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 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: the short answer
Mazda3 and Pajero Sport are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Mazda3 starts ZAR 291,690 cheaperMazda3 from ZAR 498,300 · Pajero Sport from ZAR 789,990
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Maximum Power
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Pajero Sport133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Pajero Sport430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Engine Size
Mazda31998 cc
Pajero Sport2442 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda315.9 km/l
Pajero Sport12.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda3140 mm
Pajero Sport218 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
Pajero Sport
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
Pajero Sport
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
Pajero Sport
Model Introduced Year
2019
2017
Generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Facelift History
The seventh-generation South African hatchback launched in 2019 and the current range has since been consolidated to Dynamic and Astina editions.
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
2019
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
C-segment hatchback
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1350 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Length
4460 mm
4825 mm
Width
1795 mm
1815 mm
Height
1440 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
218 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
68 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
193 l
Kerb Weight
1350 kg
2080 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1870 kg
2775 kg
Payload Capacity
520 kg
695 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
2850 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
5.6 m
Front Legroom
1075 mm
1067 mm
Rear Legroom
891 mm
880 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
190 mm
Number of Rows
-
3 rows
Front Headroom
-
1022 mm
Rear Headroom
-
957 mm
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Power Windows
Front
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Smart
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
No
Sunroof
Standard
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
687 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
4N15
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
2442 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
15.5:1
Bore
83.5 mm
86 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
105.1 mm
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
430 Nm @ 2500 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
4WD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
11.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
18.3 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
89.6 kW/tonne
63.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
157.8 Nm/tonne
206.7 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
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
3.850
3.692
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Selectable electronically
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Rotary selector
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
2.566
Low Range
Not Applicable
Yes
Axle Layout
4x2
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Transmission Speeds
6
8
LSD Available
-
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.3 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
14.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
68 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
No
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
51
68
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
84
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
868 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
781 km
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.3 km/l
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
AEB
Not Available
No
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
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Yes
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
-
No
Brake Override System
-
Yes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
No
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
No
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
No
Parking Sensors
Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
No
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
No
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
No
Park Assist
-
No
Forward Collision Warning
-
No
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Seat Material
Black Leather
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
No
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
No
Front Shoulder Room
1414 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1356 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Power adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual adjustable
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Leather-appointed
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Infotainment System
Standard
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
12
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Colour multi-information display
USB Ports
2
Front and rear
Infotainment Screen
10-Inch
8-inch
Touchscreen
10-Inch
8-inch
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Yes
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.
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
No
Fog Lamps
-
Yes
Roof Rails
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Terrain Modes
Sport
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Ground Clearance Max
140 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
140 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
30 deg
Departure Angle
-
24.2 deg
Wading Depth
-
700 mm
Breakover Angle
-
23.1 deg
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Tyre Size
215/45 R18
265/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Full-size alloy
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
18-inch alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric parking brake
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
214 g/km
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
629700 ZAR
904990 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
629700
904990
Starting Price Zar
629700
904990
Spec
Mazda3
Pajero Sport
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 100,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda3 and Pajero Sport 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 Pajero Sport 65.
Efficiency index: Mazda3 61 vs Pajero Sport 49.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda3 96 vs Pajero Sport 72.
Practicality index: Mazda3 50 vs Pajero Sport 71.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda3 not separately scored vs Pajero Sport 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 Pajero Sport 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
Pajero Sport leads by 1 points
Mazda3 and Pajero Sport are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Pajero Sport +15
Efficiency
Mazda3 +12
Safety
Mazda3 +24
Practicality
Pajero Sport +21
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMitsubishi Pajero Sport
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Pajero Sport 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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