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-30 starts ZAR 648900 cheaperCX-30 from ZAR 539,800 · T-Roc from ZAR 648,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Engine Power
121 kW
140 kW
Torque
213 Nm
320 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
2000 cc
Claimed Mileage
15.2 km/l
15.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
175 mm
168 mm
Boot / Load Bay
295 l
392 l
Airbags
7
7
Kerb Weight
1340 kg
1400 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both CX-30 and T-Roc are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
T-Roc
+15 pts
Efficiency
T-Roc
+2 pts
Safety
T-Roc
+16 pts
Practicality
T-Roc
+3 pts
Ownership
CX-30
+12 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-30
Strengths
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
T-Roc
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-30
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
T-Roc
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Model Introduced Year
2021
2021
Generation
First-generation DM-series Mazda CX-30 using seventh-generation Mazda architecture
Current first-generation T-Roc remains on sale while the second generation is prepared for South Africa
Facelift History
South African editions received a focused technology and equipment update in 2024, including the 10.25-inch display and revised connectivity.
Volkswagen has confirmed the all-new second-generation T-Roc for the second half of 2026; local derivatives and prices are still pending
Facelift Launched Since
2021
Volkswagen has confirmed the all-new second-generation T-Roc for the second half of 2026; local derivatives and prices are still pending
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
Compact crossover
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red, Orange
Dealer Stock Note
-
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x4 configuration for the local line-up
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Ground Clearance
175 mm
168 mm
Wheelbase
2655 mm
2593 mm
Length
4395 mm
4234 mm
Width
1795 mm
1819 mm
Height
1540 mm
1573 mm
Kerb Weight
1340 kg
1400 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
1937 kg
2020 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
295 l
392 l
Towing Capacity
1200 kg
1200 kg
Turning Radius
5.7 m
5.4 m
Load Bed Length
295 l
392 l
Load Bed Width
-
-
Front Legroom
1058 mm
-
Rear Legroom
921 mm
-
Front Shoulder Room
1412 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1361 mm
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1200 l
392 l
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
597 kg
-
Boot Volume
295 l
392 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
55 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1937 kg
2020 kg
Ground Clearance Max
175 mm
168 mm
Ground Clearance Min
175 mm
168 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
175 mm
168 mm
Height Mm
1540 mm
1573 mm
Length Mm
4395 mm
4234 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
295 l
392 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
597 kg
-
Cargo Volume
295 l
392 l
Tare Mass Kg
1340 kg
1400 kg
Turning Circle
5.7 m
5.4 m
Turning Circle M
5.7 m
5.4 m
Width Mm
1795 mm
1819 mm
Front Track Width
-
1569 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1546 mm
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Engine
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.4 TSI 110kW 2WD Design 8-speed Tiptronic®; 2.0 TSI 140kW R-Line 4MOTION® 7-speed DSG®
Engine Type
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.4 TSI 110kW 2WD Design 8-speed Tiptronic®; 2.0 TSI 140kW R-Line 4MOTION® 7-speed DSG®
Displacement
1998 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Power
121 kW
140 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
5000-6000 rpm
Torque
213 Nm
320 Nm
Torque @ RPM
4000
1500-3500 rpm
Turbocharger
Naturally Aspirated
Single Turbo
Top Speed
196 km/h
203 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.7 sec
9.1 sec
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
10.5:1
Cylinder Bore
83.5 mm
-
Piston Stroke
91.2 mm
-
Power
162 bhp
148 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Inline
-
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Single Turbo
Engine Type Config
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.4 TSI 110kW 2WD Design 8-speed Tiptronic®; 2.0 TSI 140kW R-Line 4MOTION® 7-speed DSG®
0–100 km/h
9.7 sec
9.1 sec
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
2000 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1998 cc
2000 cc
Acceleration 0 100
9.7 sec
9.1 sec
Engine Config
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.4 TSI 110kW 2WD Design 8-speed Tiptronic®; 2.0 TSI 140kW R-Line 4MOTION® 7-speed DSG®
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
1998 cc
2000 cc
Engine Power kW
121 kW
140 kW
Engine Torque Nm
213 Nm
320 Nm
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
Single Turbo
Max Power kW
121 kW
140 kW
Max Torque Nm
213 Nm
320 Nm
Maximum Power
121 kW
140 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm
320 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6000
5000-6000 rpm
Torque Nm Rpm
4000
1500-3500 rpm
Turbo Type
-
Single Turbo
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Fuel System
-
Direct Injection
Engine Code
-
-
Fuel Grade Required
-
Petrol
Battery Capacity
-
-
Charging Port
-
-
AC Charging Time
-
-
EV Range
-
-
Combined System Power
-
-
Combined System Torque
-
-
Engine Valves
-
4
Motor Position
-
-
Motor Power
-
-
Motor Torque
-
-
Motor Type
-
-
Active Exhaust
-
-
System Output
-
-
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
7-speed DSG
Drive Type
FWD
4MOTION AWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
4MOTION AWD
Transfer Case
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Differential Lock
-
-
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.095
-
Number of Gears
6 km/h
7 km/h
Transmission Type
6-Speed Auto
7-speed DSG
Drivetrain
FWD
4MOTION AWD
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
7-speed DSG
4WD Engagement
-
Available
4WD Hi Range
-
Available
4WD Lo Range
-
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
4WD Selector
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Auto
7-speed DSG
Low Range
-
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Axle Layout
FWD
4MOTION AWD
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
7 km/h
LSD Available
-
-
Clutch Type
-
-
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Claimed Mileage
15.2 km/l
15.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
55 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Average Fuel Consumption
6.6 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.6 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.6 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
-
-
Charging Time AC Full
-
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
-
Combined Consumption
6.6 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.6 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
6.6 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
51 l
55 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
-
-
Combined Driving Range
-
-
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
-
Range Wltp
-
-
City Mileage
-
13 km/l
Highway Mileage
-
15 km/l
Real-world Mileage
15.2 km/l
15.9 km/l
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
F
-
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
-
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
-
Driver Airbag
Standard
7
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
7
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
-
Side Airbags
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Standard
-
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
-
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
-
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
-
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Standard
Auto Highbeam
-
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Drive Modes
Sport
-
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Standard
Around View Monitor
-
-
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
EV Mode
-
-
Park Assist
-
-
Forward Collision Warning
-
-
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Seat Material
Suede & Leatherette (Black & terracotta)
Cloth
Heated Seats
-
Front
Ventilated Seats
-
-
Ambient Lighting
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
-
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
60/40 Split
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power adjustable (Driver)
Electric 6-Way
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power adjustable (Driver)
Electric 6-Way
Seat Trim
Suede & Leatherette (Black & terracotta)
Cloth
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Armrest Front
-
Standard
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Digital cockpit, premium infotainment, leather options, advanced safety
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Interior Colours
-
Black
Seat Capacity
-
5
Seat Count
-
5
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Standard
Power Windows
Front
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
DCT
Seatbelt Reminder
F
-
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
Optional
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Dampers
-
-
Climate Zones
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
6.3
Launch Control
-
-
Performance Data Logger
-
-
Rev Matching
-
-
Skid Plates
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Spare Wheel
Temporary spare 185/65 R16
Space Saver
Valves Per Cylinder
-
4
Air Conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Standard
Battery Preconditioning
-
-
Battery Voltage
-
-
Bed Extender
-
-
Canopy Fitment
-
-
Centre Console
-
Standard
Intelligent Battery System
-
-
Load Bed Cover
-
-
Load Bed Light
-
-
Load Bed Steps
-
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
-
Manual Aircon
-
Standard
One Pedal Driving
-
-
Rear Electric Motor
-
-
Regenerative Braking
-
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
-
Source Model Column
-
t-roc
Sport Plus Mode
-
-
Sports Bar
-
-
Tailgate Damper
-
-
Tailgate Lock
-
-
Tow Bar Type
-
-
Trailer Stability Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trim Level
-
top
Variant Role
-
Entry or fleet-access derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
-
Vehicle To Load
-
-
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Infotainment Screen
Standard
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
10.25-inch Digital Cockpit
USB Ports
2
3
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
SYNC
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Bluetooth
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
LED Headlamps
Standard
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic
18-inch Alloy
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.
7
Headlights
Standard
Full LED
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
-
LED
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Body Type
-
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
-
7
Headlamps
Standard
Full LED
Headlight Type
Standard
Full LED
Load Bed Liner
-
-
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Approach Angle
16.5 deg
-
Departure Angle
20.7 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Sport
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
FWD
4MOTION AWD
Wading Depth
-
-
Underbody Protection
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Descent Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Breakover Angle
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
-
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-30
T-Roc
Tyre Size
215/55 R18
215/50 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Solid Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/65 R16
Space Saver
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
18-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic
-
Spare Tyre
Temporary spare 185/65 R16
Space Saver
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
-
Wheelbase Mm
2655 mm
2593 mm
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multi-Link
Power Steering
-
Electric
Front Suspension Type
Macpherson strut
MacPherson Strut
MagneRide Damping
-
-
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion beam axle
Multi-Link
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
CO2 Emissions
150 g/km
143 g/km
Start Stop System
-
Standard
Hybrid System Type
-
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
-
Euro Emission Standard
-
Euro 6
Idle CO2 Output
-
143
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
143
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
South Africa market model
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
760100 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Active local lineup
Starting Price
651500
760100
Starting Price Zar
651500
760100
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
3
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
3
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3
Spec
CX-30
T-Roc
Service Interval
-
15,000 km or 1 Year
Service Plan Duration
5 Years/Unlimited km
Optional
Service Plan Distance
5 Years/Unlimited km
Optional
Battery Type
-
-
Gear Shift Indicator
-
-
Service Intervals
-
15,000 km or 1 Year
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
T-Roc leads by 7 points
Both CX-30 and T-Roc 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
T-Roc
Performance
64/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
58/100
Ownership
43/100
CX-30
Performance
49/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
83/100
Practicality
55/100
Ownership
55/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Volkswagen T-Roc
wins with 67 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-30
In structured scoring, T-Roc emerges as the stronger overall package. However, CX-30 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 T-Roc 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 T-Roc 61. 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, T-Roc 99. 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, T-Roc 43. 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, T-Roc 58. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-30 49, T-Roc 64. 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 T-Roc edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The T-Roc 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 T-Roc in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-30 scores 49 vs 64.
Efficiency: CX-30 scores 59 vs 61.
Safety: CX-30 scores 83 vs 99.
Practicality: CX-30 scores 55 vs 58.
Ownership: CX-30 scores 55 vs 43.
Final structured scoring gives T-Roc
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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