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.
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
V23
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
Spec
CX-3
V23
Model Introduced Year
2015
2026
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
South African May 2026 local specification sheet for the current V23 generation.
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.
-
Facelift Launched Since
2015
-
Facelift Version Ending
Current
-
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
Published
Segment
Compact crossover
Electric SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger vehicle
Spec
CX-3
V23
Length
4275 mm
4220 mm
Width
1765 mm
1915 mm
Height
1542 mm
1845 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2735 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
372 L rear seats up; 994 L with rear seats folded
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1550–1850 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
2085 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
350–650 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
5.9 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
1060 mm
Rear Legroom
888 mm
970 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
165 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
1020 mm
Rear Headroom
-
990 mm
Spec
CX-3
V23
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Power air conditioner
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Yes
Keyless Entry
Smart
Remote central locking; passive keyless access equipment-dependent
Push Button Start
Standard
Electronic engine start/stop or EV power-on control
Wireless Charging
Standard
-
Sunroof
Standard
-
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Powered tailgate optional on applicable hatch/SUV bodies
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Automatic rain-sensing wipers optional or equipment-dependent
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
-
AC Type
Automatic
Power air conditioner
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-3
V23
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Battery electric drive; no combustion engine
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not applicable — no combustion engine code
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Cylinders
4
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Bore
83.5 mm
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Stroke
91.2 mm
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
100 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
180 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
100 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
180 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Electric traction motor
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Rear axle
Drive Type
FWD
2WD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
197 km/h
140 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
11 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual, Slippery
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
-
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
-
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
59.93 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
69.0 kWh
Battery Type
Not Applicable
-
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
-
Electric Range
Not Applicable
360 km
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
6.6 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
-
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
≈9.1 h derived battery-capacity/6.6 kW; losses excluded
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
36 min (20-80%)
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-3
V23
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
2WD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not applicable — no conventional stepped gearbox
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
-
Number of Gears
6
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Electric shift gear
Drivetrain
FWD
2WD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not applicable — no conventional stepped gearbox
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Axle Layout
4x2
Electric drive axle(s); configuration depends on derivative
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Transmission Speeds
6
1
Clutch Type
-
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-3
V23
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
Not applicable — electric consumption measured in kWh/100 km km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
Not applicable — electric consumption measured in kWh/100 km km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
Not applicable — electric consumption measured in kWh/100 km km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Zero tailpipe emissions (BEV)
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not applicable — no combustion engine
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
-
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC charging; V2L external discharge 3.3 kW
Fuel Tank Litres
48
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
360 km
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
20 kWh/100 km
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
341 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
401 km
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
Not applicable — electric consumption measured in kWh/100 km km/l
Spec
CX-3
V23
Airbags
6
Dual front, front side and side curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Body anti-theft alarm and anti-theft horn
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
-
AEB
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
-
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Front pretensioner seat belts
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Yes
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
-
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Direct tyre pressure monitoring
Brake Override System
-
Yes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
V23
Cruise Control
Standard
Cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
-
Rear View Camera
Standard
Reverse camera
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
-
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Automatic highbeam control
Auto Wipers
Standard
Auto speed-sensing front wiper
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
-
Reverse Camera
Standard
Reverse camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Spec
CX-3
V23
Seat Material
Black Leather
Leather seats
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Interior reading and ambient equipment as listed on sheet
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Leather steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Foldable second-row seats
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
6-way power adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
4-way power adjustment
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Leather
Spec
CX-3
V23
Infotainment System
Standard
15.4 in touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
7
7
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
-
USB Ports
2
2 USB Type-C front-row ports; 1 front-row USB on 2WD
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
15.4 in
Touchscreen
8-Inch
15.4 in
Spec
CX-3
V23
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED daytime running lights
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.
Optional or derivative-dependent; no exact South African trim fitment established
Roof Rails
-
Body style and optional package dependent; not confirmed for this exact derivative
Spec
CX-3
V23
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Sport
Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual, Slippery
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
-
Spec
CX-3
V23
Tyre Size
215/50R18
255/55 R19
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
19 in
Handbrake Type
Electronic
-
Spec
CX-3
V23
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multi-Link
Spec
CX-3
V23
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Spec
CX-3
V23
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 years/100,000 km service plan in the official South African press material; confirm final booklet.
Spec
CX-3
V23
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current local retail price; confirm quotation inclusions, warranty and service plan with iCAUR South Africa.
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
519900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
551600
519900
Starting Price Zar
551600
519900
Spec
CX-3
V23
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
Vehicle warranty 8 years/200,000 km; high-voltage battery warranty 8 years/160,000 km in official South African press material.
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-3 and V23 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 V23 41.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs V23 99.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs V23 93.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs V23 60.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs V23 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 V23 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
V23 leads by 11 points
V23 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while CX-3 remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
V23
Performance
41/100
Efficiency
99/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
60/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexiCAUR V23
leads the specification evidence index with 71 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, V23 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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