KIA K2700 vs Mazda Mazda3

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.

KIA K2700 in South Africa

KIA K2700

2.7D Workhorse Tipper Diesel 5-Speed Manual Current
ZAR 404,995 ex-showroom
⚡ 56 kW 🔧 152 Nm ⛽ 10.5 km/l
VS
Mazda Mazda3 in South Africa

Mazda Mazda3

2.0 Astina Edition Auto FWD Petrol 6-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 629,700 ex-showroom
⚡ 121 kW 🔧 213 Nm ⛽ 15.9 km/l
+ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

KIA K2700 vs Mazda Mazda3: the short answer

Mazda3 has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over K2700.

K2700 starts ZAR 146,305 cheaper K2700 from ZAR 351,995 · Mazda3 from ZAR 498,300

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification K2700 Mazda3
Maximum Power K270056 kW @ 3200 rpm Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque K2700152 Nm @ 2000 rpm Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size K27002665 cc Mazda31998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy K270010.5 km/l Mazda315.9 km/l
Ground Clearance K2700195 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.

KIA K2700

2.7D Workhorse Tipper

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Mazda Mazda3

2.0 Astina Edition Auto FWD

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

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)

K2700

Strengths
  • Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
  • Less powerful engine setup
  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to: Published Practicality
Specification evidence leader

Mazda3

Strengths
  • More powerful engine output
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
  • Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to: Published Performance Published Efficiency

Which One's Right for You?

K2700

  • Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures

Mazda3

  • Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
  • Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
  • Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec K2700 Mazda3
Front Brake Disc Diameter 280 mm -
Front Brake Type Ventilated Disc Ventilated disc
Brake Type Front Ventilated Disc -
Rear Brake Type Drum Solid disc
Brake Type Rear Drum -
Rear Brake Drum Diameter 260 mm -
Parking Brake Type Manual -
Tyre Size 185R14C 215/45 R18
Wheel Rim Size 185R14C 18x7J
Front Tyre Width 185 mm -
Rear Tyre Width 185 mm -
Wheel Diameter 185R14C 18x7J
Wheel Type Steel Black Metallic
Tyre Type Radial -
Tyre Load Index 112 -
Tyre Speed Rating L -
Spare Tyre Full-Size Spare Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Spare Wheel Type Full-Size Spare Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Tyre Pressure Monitoring No -
Tyre Pressure Display No -
Hydraulic Brake Assist No -
Autonomous Emergency Brake No -
Steering Wheel Audio Controls No -
Wheel Material Steel Black Metallic
Wheels Steel Black Metallic
Spare Wheel Size Type Full-Size Spare -
Handbrake Type Manual Electronic
Electric Park Brake Manual -
Wheel Size Type 185R14C -
Fifth Wheel Prep Not Available -
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls No -
Steering Wheel Phone Controls No -
Leather Steering Wheel Urethane -
Steering Wheel Trim Urethane -
Brakes Ventilated Disc -
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution No -
Cornering Brake Control No -
Auto Brake Hold Manual -
Spec K2700 Mazda3
Intercooler No -
Rev Matching No -
Performance Data Logger No -
Fuel Consumption Combined 9.5 -
Engine Start Stop No Standard
Engine Start Stop Button No Standard
Engine Start Button Illumination No -
Engine Check Warning Yes -
Drag Coefficient 0.45 -
Load Bed Length 1800 mm Not Applicable
Load Bed Width 1500 mm Not Applicable
Stabilizer Bar Yes -
Steering Response Normal -
Skid Plates No -
Side Steps No -
Spare Wheel Full-Size Spare Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Tyre Repair Kit No -
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner Yes -
Hill Start Assist No -
Speed Limiter Yes -
Speed Alert System No -
Impact Sensing Door Unlock Yes -
Surround View Monitor No Not Available
Adaptive Dampers No -
Wireless Charging No Standard
Voice Command No -
Voice Command Support No -
Digital Speedometer No -
Driver Display Analogue Cluster -
Heads Up Display No -
Tachometer Yes -
Trip Computer Yes -
Multi Function Steering No -
Steering Mounted Controls No -
Air Conditioning No Dual-zone climate control
AC Type No Dual-zone climate control
Climate Control No Dual-zone climate control
Climate Zones 1 -
Rear Air Conditioning No -
Glovebox Cooling No -
Seat Type Vinyl Seats -
Driver Seat Height Adjustment No -
Rear Seat Split No -
Headrest Adjustable Yes -
Front Armrest No -
Vanity Mirror No -
12V Accessory Socket Yes -
Front Power Outlet No -
Rear Reading Lamps No -
Keyless Entry No Smart
Push Button Start No Standard
Push Button Start No Standard
Remote Engine Start No -
Remote Start No -
Remote Central Locking Yes -
Door Ajar Warning Yes -
Fuel Lid Opener Manual -
Boot Opener Manual -
Power Windows No Front
Power Mirrors No -
Heated Mirrors No -
Electric Folding Mirrors No -
Electric Mirror Folding No -
Remote Side Mirror No -
Auto Dimming Irvm No -
Auto Dimming Mirror No -
Rain Sensing Wipers No Standard
Rear Window Defroster No -
Rear Defogger No -
Follow Me Home Headlamps No -
Tail Lamps No -
Automatic Headlamps No -
Headlamp Height Adjust Yes -
Headlamp Washer No -
Sunroof No Standard
Panoramic Roof No Standard
Roof Antenna Yes -
Rear Wing No -
Aero Kit No -
Chrome Grille No -
Chrome Exterior Highlights No -
Ride Mode Selection No -
Electric Tailgate No Not Available
Powered Tailgate No -
Engine Warranty 5 Years / 150,000 km -
Service Reminder Yes -
Loadbox Length Mm 1800 mm Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm 1500 mm Not Applicable
Trim Level flagship -
Variant Role Flagship / premium derivative -
Common Rail Injection Direct Injection -
Diff Lock No -
Difflock No -
Vdc No -
TPMS No -
Sonar No -
Automatic High Beam No -
Steering Column Adjustment Tilt and Telescopic -
Tilt Steering Tilt and Telescopic -
Telescopic Steering Tilt and Telescopic -
Bottle Holders 2 -
Glove Box Yes -
Manual Aircon No -
Intelligent Keyless Entry No -
Passive Entry Start No -
Wireless Charger No Standard
Lift Gate No -
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors No -
Power Socket 12v Yes -
Sound System 2 12
Roof Rack Compatibility No -
Mirror Manual -
Rim Size 185R14C 18x7J
Stabilizer Bar Front Yes -
Stabilizer Bar Rear No -
Sub Frame Body-on-Frame -
Vehicle To Grid Not Available -
Vehicle To Load Not Available -
One Pedal Driving Not Available -
Regenerative Braking Levels Not Available -
Rear Electric Motor Not Available -
Battery Preconditioning Not Available -
Source Model Column k2700 -
Intelligent Battery System Not Available -
Front Diff Lock Not Available -
Rear Diff Lock Not Available -
Loadbox Depth Mm Not Available -
Load Bed Cover Not Available -
Load Bed Light Not Available -
Load Bed Steps Not Available -
Loadbox Rope Hooks Not Available -
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets Not Available -
Bed Extender Not Available -
Canopy Fitment Not Available -
Sports Bar Not Available -
Tailgate Damper Not Available -
Tailgate Lock Not Available -
Tow Bar Type Not Available -
Unlocking No Smart
Walk Away Lock No -
Walk Away Auto Door Lock No -
Rear LED Combination Taillights No -
Front Wiper No -
Front Wipers Type No -
Rearview Mirror Inside No -
Vanity Mirror Illuminated No -
Reading Lights Rear No -
Centre Console No -
Side Impact Bars Yes -
Boot Space Seats Folded Not Applicable 687 l

In depth: how these cars differ

This K2700 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: K2700 32 vs Mazda3 50.

Efficiency index: K2700 43 vs Mazda3 61.

Safety-equipment index: K2700 0 vs Mazda3 96.

Practicality index: K2700 68 vs Mazda3 50.

Ownership-cover index: K2700 49 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.

Specification Evidence Index

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 27 points

Mazda3 has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over K2700.

Evidence leader 64 /100
Lead 27 points
Data 77% source coverage
64
#1 Evidence leader

Mazda3

77% source coverage 1 strong categories
Best at Safety 96 Check Performance 50
Performance 50
Efficiency 61
Safety 96
Practicality 50
Leads by 27 points
37
#2

K2700

84% source coverage 0 strong categories
Best at Practicality 68 Check Safety 0
Performance 32
Efficiency 43
Safety 0
Practicality 68
Ownership 49
Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%
Category leaders What moves the verdict
Performance Mazda3 +18 Efficiency Mazda3 +18 Safety Mazda3 +96 Practicality K2700 +18

Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.

Why this score View full breakdown
Evidence-index leader

Mazda3

Performance 50/100
Efficiency 61/100
Safety 96/100
Practicality 50/100

K2700

Performance 32/100
Efficiency 43/100
Safety 0/100
Practicality 68/100
Ownership 49/100

What the evidence means

Evidence index Mazda Mazda3 leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts vs 37 pts for K2700

In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mazda3 leads. However, K2700 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

K2700 vs Mazda3 questions

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.