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.
Performance EV AWD 4.5SElectricSingle-Speed Reduction GearCurrent
ZAR 1,319,900ex-showroom
⚡ 390 kW🔧 690 Nm
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceSEALION 7
⛽Fuel EconomySEALION 7
🛡SafetySEALION 7
📦PracticalitySEALION 7
🔑OwnershipNot enough comparable data
CX-30 starts ZAR 570,100 cheaperCX-30 from ZAR 539,800 · SEALION 7 from ZAR 1,109,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
390 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
690 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
Not Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
15.2 km/l
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance
175 mm
163 mm
Boot / Load Bay
295 l
500 l
Airbags
7
9
Kerb Weight
1340 kg
2340 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
SEALION 7 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-30.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
SEALION 7
+51 pts
Efficiency
SEALION 7
+31 pts
Safety
SEALION 7
+3 pts
Practicality
SEALION 7
+7 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-30
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Catalogue-index leader
SEALION 7
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-30
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
SEALION 7
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Model Introduced Year
2021
2025
Generation
First-generation DM-series Mazda CX-30 using seventh-generation Mazda architecture
First South African SEALION 7 generation
Facelift History
South African editions received a focused technology and equipment update in 2024, including the 10.25-inch display and revised connectivity.
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
2021
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
Active
Segment
Compact crossover
Medium SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1340 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger vehicle
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Length
4395 mm
4830 mm
Width
1795 mm
1925 mm
Height
1540 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2655 mm
2930 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
175 mm
163 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
500 l
Kerb Weight
1340 kg
2340 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1937 kg
2750 kg
Payload Capacity
597 kg
410 kg
Towing Capacity
1200 kg
1500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
5.85 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
1100 mm
Rear Legroom
921 mm
820 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
140 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
980 mm
Rear Headroom
-
940 mm
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone automatic
Power Windows
Front
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1200 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone automatic
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Dual-motor battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
4
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Applicable
Bore
83.5 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
91.2 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
390 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
690 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Front Induction; Rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
2
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front + Rear
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
196 km/h
215 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.7 sec
4.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.3 kW/tonne
166.7 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
159 Nm/tonne
294.9 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
82.56 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
LFP
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
550.4 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
456 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
150 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
8 h 36 min (0-100%)
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
32 min (10-80%)
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front and rear electric drive units
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
4.095
Not Available
Number of Gears
6
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Crystal-motif gearshift lever
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Automatic electric all-wheel drive
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 Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
6
1
LSD Available
-
Not Available
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Claimed Mileage
15.2 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
12.2 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
17.9 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
Not Applicable
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
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres
51
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
456 km (WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
21.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
375 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
400 km
Real-world Mileage
15.2 km/l
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Airbags
7
9
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
F
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Applicable
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
F
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Standard
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
Park Assist
-
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Seat Material
Suede & Leatherette (Black & terracotta)
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
1412 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1361 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power adjustable (Driver)
8-way electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power adjustable (Driver)
6-way electric
Seat Trim
Suede & Leatherette (Black & terracotta)
Nappa leather
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
Infotainment System
Standard
15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12
12
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Full LCD instrument display
USB Ports
2
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
15.6
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
15.6
Spec
CX-30
SEALION 7
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic
-
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.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
SEALION 7
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
62/100
CX-30
Performance
49/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
55/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD SEALION 7
leads the catalogue index with 88 pts
vs 65 pts for CX-30
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, SEALION 7 leads. However, CX-30 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-30 and SEALION 7 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-30 49 vs SEALION 7 100.
Efficiency index: CX-30 59 vs SEALION 7 90.
Safety-equipment index: CX-30 96 vs SEALION 7 99.
Practicality index: CX-30 55 vs SEALION 7 62.
Ownership-cover index: CX-30 not separately scored vs SEALION 7 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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