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 609900 cheaperCX-30 from ZAR 539,800 · Tiggo 8 Pro Max from ZAR 609,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Engine Power
121 kW
187 kW
Torque
213 Nm
390 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
2.0 cc
Claimed Mileage
15.2 km/l
13.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
175 mm
203 mm
Boot / Load Bay
295 l
117 l
Airbags
7
Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight
1340 kg
1658 kg
Seating Capacity
5
7
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 Year / 200 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Tiggo 8 Pro Max has a slight advantage, but CX-30 remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
+26 pts
Efficiency
CX-30
+7 pts
Safety
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
+11 pts
Practicality
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
+6 pts
Ownership
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
+22 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-30
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-30
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
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
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Model Introduced Year
2021
2023
Generation
First-generation DM-series Mazda CX-30 using seventh-generation Mazda architecture
Current South Africa Tiggo 8 Pro Max range
Facelift History
South African editions received a focused technology and equipment update in 2024, including the 10.25-inch display and revised connectivity.
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
2021
2023
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Compact crossover
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Ground Clearance
175 mm
203 mm
Wheelbase
2655 mm
2710 mm
Length
4395 mm
4720 mm
Width
1795 mm
1860 mm
Height
1540 mm
1705 mm
Kerb Weight
1340 kg
1658 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
1937 kg
2211 kg
Seating Capacity
5
7
Boot Space
295 l
117 l
Towing Capacity
1200 kg
-
Turning Radius
5.7 m
-
Load Bed Length
295 l
117 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
739 l
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
597 kg
-
Boot Volume
295 l
117 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
51 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1937 kg
2211 kg
Ground Clearance Max
175 mm
203 mm
Ground Clearance Min
175 mm
203 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
175 mm
203 mm
Height Mm
1540 mm
1705 mm
Length Mm
4395 mm
4720 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
295 l
117 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
597 kg
-
Cargo Volume
295 l
117 l
Tare Mass Kg
1340 kg
1658 kg
Turning Circle
5.7 m
-
Turning Circle M
5.7 m
-
Width Mm
1795 mm
1860 mm
Front Track Width
-
1582 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1604 mm
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Engine
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
2.0T petrol
Engine Type
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
2.0T petrol
Displacement
1998 cc
2.0 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Power
121 kW
187 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
5500
Torque
213 Nm
390 Nm
Torque @ RPM
4000
1750-4000
Turbocharger
Naturally Aspirated
Standard
Top Speed
196 km/h
-
0-100 km/h
9.7 sec
-
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
-
Cylinder Bore
83.5 mm
-
Piston Stroke
91.2 mm
-
Power
162 bhp
250.8 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Engine Type Config
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
2.0T petrol
0–100 km/h
9.7 sec
-
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
2.0 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1998 cc
2.0 cc
Acceleration 0 100
9.7 sec
-
Engine Config
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
2.0T petrol
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
1998 cc
2.0 cc
Engine Power kW
121 kW
187 kW
Engine Torque Nm
213 Nm
390 Nm
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Max Power kW
121 kW
187 kW
Max Torque Nm
213 Nm
390 Nm
Maximum Power
121 kW
187 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm
390 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6000
5500
Torque Nm Rpm
4000
1750-4000
Turbo Type
-
Single turbo
Valves per Cylinder
-
16
Fuel System
-
Petrol injection
Engine Code
-
-
Fuel Grade Required
-
Petrol
Engine Valves
-
16
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
FWD
Transfer Case
-
-
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
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
4WD Engagement
-
-
4WD Hi Range
-
-
4WD Lo Range
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
FWD
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
7 km/h
LSD Available
-
-
Clutch Type
-
Automatic clutch
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Claimed Mileage
15.2 km/l
13.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
-
Average Fuel Consumption
6.6 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.6 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.6 l/100km
7.6 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
7.6 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.6 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
6.6 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
51 l
51 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
-
-
Highway Mileage
-
-
Real-world Mileage
15.2 km/l
13.2 km/l
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Airbags
7
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
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
-
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Standard
-
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Standard
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
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
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
-
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
-
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco / Normal / Sport
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Standard
Around View Monitor
-
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
Park Assist
-
-
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Seat Material
Suede & Leatherette (Black & terracotta)
Leatherette / leather
Heated Seats
-
Standard
Ventilated Seats
-
Standard
Ambient Lighting
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power adjustable (Driver)
Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power adjustable (Driver)
Power
Seat Trim
Suede & Leatherette (Black & terracotta)
Leatherette / leather
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Automatic
Power Windows
Front
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Electric
Seatbelt Reminder
F
Standard
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 Year / 90 000 km
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Valves Per Cylinder
-
4
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Infotainment Screen
Standard
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Standard
USB Ports
2
Front and rear USB where listed
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
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.
White, black, grey, silver, blue, green and other official Chery market colours by model.
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
-
Standard
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Approach Angle
16.5 deg
-
Departure Angle
20.7 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Sport
-
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
FWD
FWD
Wading Depth
-
-
Breakover Angle
-
-
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Tyre Size
215/55 R18
235/50 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/65 R16
-
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
235/50 R19
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic parking brake
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multi-link
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
CO2 Emissions
150 g/km
180 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
mid-to-high value
Price Source
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
Official model page price card
Price Zar
651500 ZAR
609900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
mid-to-high value
Starting Price
651500
609900
Starting Price Zar
651500
609900
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 Year / 200 000 km
Spec
CX-30
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Tiggo 8 Pro Max leads by 12 points
Tiggo 8 Pro Max has a slight advantage, but CX-30 remains highly competitive.
Performance
Tiggo 8 Pro Max +26
Efficiency
CX-30 +7
Safety
Tiggo 8 Pro Max +11
Practicality
Tiggo 8 Pro Max +6
Ownership
Tiggo 8 Pro Max +22
Moderate difference between the models.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Performance
75/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
61/100
Ownership
77/100
CX-30
Performance
49/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
83/100
Practicality
55/100
Ownership
55/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max
wins with 72 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-30
In structured scoring, Tiggo 8 Pro Max 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 Tiggo 8 Pro Max 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 Tiggo 8 Pro Max 52. 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, Tiggo 8 Pro Max 94. 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, Tiggo 8 Pro Max 77. 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, Tiggo 8 Pro Max 61. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-30 49, Tiggo 8 Pro Max 75. 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 Tiggo 8 Pro Max edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max 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 Tiggo 8 Pro Max in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-30 scores 49 vs 75.
Efficiency: CX-30 scores 59 vs 52.
Safety: CX-30 scores 83 vs 94.
Practicality: CX-30 scores 55 vs 61.
Ownership: CX-30 scores 55 vs 77.
Final structured scoring gives Tiggo 8 Pro Max
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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