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.
Mazda Mazda3 vs Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: the short answer
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda3 remains close.
Mazda3 starts ZAR 3,675,502 cheaperMazda3 from ZAR 498,300 · Mercedes-Maybach S-Class from ZAR 4,173,802
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Maximum Power
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class370 kW
Maximum Torque
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class700 Nm
Engine Size
Mazda31998 cc
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda315.9 km/l
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class10.0 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda3140 mm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class130 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.
Mazda Mazda3
2.0 Astina Edition Auto FWD
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)
Mazda3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Mazda3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Model Introduced Year
2019
2026
Generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Current South African Mercedes-Maybach S-Class generation represented by derivative S 580
Facelift History
The seventh-generation South African hatchback launched in 2019 and the current range has since been consolidated to Dynamic and Astina editions.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2019
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
Current South African retail range
Segment
C-segment hatchback
Premium sedan
Tare Mass Kg
1350 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Sedan
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Length
4460 mm
5469 mm
Width
1795 mm
1921 mm
Height
1440 mm
1510 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
3396 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
130 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
76 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
505 l
Kerb Weight
1350 kg
2360 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1870 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
520 kg
530 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
6.45 m
Front Legroom
1075 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
891 mm
900 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
120 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
960 mm
Rear Headroom
-
960 mm
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Front
Yes
Keyless Entry
Smart
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
687 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
3982/V8
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
M177
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
3982 cc
Cylinders
4
8
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
8.6:1
Bore
83.5 mm
83.0 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
370 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
700 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
370 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
700 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
FWD
RWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
4.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
89.6 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
157.8 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
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
No
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
RWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
3.850
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
6
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
4x2
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
6
9
LSD Available
-
No
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
10.0 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
10.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
10.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
51
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
0 km
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
10.0 km/l
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Brake Override System
-
Ventilated disc brakes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Yes
Park Assist
-
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Seat Material
Black Leather
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
64-colour ambient lighting
Front Shoulder Room
1414 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1356 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Infotainment System
Standard
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
12
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
2
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
10-Inch
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
10-Inch
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
LED Headlamps
Standard
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED daytime running lights
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic
-
Exterior Colour Options
Mazda South Africa offers model-specific solid, metallic and premium paint finishes subject to current edition availability.
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Standard
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Fog Lamps
-
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
-
No
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Ground Clearance Max
140 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
140 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
-
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
-
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Tyre Size
215/45 R18
275/45 R21
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
21-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
21
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
251 g/km
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
629700 ZAR
4173802 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
629700
5000000
Starting Price Zar
629700
5000000
Spec
Mazda3
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda3 and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 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: Mazda3 50 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 97.
Efficiency index: Mazda3 61 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 45.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda3 96 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 95.
Practicality index: Mazda3 50 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 63.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda3 not separately scored vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 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
Mazda3 and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 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
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class leads by 13 points
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda3 remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
45/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
63/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 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.
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