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.
1.5 Individual Edition Auto FWDPetrol6-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 417,300ex-showroom
⚡ 85 kW🔧 148 Nm⛽ 16.7 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Mazda Mazda2: the short answer
GLA has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda2 remains close.
Mazda2 starts ZAR 565,887 cheaperGLA from ZAR 901,887 · Mazda2 from ZAR 336,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
GLA
Mazda2
Maximum Power
GLA120 kW
Mazda285 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
GLA270 Nm
Mazda2148 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
GLA1332 cc
Mazda21496 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
GLA15.2 km/l
Mazda216.7 km/l
Ground Clearance
GLA143 mm
Mazda2152 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 GLA
GLA 200
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
GLA
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Mazda2
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?
GLA
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Mazda2
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
GLA
Mazda2
Model Introduced Year
2026
2015
Generation
Current South African GLA generation represented by derivative GLA 200
Current DJ-generation Mazda2, updated for South Africa in 2026
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
The South African range received a feature and styling update for the 2026 model year.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
2015
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Suv
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
Active
Segment
Premium SUV
B-segment hatchback
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
-
1070 kg
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Length
4412 mm
4085 mm
Width
1834 mm
1695 mm
Height
1616 mm
1504 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
143 mm
152 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
220 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
44 l
Boot/Cargo Space
435 l
250 l
Kerb Weight
1650 kg
1070 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
1527 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
457 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
250 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
4.7 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
-
Rear Headroom
960 mm
-
Front Legroom
900 mm
1063 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
881 mm
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Engine
1332/L4
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
M282
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1332 cc
1496 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.6:1
13.0:1
Bore
72.2 mm
74.5 mm
Stroke
81.4 mm
85.8 mm
Maximum Power
120 kW
85 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
270 Nm
148 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Combined Power
120 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
270 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed DCT
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
184 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.9 sec
10.5 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
79.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
138.3 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
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
No
Not Applicable
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Gearbox
8-Speed DCT
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
4.319
Number of Gears
8
6
Transmission Type
8-Speed DCT
Automatic
Clutch Type
Dual-clutch
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
No
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
No
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Standard
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
8-Speed DCT
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: FWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
6
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Claimed Mileage
15.2 km/l
16.7 km/l
City Mileage
15.2 km/l
13.4 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.2 km/l
19.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
44 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
15.2 km/l
16.7 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
44
Combined Driving Range
0
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
Not Applicable
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Airbags
7
6
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
Not Available
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
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
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
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
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
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
-
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Leather & Cloth
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
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
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Leather & Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
1352 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1273 mm
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Automatic
Power Windows
Yes
Front & Rear
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Smart
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Automatic
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
13
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Not Available
USB Ports
USB-C ports
2
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
7-Inch
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
7-Inch
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
-
Roof Rails
Yes
-
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Current Mazda South Africa paint availability varies by edition and dealer allocation.
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black & Machining
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
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
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
-
Ground Clearance Max
-
152 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
152 mm
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
185/60 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
20-inch alloy wheels
Temporary spare T125/70 D15
Wheel Rim Size
20
16x5-1/2J
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Manual
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Torsion beam axle
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
140 g/km
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
3 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
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
901887 ZAR
417300 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
1050000
417300
Starting Price Zar
1050000
417300
Spec
GLA
Mazda2
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This GLA and Mazda2 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: GLA 54 vs Mazda2 38.
Efficiency index: GLA 63 vs Mazda2 64.
Safety-equipment index: GLA 99 vs Mazda2 84.
Practicality index: GLA 62 vs Mazda2 45.
Ownership-cover index: GLA not separately scored vs Mazda2 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
GLA and Mazda2 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
GLA leads by 13 points
GLA has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda2 remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLA
Performance
54/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
62/100
Mazda2
Performance
38/100
Efficiency
64/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
45/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLA
leads the specification evidence index with 70 pts
vs 57 pts for Mazda2
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLA leads. However, Mazda2 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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