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 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: the short answer
Santa Fe Hybrid has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda3 remains close.
Mazda3 starts ZAR 751,600 cheaperMazda3 from ZAR 498,300 · Santa Fe Hybrid from ZAR 1,249,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Maximum Power
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Santa Fe Hybrid175.2 kW
Maximum Torque
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Santa Fe Hybrid367 Nm
Engine Size
Mazda31998 cc
Santa Fe Hybrid1598 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda315.9 km/l
Santa Fe Hybrid13.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda3140 mm
Santa Fe Hybrid177 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
Santa Fe Hybrid
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
Santa Fe Hybrid
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
Santa Fe Hybrid
Model Introduced Year
2019
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Current South African Santa Fe Hybrid listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
The seventh-generation South African hatchback launched in 2019 and the current range has since been consolidated to Dynamic and Astina editions.
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
2019
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Seven-seat SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
C-segment hatchback
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1350 kg
1980 kg
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
SUV
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.6T Hybrid Elite AWD 6AT
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Length
4460 mm
4830 mm
Width
1795 mm
1900 mm
Height
1440 mm
1770 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
177 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
67 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
413 l
Kerb Weight
1350 kg
1980 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1870 kg
2675 kg
Payload Capacity
520 kg
695 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1075 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
891 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
-
3 rows
Front Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Not Available
Power Windows
Front
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Smart
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Wireless
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
687 l
2253 l
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
4
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
7.5
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Accelerator 0 100
-
9.5 sec
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
santa-fe-hybrid
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1598 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
83.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
91.2 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
175.2 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
367 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
175.2 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
210 km/h
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
9.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
89.6 kW/tonne
88.5 kW/tonne
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
Not Officially Disclosed
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
4WD / AWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
3.850
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD / AWD
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
Standard
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
Active on-demand all-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
6
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
13.3 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
15.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
67 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
51
67
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
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
13.3 km/l
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Airbags
7
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Seat Material
Black Leather
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
1414 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1356 mm
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Cloth
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Digital instrument cluster
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Santa Fe Hybrid grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Infotainment System
Standard
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
10-Inch
SYNC
Touchscreen
10-Inch
SYNC
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
10-Inch
SYNC
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Bluetooth
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
LED Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
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.
3
Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
Led Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Headlight Type
Standard
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
140 mm
177 mm
Ground Clearance Min
140 mm
177 mm
Approach Angle
-
Not Available
Departure Angle
-
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tyre Size
215/45 R18
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Hybrid
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
-
4
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Flagship
Price Zar
629700 ZAR
1249900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
629700
1249900
Starting Price Zar
629700
1249900
Spec
Mazda3
Santa Fe Hybrid
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda3 and Santa Fe Hybrid 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 Santa Fe Hybrid 72.
Efficiency index: Mazda3 61 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 59.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda3 96 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 89.
Practicality index: Mazda3 50 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 73.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda3 not separately scored vs Santa Fe Hybrid 65.
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 Santa Fe Hybrid 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
Santa Fe Hybrid leads by 9 points
Santa Fe Hybrid has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda3 remains close.
Performance
Santa Fe Hybrid +22
Efficiency
Mazda3 +2
Safety
Mazda3 +7
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid +23
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Santa Fe Hybrid
Performance
72/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
65/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Santa Fe Hybrid 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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