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.
Mazda CX-5 vs Volkswagen Vivo Xpress: the short answer
CX-5 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Vivo Xpress.
Vivo Xpress starts ZAR 290,510 cheaperCX-5 from ZAR 570,500 · Vivo Xpress from ZAR 279,990
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Maximum Power
CX-5121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Vivo Xpress63 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
CX-5213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Vivo Xpress132 Nm @ 3750 rpm
Engine Size
CX-51998 cc
Vivo Xpress1398 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
CX-514.5 km/l
Vivo Xpress16.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
CX-5200 mm
Vivo Xpress143 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mazda CX-5
2.0 Carbon Edition Auto FWD
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
CX-5
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Vivo Xpress
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
CX-5
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Vivo Xpress
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Model Introduced Year
2017
2026
Generation
Second-generation KF-series Mazda CX-5, current outgoing South African range
Second-generation Polo Vivo-derived two-seat city panel van
Facelift History
The second generation arrived in 2017 and received a substantial update from 2021. An all-new replacement is scheduled to reach South Africa on 1 August 2026, while this current range remains on sale.
Current locally built Vivo Xpress launched in South Africa in February 2026
Facelift Launched Since
2017
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Panel Van
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Mid-size family SUV
A0 City Van
Tare Mass Kg
1575 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Light Commercial Vehicle
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Length
4575 mm
3972 mm
Width
1845 mm
1682 mm
Height
1680 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
143 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
438 l
952 l
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1063 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2065 kg
1530 kg
Payload Capacity
490 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
953 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
2 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.95 m
5.3 m
Front Legroom
1041 mm
1042 mm
Rear Legroom
1007 mm
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
-
1 rows
Front Headroom
-
1004 mm
Rear Headroom
-
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Manually controlled air conditioning
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Front power windows
Keyless Entry
Smart
Remote keyless entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Manual intermittent wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
1340 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Manually controlled air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.4-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
CLPA
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1398 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Electronic Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
10.5:1
Bore
83.5 mm
76.5 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
75.6 mm
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
63 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
132 Nm @ 3750 rpm
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
5-Speed Manual
Top Speed
182 km/h
177 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.3 sec
12.2 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
76.8 kW/tonne
59.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
135.2 Nm/tonne
124.2 Nm/tonne
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-5
Vivo Xpress
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
5-speed manual
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-engine front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Electronic Differential Lock
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
4.624
3.882:1
Number of Gears
6
5
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Manual
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 Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Electronic Differential Lock
Gearbox Type
Automatic
5-speed manual
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 Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
5
LSD Available
-
Not Available
Clutch Type
-
Single dry-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
16.9 km/l
City Mileage
11.7 km/l
12.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.1 km/l
20.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 4
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Available
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
56
45
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
16.9 km/l
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Airbags
6
2
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Applicable
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Electronic immobiliser
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Electronic immobiliser
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
ASR
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard on rear side doors
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
AEB
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
TCS
-
ASR
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Manual intermittent wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Seat Material
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Fabric
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
1451 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1391 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
with red stitching
Polyurethane
60 40 Split Seat
(40:20:40)
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Manual standard front seat
Passenger Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Manual standard front seat
Seat Trim
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Iceberg cloth
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Infotainment System
Standard
9-inch Mirgor radio
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
App-Connect
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
10
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Analogue instrument cluster with multifunction display
USB Ports
2
Standard
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
9-inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
9-inch
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic
-
Exterior Colour Options
Current paint selection depends on edition and remaining dealer allocation as the next-generation CX-5 approaches local launch.
Pure White; Ascot Grey; Wild Cherry Red Metallic; Smokey Grey Metallic; Reflex Silver Metallic; Reef Blue Metallic
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Front fog lights with cornering function
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Departure Angle
22.5 deg
19.4 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Electronic Differential Lock
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
13.5 deg
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Breakover Angle
-
11.1 deg
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Tyre Size
225/55 R19
175/70 R14 84T
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Full-size spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
19x7J
14-inch steel
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Manual handbrake
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Suspension struts and wishbones
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Suspension struts toe-correcting torsion beam and trailing-arm axle
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
140 g/km
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
Optional Volkswagen EasyDrive Service Plan or Maintenance Plan
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Ownership Role
style-focused upper derivative
Locally built two-seat urban delivery vehicle
Price Zar
688400 ZAR
279990 ZAR
Pricing Role
style-focused upper derivative
Current South African retail price including VAT and emissions tax
Starting Price
688400
279990
Starting Price Zar
688400
279990
Spec
CX-5
Vivo Xpress
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 120 000 km; engine 5 years / 150 000 km; anti-corrosion 6 years
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-5 and Vivo Xpress 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-5 48 vs Vivo Xpress 30.
Efficiency index: CX-5 56 vs Vivo Xpress 65.
Safety-equipment index: CX-5 88 vs Vivo Xpress 47.
Practicality index: CX-5 61 vs Vivo Xpress 55.
Ownership-cover index: CX-5 not separately scored vs Vivo Xpress 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-5 and Vivo Xpress 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
CX-5 leads by 15 points
CX-5 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Vivo Xpress.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
CX-5
Performance
48/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
61/100
Vivo Xpress
Performance
30/100
Efficiency
65/100
Safety
47/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMazda CX-5
leads the specification evidence index with 63 pts
vs 48 pts for Vivo Xpress
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, CX-5 leads. However, Vivo Xpress 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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