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.
Fronx starts ZAR 539800 cheaperCX-30 from ZAR 539,800 · Fronx from ZAR 303,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Engine Power
121 kW
77 kW
Torque
213 Nm
138 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
1462 cc
Claimed Mileage
15.2 km/l
17.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
175 mm
170 mm
Boot / Load Bay
295 l
304 l
Airbags
7
6
Kerb Weight
1340 kg
970 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both CX-30 and Fronx are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
CX-30
+18 pts
Efficiency
Fronx
+8 pts
Safety
CX-30
+7 pts
Practicality
Fronx
+2 pts
Ownership
Fronx
+16 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
CX-30
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Fronx
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-30
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Fronx
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Model Introduced Year
2021
2023
Generation
First-generation DM-series Mazda CX-30 using seventh-generation Mazda architecture
First generation Fronx on modified Baleno/HEARTECT platform with raised ride height and SUV body; shares K15B engine with Baleno, Ertiga, XL6, and Grand Vitara; developed as Suzuki's response to the growing compact coupe-crossover segment
Facelift History
South African editions received a focused technology and equipment update in 2024, including the 10.25-inch display and revised connectivity.
Launched in South Africa in 2023 as a new nameplate — no facelift has been released for the first generation globally as of 2025; the model is in the growth phase of its product lifecycle
9-inch touchscreen on GLX with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 360-degree surround view camera on GLX, blind-spot monitoring on GLX, automatic climate control on GL+ and GLX, dual front airbags standard, ABS standard, al
Interior Trim Colour
-
2
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Leatherette Seat Trim
Interior Colours
-
2
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
-
Integrated in Seat Back
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
-
-
Seat Belt Warning
-
All Seats
Seat Capacity
-
5
Seat Count
-
5
Seat Fold Type
-
60:40 Split Fold
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Manual Air Conditioning
Power Windows
Front
All Four Windows
Keyless Entry
Smart
-
Push Button Start
Standard
-
Wireless Charging
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Sunroof
Standard
-
Electric Tailgate
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Manual Air Conditioning
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
4-Speed Automatic
Seatbelt Reminder
F
All Seats
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
Not Included
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
-
Rear Window Defroster
-
Standard
Electric Mirror Folding
-
Manual Fold
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
-
Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
-
12V Accessory Socket
-
1 x 12V Socket
Speed Limiter
-
Standard
Adaptive Dampers
-
-
Auto Dimming Irvm
-
-
Climate Zones
-
Manual Air Conditioning
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
All Four Windows
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
-
TPMS
-
Standard
Engine Start Stop
Standard
-
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
-
Engine Warranty
-
4 Years
Front Armrest
-
Standard Centre Armrest
Front Power Outlet
-
1 x 12V Socket
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.7
Glovebox Cooling
-
All Four Door Pockets
Ground Clearance Unladen
-
170
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Launch Control
-
-
Panoramic Roof
Standard
-
Payload Capacity
-
480
Performance Data Logger
-
-
Power Mirrors
-
All Four Windows
Push Button Start
Standard
-
Rear Defogger
-
Standard
Rear Seat Split
-
60:40 Split Fold
Rear Wing
-
-
Rev Matching
-
-
Seat Type
-
Leatherette Seat Trim
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
-
All Seats
Spare Wheel
Temporary spare 185/65 R16
Full Size Spare
Speed Alert System
-
Standard
Stabilizer Bar
-
Standard
Steering Mounted Controls
-
Standard
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Valves Per Cylinder
-
4
Voice Command
-
Via Smartphone
Voice Command Support
-
Via Smartphone Mirroring
Accelerator 0 100
-
13.0 sec
Air Conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Manual Air Conditioning
Battery Preconditioning
-
-
Battery Voltage
-
-
Bed Extender
-
-
Bottle Holders
-
4
Canopy Fitment
-
-
Centre Console
-
Standard Centre Armrest
Common Rail Injection
-
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Diff Lock
-
-
Difflock
-
-
Digital Speedometer
-
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
-
Manual Fold
Front Diff Lock
-
-
Front Wiper
-
Standard
Front Wipers Type
-
Standard
Glove Box
-
All Four Door Pockets
Intelligent Battery System
-
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
-
Lift Gate
-
-
Load Bed Cover
-
-
Load Bed Light
-
-
Load Bed Steps
-
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
-
Manual Aircon
-
Manual Air Conditioning
Mirror
-
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
One Pedal Driving
-
-
Passive Entry Start
-
-
Power Socket 12v
-
1 x 12V Socket
Powered Tailgate
-
-
Rear Air Conditioning
-
-
Rear Diff Lock
-
-
Rear Electric Motor
-
-
Rearview Mirror Inside
-
-
Regenerative Braking
-
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
-
Remote Central Locking
-
Remote Central Locking
Remote Side Mirror
-
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
Rim Size
18x7J
16 Inches
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
-
Side Impact Bars
-
Standard
Sonar
-
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Sound System
12
6
Source Model Column
-
fronx
Sport Plus Mode
-
-
Sports Bar
-
-
Stabilizer Bar Front
-
Standard
Stabilizer Bar Rear
-
Standard
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Sub Frame
-
Monocoque
Surround View Monitor
-
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Tailgate Damper
-
-
Tailgate Lock
-
-
Tow Bar Type
-
-
Trim Level
-
flagship
Unlocking
Smart
-
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vdc
-
Standard
Vehicle To Grid
-
-
Vehicle To Load
-
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
-
Walk Away Lock
-
-
Wireless Charger
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Infotainment Screen
Standard
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wired Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Wired Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
9-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2
2
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
9-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
9-inch Touchscreen
Navigation System
-
Via Smartphone Mirroring
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wired Apple CarPlay
FM Radio
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Standard
Voice Recognition
-
Via Smartphone
AUX Input
-
-
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch
9-inch Touchscreen
Wi-Fi Hotspot
-
-
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Standard
Infotainment Display
-
9-inch Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
2
Audio
-
Standard
Audio Speakers
12
6
Audio System
-
Standard
Display Audio
-
9-inch Touchscreen
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
2
Multi Information Display
-
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
Connected Services
-
Standard
Voice Control
-
Via Smartphone
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Wired Apple CarPlay
Radio
-
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Wired Android Auto
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
LED Headlamps
Standard
LED Multi-Reflector Headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED DRLs
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic
16-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
Exterior Colour Options
Arctic White, Ceramic White, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Snowflake Pearl White, Platinum Quartz and Soul Red Crystal are shown by Mazda South Africa.
6
Headlights
Standard
LED Multi-Reflector Headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
-
Fog Lamps
-
Front Fog Lamps
Roof Rails
-
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
-
Body Cladding
-
Plastic Side Body Cladding
Rear Spoiler
-
-
Roof Type
-
Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type
-
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
Rear Wiper
-
Standard
Door Handle Finish
-
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
Standard
LED DRLs
Fog Lights
-
Front Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lights
-
Front Fog Lamps
Led Headlights
Standard
LED Multi-Reflector Headlamps
Auto Headlights
-
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Daytime Running Lights
Standard
LED DRLs
Electric Blind Sunroof
-
-
Exterior Colour Options
-
5
Exterior Door Handle Colour
-
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
All Four Windows
Exterior Mirror Folding
-
Manual Fold
Front Fog Lamps
-
Front Fog Lamps
Headlamp Levelling
-
LED Multi-Reflector Headlamps
Headlamps
Standard
LED Multi-Reflector Headlamps
Headlight Type
Standard
LED Multi-Reflector Headlamps
Load Bed Liner
-
-
Rear Spoiler
-
-
Sunroof Slide
-
-
Sunroof Tilt
-
-
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Approach Angle
16.5 deg
19 deg
Departure Angle
20.7 deg
23 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
-
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
FWD
FWD
Wading Depth
-
0 mm
Underbody Protection
-
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
0 deg
Recovery Hooks
-
1 Rear Tow Hook
Hill Descent Control
-
-
Ramp-over Angle
-
0 deg
Approach Angle Deg
-
19 deg
Breakover Angle
-
0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
23 deg
Energy Recovery Display
-
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
-
Off Road Descent Control
-
-
Off Road Traction Assist
-
-
Crawl Control
-
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
-
Terrain Mode Mud
-
-
Terrain Mode Normal
-
-
Terrain Mode Rock
-
-
Terrain Mode Sand
-
-
Terrain Mode Snow
-
-
Terrain Response System
-
-
Underbody Camera
-
-
Wading Depth Mm
-
0 mm
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Tyre Size
215/55 R18
195/60 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/65 R16
Full Size Spare
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
16 Inches
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Conventional Handbrake
Wheel Type
Black Metallic
16-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
Front Brake Disc Diameter
-
262 mm
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
-
210 mm
Parking Brake Type
-
Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Load Index
-
89
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
-
Drum
Spare Tyre
Temporary spare 185/65 R16
Full Size Spare
Tyre Type
-
195/60 R16
Wheel Diameter
18x7J
16 Inches
Auto Brake Hold
-
Conventional Handbrake
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
-
Braked Towing Capacity
-
0 kg
Brakes
-
Ventilated Disc
Cornering Brake Control
-
Standard
Electric Park Brake
-
Conventional Handbrake
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
-
Hydraulic Brake Assist
-
Standard
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Urethane
Spare Wheel Size Type
-
Full Size Spare
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Urethane
Towing Braked Kg
-
0 kg
Tyre Pressure Display
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
-
Standard
Wheel Material
Black Metallic
16-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
Wheel Size Type
-
16 Inches
Wheelbase Mm
2655 mm
2520 mm
Wheels
Black Metallic
16-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Front Spring Type
-
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
-
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
-
Standard
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
-
Standard
Shock Absorber Type
-
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Chassis Material
-
Monocoque
Front Suspension Type
Macpherson strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MagneRide Damping
-
-
Rear Axle Type
-
Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion beam axle
Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
Shock Absorbers
-
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Suspension
-
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
CO2 Emissions
150 g/km
133 g/km
Start Stop System
-
-
Hybrid System Type
-
-
Noise Level
-
68 dB
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
93 RON Unleaded
Particulate Filter
-
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Euro Emission Standard
-
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
-
Not Independently Rated
Idle CO2 Output
-
Within Euro 5 Limits
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
133
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Flagship
Price Source
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
651500 ZAR
372900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
651500
372900
Starting Price Zar
651500
372900
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Service Interval
-
15,000 km or 12 Months
Approx Service Cost
-
Approx R2,000–R2,500 per Service
Battery Warranty
-
12 Months
Maintenance Plan
-
Not Included
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
10,000 km or 6 Months
First Service At
-
1,000 km Inspection
Service Plan Duration
5 Years/Unlimited km
Not Included
Service Plan Distance
5 Years/Unlimited km
Not Included
Anti-Rust Treatment
-
Underbody Rust Protection
Battery Type
-
-
Gear Shift Indicator
-
-
Service Intervals
-
15,000 km or 12 Months
Spec
CX-30
Fronx
Real-world City Mileage Min
-
6.0 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
-
8.0 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
-
4.5 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
-
6.0 l/100km
Owner Review Count
-
0
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
CX-30 leads by 1 points
Both CX-30 and Fronx 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
CX-30
Performance
49/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
83/100
Practicality
55/100
Ownership
55/100
Fronx
Performance
31/100
Efficiency
67/100
Safety
76/100
Practicality
57/100
Ownership
71/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Mazda CX-30
wins with 60 pts
vs 59 pts for Fronx
In structured scoring, CX-30 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Fronx 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 CX-30 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-30 59 vs Fronx 67. 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-30 83, Fronx 76. 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-30 55, Fronx 71. 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-30 55, Fronx 57. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-30 49, Fronx 31. 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 CX-30 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The CX-30 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-30 and Fronx in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-30 scores 49 vs 31.
Efficiency: CX-30 scores 59 vs 67.
Safety: CX-30 scores 83 vs 76.
Practicality: CX-30 scores 55 vs 57.
Ownership: CX-30 scores 55 vs 71.
Final structured scoring gives CX-30
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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