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 Triton Double Cab: the short answer
Triton Double Cab has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda3 remains close.
Mazda3 starts ZAR 141,690 cheaperMazda3 from ZAR 498,300 · Triton Double Cab from ZAR 639,990
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Maximum Power
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Triton Double Cab150 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Triton Double Cab470 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
Engine Size
Mazda31998 cc
Triton Double Cab2442 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda315.9 km/l
Triton Double Cab11.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda3140 mm
Triton Double Cab228 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
Triton Double Cab
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
Triton Double Cab
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
Triton Double Cab
Model Introduced Year
2019
2024
Generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Sixth-generation Triton
Facelift History
The seventh-generation South African hatchback launched in 2019 and the current range has since been consolidated to Dynamic and Astina editions.
Next-Gen Triton launched in South Africa in November 2024; Bi-Turbo added in 2026.
Facelift Launched Since
2019
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Double-cab pickup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
C-segment hatchback
One-ton double-cab pickup
Tare Mass Kg
1350 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Light commercial vehicle
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Length
4460 mm
5360 mm
Width
1795 mm
1930 mm
Height
1440 mm
1815 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
3130 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
228 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
75 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
1262 l
Kerb Weight
1350 kg
2035 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1870 kg
3020 kg
Payload Capacity
520 kg
985 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
6.35 m
Front Legroom
1075 mm
1059 mm
Rear Legroom
891 mm
857 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
195 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
-
972 mm
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone automatic
Power Windows
Front
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Smart
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Standard
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
687 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone automatic
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2.4-litre Twin Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
4N16
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
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
15.2:1
Bore
83.5 mm
86 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
105.1 mm
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
150 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
470 Nm @ 1500-2750 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
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
9.4 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
16.9 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
Normal, Eco, Gravel, Mud, Sand, Rock, Snow
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
89.6 kW/tonne
73.7 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
157.8 Nm/tonne
231 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
Triton Double Cab
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
6-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
No
Final Drive Ratio
3.850
4.272
Number of Gears
6
6
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
No
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
6-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
6
LSD Available
-
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
11.9 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
9.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
13.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
75 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
17 litres l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
No
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
51
75
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
893
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
923 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
83 km
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
11.9 km/l
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
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
Yes
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
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
-
Yes
Brake Override System
-
Yes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
No
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Yes
Park Assist
-
No
Forward Collision Warning
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
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
Triton Double Cab
Infotainment System
Standard
Smartphone-link Display Audio with navigation
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
12
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
7-inch colour LCD
USB Ports
2
Front and rear
Infotainment Screen
10-Inch
9-inch
Touchscreen
10-Inch
9-inch
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
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 Solid, White Diamond, Blade Silver Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Impulse Blue Metallic, Yamabuki Orange Metallic
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
No
Fog Lamps
-
Yes
Roof Rails
-
No
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Terrain Modes
Sport
Normal, Eco, Gravel, Mud, Sand, Rock, Snow
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
-
30.4 deg
Departure Angle
-
22.8 deg
Wading Depth
-
600 mm
Breakover Angle
-
23.4 deg
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Tyre Size
215/45 R18
265/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Full-size
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
18-inch metallic black alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Manual lever
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Elliptic leaf spring
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
220 g/km
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
629700 ZAR
959990 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
629700
959990
Starting Price Zar
629700
959990
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Double Cab
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda3 and Triton Double Cab 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 Triton Double Cab 75.
Efficiency index: Mazda3 61 vs Triton Double Cab 47.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda3 96 vs Triton Double Cab 95.
Practicality index: Mazda3 50 vs Triton Double Cab 90.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda3 not separately scored vs Triton Double Cab 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 Triton Double Cab 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
Triton Double Cab leads by 14 points
Triton Double Cab 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
Triton Double Cab
Performance
75/100
Efficiency
47/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
90/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMitsubishi Triton Double Cab
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Triton Double Cab 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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