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
Suzuki Jimny vs Mazda Mazda3: the short answer
Jimny and Mazda3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Jimny starts ZAR 53,400 cheaperJimny from ZAR 444,900 · Mazda3 from ZAR 498,300
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Jimny
Mazda3
Maximum Power
Jimny77 kW
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Jimny138 Nm
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
Jimny1462 cc
Mazda31998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Jimny16.1 km/l
Mazda315.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Jimny0 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.
Suzuki Jimny
1.5 GLX AllGrip AT
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)
Jimny
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Mazda3
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Jimny
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Mazda3
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Model Introduced Year
2026
2019
Generation
Current market generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Facelift History
Current market specification
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
2026
2019
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
SUV
C-segment hatchback
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
-
1350 kg
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Length
3645 mm
4460 mm
Width
1645 mm
1795 mm
Height
1720 mm
1440 mm
Wheelbase
2250 mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
0 mm
140 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
170 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
85 l
295 l
Kerb Weight
1090 kg
1350 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1435 kg
1870 kg
Payload Capacity
345 kg
520 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
5.3 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
-
Rear Headroom
950 mm
-
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1075 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
891 mm
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
K15B/K15C
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1462 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Multi-point fuel injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
13.0:1
Bore
73.0 mm
83.5 mm
Stroke
85.0 mm
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
77 kW
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
138 Nm
213 Nm @ 4000 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
4WD
FWD
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
9.5 sec
Quarter Mile
16.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
70.6 kW/tonne
89.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
126.6 Nm/tonne
157.8 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
Jimny
Mazda3
Gearbox
4-speed automatic
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
4WD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
-
Transfer Case
Part-time 4WD transfer case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.3
3.850
Number of Gears
4
6
Transmission Type
4-speed automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter / CVT
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Automatic
Drivetrain
4WD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Selectable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Yes
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Yes
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Transfer selector
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Standard
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
4-speed automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
2.0
Not Applicable
Low Range
Yes
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front and rear driven axles
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
4
6
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Claimed Mileage
16.1 km/l
15.9 km/l
City Mileage
16.0 km/l
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
18.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6 equivalent
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Real-world Mileage
16.1 km/l
15.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
40
51
Combined Driving Range
700
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
650 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
600 km
Not Applicable
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Not Applicable
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
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
-
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Not Available
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
-
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Not Applicable
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
-
Knee Airbag
No
Standard
ABS EBD
Not Applicable
Standard
Spec
Jimny
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
Not Applicable
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
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Applicable
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Applicable
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
-
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Seat Material
Fabric upholstery
Black Leather
Heated Seats
No
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
No
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
(60:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Seat Trim
Fabric upholstery
Black Leather
Front Shoulder Room
-
1414 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1356 mm
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Yes
Front
Keyless Entry
Yes
Smart
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
No
Standard
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Applicable
Standard
AC Type
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
Jimny
Mazda3
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment system
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Android Auto
Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
12
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument display
Not Available
USB Ports
USB-A / USB-C
2
Infotainment Screen
9
10-Inch
Touchscreen
9
10-Inch
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
Yes
-
Roof Rails
Yes
-
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple Suzuki factory exterior colours
Mazda South Africa offers model-specific solid, metallic and premium paint finishes subject to current edition availability.
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Approach Angle
36 deg
-
Departure Angle
47 deg
-
Wading Depth
300 mm
-
Terrain Modes
Snow | Sport
Sport
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
ALLGRIP / selectable 4WD
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
24 deg
-
Ground Clearance Max
-
140 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
140 mm
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Tyre Size
195/60 R16
215/45 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space-saver spare wheel
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Wheel Rim Size
16
18x7J
Handbrake Type
Manual parking brake
Electronic
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Torsion beam axle
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
146 g/km
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Service Plan
5 Years / 90000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Ownership Role
Suzuki ownership programme
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
437500 ZAR
629700 ZAR
Pricing Role
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
437500
629700
Starting Price Zar
437500
629700
Spec
Jimny
Mazda3
Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Jimny 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: Jimny 42 vs Mazda3 50.
Efficiency index: Jimny 62 vs Mazda3 61.
Safety-equipment index: Jimny 91 vs Mazda3 96.
Practicality index: Jimny 35 vs Mazda3 50.
Ownership-cover index: Jimny 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
Jimny 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
Mazda3 leads by 7 points
Jimny and Mazda3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
Jimny
Performance
42/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
35/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMazda Mazda3
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 57 pts for Jimny
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mazda3 leads. However, Jimny 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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