Standard
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
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
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
tiguan
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
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
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
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
140 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
250 Nm
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
4WD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
87.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
156.3 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
Tiguan
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
4x4
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
DCT
Drivetrain
FWD
4x4
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Axle Layout
4x2
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
Not Applicable
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
13 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
10.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
15.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
48
40
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
13 km/l
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
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
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
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
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
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
Tiguan
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
Not Available
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
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
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
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Seat Material
Black Leather
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Standard
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
Cloth
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Cup Holders
-
Standard
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Armrest Front
-
Standard
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Premium interior, digital cockpit, advanced infotainment
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Infotainment System
Standard
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Not Available
Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Not Available
Number of Speakers
7
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Not Applicable
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
SYNC
Touchscreen
8-Inch
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
8-Inch
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
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.
5
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
-
5
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Sport
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Four-wheel drive
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
201 mm
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
201 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
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
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
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
1586 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1576 mm
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
175 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
175
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
175
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
South Africa market model
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
856200 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Active local lineup
Starting Price
551600
856200
Starting Price Zar
551600
856200
Spec
CX-3
Tiguan
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 120 000 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
Tiguan leads by 8 points
Tiguan has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CX-3 remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Tiguan
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
51/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
77/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Volkswagen Tiguan
leads the catalogue index with 68 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Tiguan leads. However, CX-3 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 Tiguan 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 Tiguan 60.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs Tiguan 51.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs Tiguan 82.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs Tiguan 77.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs Tiguan 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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