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 Ford Transit Custom: the short answer
Mazda3 and Transit Custom are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Mazda3 starts ZAR 271,700 cheaperMazda3 from ZAR 498,300 · Transit Custom from ZAR 770,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Maximum Power
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Transit Custom100 kW
Maximum Torque
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transit Custom360 Nm
Engine Size
Mazda31998 cc
Transit Custom1996 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda315.9 km/l
Transit Custom12.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda3140 mm
Transit Custom130 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
Transit Custom
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
Transit Custom
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
Transit Custom
Model Introduced Year
2019
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Current South African Transit Custom 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
Van
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
C-segment hatchback
Commercial van
Tare Mass Kg
1350 kg
1756 kg
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Van
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Base grade in the South Africa lineup
Wheelbase Type
-
Long wheelbase
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Length
4460 mm
5450 mm
Width
1795 mm
2032 mm
Height
1440 mm
1979 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
130 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
484 l
Kerb Weight
1350 kg
1756 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1870 kg
3025 kg
Payload Capacity
520 kg
1269 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
3 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
5.6 m
Front Legroom
1075 mm
1047 mm
Rear Legroom
891 mm
881 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
125 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
984 mm
Rear Headroom
-
947 mm
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
2602 mm
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
1392 mm
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Manual air conditioning
Power Windows
Front
Yes
Keyless Entry
Smart
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
No
Sunroof
Standard
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
687 l
Not Applicable
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Manual air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
2602 mm
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
1392 mm
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
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
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
transit-custom
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
base
Variant Role
-
Commercial utility derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1996 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
10.5:1
Bore
83.5 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
100 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
360 Nm
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
RWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
210 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
89.6 kW/tonne
56.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
157.8 Nm/tonne
205 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
Transit Custom
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
RWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard
No
Final Drive Ratio
3.850
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Manual gear lever
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
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
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Rear driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
6
6
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Dry single-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.2 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
14.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
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
12.2 km/l
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Airbags
7
Front passenger and side airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
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
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Yes
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Yes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
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
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
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
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Seat Material
Black Leather
Fabric upholstery
Heated Seats
Not Available
No
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
No
Front Shoulder Room
1414 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1356 mm
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Urethane
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual adjustment
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Fabric upholstery
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Transit Custom grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Infotainment System
Standard
SYNC 4 infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
12
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Multi-information instrument display
USB Ports
2
USB-A and USB-C
Infotainment Screen
10-Inch
8
Touchscreen
10-Inch
8
Infotainment Screen Size
10-Inch
8
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
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.
Multiple Ford South Africa factory exterior colours
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
No
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
No
Body Type
-
Van
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
140 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance Min
140 mm
130 mm
Approach Angle
-
Not Available
Departure Angle
-
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Tyre Size
215/45 R18
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
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
Transit Custom
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
Transit Custom
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Maintenance Plan
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Duration
5 Years/Unlimited km
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Distance
5 Years/Unlimited km
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Base
Price Zar
629700 ZAR
770000 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
629700
770000
Starting Price Zar
629700
770000
Spec
Mazda3
Transit Custom
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda3 and Transit Custom 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 Transit Custom 60.
Efficiency index: Mazda3 61 vs Transit Custom 53.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda3 96 vs Transit Custom 90.
Practicality index: Mazda3 50 vs Transit Custom 61.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda3 not separately scored vs Transit Custom 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 Transit Custom 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
Transit Custom leads by 3 points
Mazda3 and Transit Custom 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
Transit Custom
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
61/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexFord Transit Custom
leads the specification evidence index with 67 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Transit Custom 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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