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 PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
X55 Plus
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
X55 Plus
Model Introduced Year
2015
2024
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Current upgraded X55 Plus generation for South Africa, mechanically based around BAIC's Magic Core 1.5T engine, DCT380 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
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 original X55 arrived locally in 2022. BAIC launched the upgraded X55 Plus in August 2024 with revised exterior details, a full-black interior, updated wheel and exhaust treatment, and additional connectivity features.
Facelift Launched Since
2015
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2024
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Compact crossover
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Length
4275 mm
4620 mm
Width
1765 mm
1886 mm
Height
1542 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2735 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
53 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
350 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1480 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
1970 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1058 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
888 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
160 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Air conditioning
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
-
AC Type
Automatic
Air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
A156T2H
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
4
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
Turbocharged
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
138 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
305 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
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
197 km/h
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
7.7 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
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
X55 Plus
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
7DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
FWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
6
7
Transmission Type
Automatic
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-wheel drive
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 Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Dual-clutch
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
6
7
LSD Available
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Clutch Type
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.99 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
53 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
48
53
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.99 km/l
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
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
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Standard
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
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 Officially Disclosed
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
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
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 Officially Disclosed
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Seat Material
Black Leather
Leather
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
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
6-way manual
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Leather
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Infotainment System
Standard
BAIC DA head unit with radio, Bluetooth and smartphone connection
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
7
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
10.25-inch LCD instrument screen
USB Ports
2
Front USB, rear USB and Type-C charging
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Touchscreen
8-Inch
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
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.
Electric Yellow, Metallic Grey, Scarlet Red, Krypton Grey, Polar White, Turquoise Blue
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Standard
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Tyre Size
215/50R18
225/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Space-saver spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
18-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric parking brake
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson independent suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multi-link independent suspension
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 60 000 km
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
429900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current ex-showroom price
Starting Price
551600
429900
Starting Price Zar
551600
429900
Spec
CX-3
X55 Plus
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 150 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-3 and X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 62.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs X55 Plus 53.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs X55 Plus 88.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs X55 Plus 55.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 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
X55 Plus leads by 5 points
CX-3 and X55 Plus are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
X55 Plus +15
Efficiency
CX-3 +8
Safety
X55 Plus +4
Practicality
X55 Plus +7
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
X55 Plus
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
55/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBAIC X55 Plus
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, X55 Plus 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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