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 Single Cab: the short answer
Mazda3 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Triton Single Cab.
Mazda3 starts ZAR 1,690 cheaperMazda3 from ZAR 498,300 · Triton Single Cab from ZAR 499,990
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Maximum Power
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Triton Single Cab81 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Triton Single Cab200 Nm @ 1000-3750 rpm
Engine Size
Mazda31998 cc
Triton Single Cab2442 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda315.9 km/l
Triton Single Cab12.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda3140 mm
Triton Single Cab200 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
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Triton Single Cab
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Mazda3
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Triton Single Cab
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 Single 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.
Facelift Launched Since
2019
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Single-cab pickup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
C-segment hatchback
One-ton single-cab pickup
Tare Mass Kg
1350 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Light commercial vehicle
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Length
4460 mm
5320 mm
Width
1795 mm
1865 mm
Height
1440 mm
1700 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
3130 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
200 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
75 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
1904 l
Kerb Weight
1350 kg
1625 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1870 kg
2570 kg
Payload Capacity
520 kg
945 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
2 seats
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
6.35 m
Front Legroom
1075 mm
1059 mm
Rear Legroom
891 mm
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
185 mm
Number of Rows
-
1 rows
Front Headroom
-
1007 mm
Rear Headroom
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Manual air conditioning
Power Windows
Front
No
Keyless Entry
Smart
No
Push Button Start
Standard
No
Wireless Charging
Standard
No
Sunroof
Standard
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
No
Boot Space Seats Folded
687 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Manual air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2.4-litre Intercooled 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
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
81 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
200 Nm @ 1000-3750 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
RWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
5-Speed Manual
Top Speed
210 km/h
150 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
15.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
20.0 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
No
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
89.6 kW/tonne
49.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
157.8 Nm/tonne
123.1 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 Single Cab
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard
No
Final Drive Ratio
3.850
4.272
Number of Gears
6
5
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Floor-mounted selector
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
No
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
5-Speed Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
6
5
LSD Available
-
No
Clutch Type
-
Single dry plate
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.5 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
10 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
14.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
75 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
75
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
938
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
969 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
872 km
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.5 km/l
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Airbags
7
2
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
No
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
No
AEB
Not Available
No
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
No
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
No
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
No
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
No
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
No
Brake Override System
-
Yes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Cruise Control
Standard
No
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
No
Rear View Camera
Standard
No
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
No
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
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
No
Reverse Camera
Standard
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
No
Around View Monitor
Not Available
No
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
No
Park Assist
-
No
Forward Collision Warning
-
No
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Seat Material
Black Leather
Vinyl
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
Urethane
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual adjustable
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Commercial vinyl
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Infotainment System
Standard
No factory audio head unit
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
No
Android Auto
Standard
No
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
No
Number of Speakers
12
2
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Multi-information display
USB Ports
2
No
Infotainment Screen
10-Inch
Not Applicable
Touchscreen
10-Inch
Not Applicable
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
LED Headlamps
Standard
No
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
No
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, Blade Silver Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic
Headlights
Standard
No
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
No
Fog Lamps
-
No
Roof Rails
-
No
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Terrain Modes
Sport
No
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
-
30.4 deg
Departure Angle
-
22.8 deg
Wading Depth
-
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
-
23.4 deg
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Tyre Size
215/45 R18
195 R15C
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Full-size steel
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
15-inch steel
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Manual lever
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Heavy-duty elliptic leaf spring
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
233 g/km
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
629700 ZAR
499990 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
629700
499990
Starting Price Zar
629700
499990
Spec
Mazda3
Triton Single Cab
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda3 and Triton Single 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 Single Cab 34.
Efficiency index: Mazda3 61 vs Triton Single Cab 49.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda3 96 vs Triton Single Cab 32.
Practicality index: Mazda3 50 vs Triton Single Cab 72.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda3 not separately scored vs Triton Single 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 Single 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
Mazda3 leads by 18 points
Mazda3 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Triton Single Cab.
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
Triton Single Cab
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
32/100
Practicality
72/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMazda Mazda3
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 46 pts for Triton Single Cab
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mazda3 leads. However, Triton Single Cab 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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