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 Renault Triber Express III: the short answer
Mazda3 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Triber Express III.
Triber Express III starts ZAR 248,301 cheaperMazda3 from ZAR 498,300 · Triber Express III from ZAR 249,999
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Maximum Power
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Triber Express III53 kW @ 6250 rpm
Maximum Torque
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Triber Express III96 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Engine Size
Mazda31998 cc
Triber Express III999 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda315.9 km/l
Triber Express III18.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda3140 mm
Triber Express III182 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)
Specification evidence leader
Mazda3
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Triber Express III
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Mazda3
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Triber Express III
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
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
Triber Express III
Model Introduced Year
2019
2026
Generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Third-generation South African Triber Express light commercial vehicle, announced 10 April 2026 and retailed separately from the preceding Triber Express generation
Facelift History
The seventh-generation South African hatchback launched in 2019 and the current range has since been consolidated to Dynamic and Astina editions.
New Express III generation with updated exterior, digital cluster, eight-inch connected touchscreen and standard reversing camera
Facelift Launched Since
2019
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Panel Van
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
C-segment hatchback
Light Commercial Vehicle
Tare Mass Kg
1350 kg
926 kg
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Panel Van
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Length
4460 mm
3990 mm
Width
1795 mm
1739 mm
Height
1440 mm
1662 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2636 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
182 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
1500 l
Kerb Weight
1350 kg
926 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1870 kg
1522 kg
Payload Capacity
520 kg
542 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
2 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
5.0 m
Front Legroom
1075 mm
1028 mm
Rear Legroom
891 mm
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
182 mm
Number of Rows
-
1 rows
Front Headroom
-
970 mm
Rear Headroom
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Manual
Power Windows
Front
Front
Keyless Entry
Smart
Remote
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Applicable
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
687 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Manual
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.0-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
BR10
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
999 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
12
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
10.5:1
Bore
83.5 mm
72.2 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
81.3 mm
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
53 kW @ 6250 rpm
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
96 Nm @ 3500 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 Automatic
5-Speed Manual
Top Speed
210 km/h
140 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
17.4 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
20.5 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
No
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
89.6 kW/tonne
57.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
157.8 Nm/tonne
103.7 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
Triber Express III
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
3.850
4.73:1
Number of Gears
6
5
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Floor-Mounted Manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-Wheel Drive
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
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Manual
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
5
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Single Plate Dry
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
18.2 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
14.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
21.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Available
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
51
40
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
18.2 km/l
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Airbags
7
2
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Applicable
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
TCS
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
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
Rear Camera
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
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
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
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
Triber Express III
Seat Material
Black Leather
Fabric
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
1414 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1356 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Urethane
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Dual-Tone Fabric
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Infotainment System
Standard
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12
2
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Standard
USB Ports
2
Standard
Infotainment Screen
10-Inch
8-inch
Touchscreen
10-Inch
8-inch
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
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.
Ice Cool White, Moonlight Silver, Stealth Black, Cedar Brown, Zanskar Blue
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
140 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
140 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
Not Available
Departure Angle
-
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Tyre Size
215/45 R18
165/80 R14
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Full-Size
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
14-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Manual
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
131 g/km
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
2 years / 30000 km
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
factory-listed roof-rack derivative
Price Zar
629700 ZAR
261999 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
top
Starting Price
629700
261999
Starting Price Zar
629700
261999
Spec
Mazda3
Triber Express III
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 150000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda3 and Triber Express III 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 Triber Express III 23.
Efficiency index: Mazda3 61 vs Triber Express III 69.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda3 96 vs Triber Express III 32.
Practicality index: Mazda3 50 vs Triber Express III 64.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda3 not separately scored vs Triber Express III 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 Triber Express III 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
Mazda3 leads by 19 points
Mazda3 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Triber Express III.
Performance
Mazda3 +27
Efficiency
Triber Express III +8
Safety
Mazda3 +64
Practicality
Triber Express III +14
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
Triber Express III
Performance
23/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
32/100
Practicality
64/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMazda Mazda3
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 45 pts for Triber Express III
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mazda3 leads. However, Triber Express III 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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