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.
2.0 Astina Edition Auto FWDPetrol6-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 629,700ex-showroom
⚡ 121 kW🔧 213 Nm⛽ 15.9 km/l
＋Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV vs Mazda Mazda3: the short answer
EQS SUV holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Mazda3.
Mazda3 starts ZAR 2,237,551 cheaperEQS SUV from ZAR 2,735,851 · Mazda3 from ZAR 498,300
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Maximum Power
EQS SUV265 kW
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
EQS SUV800 Nm
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
EQS SUVNot Applicable
Mazda31998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
EQS SUV0 km/l
Mazda315.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
EQS SUV150 mm
Mazda3140 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.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
EQS 450 4MATIC
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
EQS SUV
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
Mazda3
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
Which One's Right for You?
EQS SUV
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
Mazda3
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Model Introduced Year
2026
2019
Generation
Current South African EQS SUV generation represented by derivative EQS 450 4MATIC
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
The seventh-generation South African hatchback launched in 2019 and the current range has since been consolidated to Dynamic and Astina editions.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
2019
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Suv
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
Active
Segment
Premium SUV
C-segment hatchback
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
-
1350 kg
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Length
4800 mm
4460 mm
Width
1900 mm
1795 mm
Height
1600 mm
1440 mm
Wheelbase
3210 mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
150 mm
140 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
220 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
500 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
295 l
Kerb Weight
2000 kg
1350 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
1870 kg
Payload Capacity
500 kg
520 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.0 m
5.3 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
-
Rear Headroom
960 mm
-
Front Legroom
900 mm
1075 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
891 mm
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Engine
Electric engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1998 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
13.0:1
Bore
Not Applicable
83.5 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
265 kW
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
800 Nm
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
2
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Front and rear
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
5.8 sec
9.5 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
89.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
157.8 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
118 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
118.0 kWh
Not Applicable
Battery Type
118.0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
118.0 V
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
11 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
200 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Gearbox
Single-speed reduction gear
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
-
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
3.850
Number of Gears
1
6
Transmission Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gear Shift Type
Electronic shift-by-wire
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Yes
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
680
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
680
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Yes
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Standard
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
680
Not Applicable
Low Range
680
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
6
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Claimed Mileage
0 km/l
15.9 km/l
City Mileage
0 km/l
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
0 km/l
18.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Zero tailpipe emissions
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
0 km/l
15.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Not Applicable
Charging Type
CCS2 DC fast charging | Type 2 AC charging
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
0
51
Combined Driving Range
680
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
22.8-20.0 kWh/100 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
680 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
680 km
Not Applicable
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
-
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
-
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
-
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
-
Knee Airbag
Yes
Standard
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
-
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Seat Material
Nappa leather
Black Leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
(60:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Black Leather
Front Shoulder Room
-
1414 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1356 mm
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Climate Control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Front
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Smart
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
AC Type
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Dual-zone climate control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
687 l
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
13
12
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Not Available
USB Ports
USB-C ports
2
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
10-Inch
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
10-Inch
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
LED Headlamps
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Standard
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
-
Roof Rails
Yes
-
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Mazda South Africa offers model-specific solid, metallic and premium paint finishes subject to current edition availability.
Headlights
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
-
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
-
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Off-road mode
Sport
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
-
Ground Clearance Max
-
140 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
140 mm
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Tyre Size
275/45 R21
215/45 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
21-inch alloy wheels
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Wheel Rim Size
21
18x7J
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electronic
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Torsion beam axle
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
146 g/km
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
2735851 ZAR
629700 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
3100000
629700
Starting Price Zar
3100000
629700
Spec
EQS SUV
Mazda3
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This EQS SUV and Mazda3 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: EQS SUV 98 vs Mazda3 50.
Efficiency index: EQS SUV 90 vs Mazda3 61.
Safety-equipment index: EQS SUV 99 vs Mazda3 96.
Practicality index: EQS SUV 57 vs Mazda3 50.
Ownership-cover index: EQS SUV not separately scored vs Mazda3 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
EQS SUV and Mazda3 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
EQS SUV leads by 22 points
EQS SUV holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Mazda3.
Performance
EQS SUV +48
Efficiency
EQS SUV +29
Safety
EQS SUV +3
Practicality
EQS SUV +7
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
EQS SUV
Performance
98/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
57/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz EQS SUV
leads the specification evidence index with 86 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, EQS SUV leads. However, Mazda3 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.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.
