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
LEPAS L4 vs Mazda Mazda2: the short answer
L4 and Mazda2 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
L4 starts ZAR 36,100 cheaperL4 from ZAR 299,900 · Mazda2 from ZAR 336,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
L4
Mazda2
Maximum Power
L4108 kW @ 5500 rpm
Mazda285 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
L4225 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm
Mazda2148 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
L41499 cc
Mazda21496 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
L414.3 km/l
Mazda216.7 km/l
Ground Clearance
L4160 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.
LEPAS L4
1.5T Pantera 6DCT
Hagalu editorial rating
4.3/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
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
L4
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?
L4
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
L4
Mazda2
Model Introduced Year
2026
2015
Generation
First-generation LEPAS L4 compact SUV
Current DJ-generation Mazda2, updated for South Africa in 2026
Facelift History
The L4 launched as the first LEPAS model in South Africa in 2026.
The South African range received a feature and styling update for the 2026 model year.
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2015
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
Active
Segment
Compact SUV
B-segment hatchback
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
-
1070 kg
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Length
4406 mm
4085 mm
Width
1820 mm
1695 mm
Height
1635 mm
1504 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
160 mm
152 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
170 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
44 l
Boot/Cargo Space
458 l
250 l
Kerb Weight
1346 kg
1070 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1844 kg
1527 kg
Payload Capacity
498 kg
457 kg
Towing Capacity
1200 kg
250 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.275 m
4.7 m
Front Headroom
1005 mm
-
Rear Headroom
975 mm
-
Front Legroom
1040 mm
1063 mm
Rear Legroom
890 mm
881 mm
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
SQRE4T15C
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1499 cc
1496 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
13.0:1
Bore
77.0 mm
74.5 mm
Stroke
80.5 mm
85.8 mm
Maximum Power
108 kW @ 5500 rpm
85 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
225 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm
148 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
FWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed DCT
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
185 km/h
184 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.2 sec
10.5 sec
Quarter Mile
17.6 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
80.2 kW/tonne
79.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
167.2 Nm/tonne
138.3 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
L4
Mazda2
Gearbox
6-speed dual-clutch automatic
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.13:1
4.319
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Dual clutch
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
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
Not Available
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
6
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Claimed Mileage
14.3 km/l
16.7 km/l
City Mileage
11.5 km/l
13.4 km/l
Highway Mileage
16.8 km/l
19.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
44 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6B
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
14.3 km/l
16.7 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
51
44
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
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes - front seats
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
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 and rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
No
-
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
-
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Seat Material
Faux leather
Leather & Cloth
Heated Seats
No
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Faux leather
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
(60:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way power
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
Seat Trim
Faux leather
Leather & Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
1352 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1273 mm
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Climate Control
Climate control
Automatic
Power Windows
Front and rear
Front & Rear
Keyless Entry
Standard
Smart
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Climate control
Automatic
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Infotainment System
13.2-inch
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
8-inch segment display
Not Available
USB Ports
2
2
Infotainment Screen
13.2-inch
7-Inch
Touchscreen
13.2-inch
7-Inch
Spec
L4
Mazda2
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Rear
-
Roof Rails
Standard
-
Exterior Colour Options
LEPAS South Africa colour availability varies by derivative and launch allocation.
Current Mazda South Africa paint availability varies by edition and dealer allocation.
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black & Machining
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Approach Angle
20.0 deg
-
Departure Angle
28.0 deg
-
Wading Depth
400 mm
-
Terrain Modes
No
Sport
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
18.5 deg
-
Ground Clearance Max
-
152 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
152 mm
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
185/60 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary T-type spare tyre
Temporary spare T125/70 D15
Wheel Rim Size
17-inch
16x5-1/2J
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Manual
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut independent suspension
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam semi-independent suspension
Torsion beam axle
Spec
L4
Mazda2
CO2 Emissions
159 g/km
140 g/km
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Service Plan
5 years / 75,000 km
3 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Ownership Role
safety and comfort flagship derivative
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
419900 ZAR
417300 ZAR
Pricing Role
safety and comfort flagship derivative
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
419900
417300
Starting Price Zar
419900
417300
Spec
L4
Mazda2
Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This L4 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: L4 47 vs Mazda2 38.
Efficiency index: L4 56 vs Mazda2 64.
Safety-equipment index: L4 92 vs Mazda2 84.
Practicality index: L4 59 vs Mazda2 45.
Ownership-cover index: L4 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
L4 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
L4 leads by 7 points
L4 and Mazda2 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
L4
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
59/100
Mazda2
Performance
38/100
Efficiency
64/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
45/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLEPAS L4
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 57 pts for Mazda2
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, L4 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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