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.
Mazda3 and UNI-S are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
UNI-S starts ZAR 108,400 cheaperMazda3 from ZAR 498,300 · UNI-S from ZAR 389,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda3
UNI-S
Maximum Power
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
UNI-S138 kW
Maximum Torque
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
UNI-S300 Nm
Engine Size
Mazda31998 cc
UNI-S1500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda315.9 km/l
UNI-S14.49 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda3140 mm
UNI-SNot Officially Disclosed
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
UNI-S
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
UNI-S
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
UNI-S
Model Introduced Year
2019
2026
Generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
First current South African UNI-S retail generation, offered in CS, CL and CE grades.
Facelift History
The seventh-generation South African hatchback launched in 2019 and the current range has since been consolidated to Dynamic and Astina editions.
No South African facelift has been announced since the UNI-S entered local retail sale in 2026.
Facelift Launched Since
2019
Not Applicable
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not Applicable
Body Style
Hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
C-segment hatchback
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1350 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Passenger car
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Length
4460 mm
4539 mm
Width
1795 mm
1865 mm
Height
1440 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2656 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
475 l
Kerb Weight
1350 kg
1505 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1870 kg
1825 kg
Payload Capacity
520 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
5.66 m
Front Legroom
1075 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
891 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
167 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Front
All four windows; one-touch up/down
Keyless Entry
Smart
Passive entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Sunroof
Standard
Electric panoramic sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
687 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Automatic climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
NE15TG-AC
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
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
138 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
300 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
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
210 km/h
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
3 selectable modes
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
89.6 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
157.8 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
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
UNI-S
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
7-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
3.850
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
6
7
Transmission Type
Automatic
DCT
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Axle Layout
4x2
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
6
7
LSD Available
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Clutch Type
-
Dual-clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
14.49 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
51
51
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
14.49 km/l
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Airbags
7
6
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Driver and front passenger
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Driver and front passenger
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Yes
Brake Override System
-
Not Officially Disclosed
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Cruise Control
Standard
Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Rear (6 sensors)
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
540-degree HD panoramic view
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
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
540-degree HD panoramic view
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Yes
Park Assist
-
Straight-in/straight-out automatic parking
Forward Collision Warning
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Seat Material
Black Leather
Microfiber leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front seat cushions
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Shoulder Room
1414 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1356 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Microfiber leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
6-way electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
4-way electric
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Microfiber leather
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Infotainment System
Standard
12.8-inch infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
12
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
10.25-inch instrument display
USB Ports
2
1 USB-A and 1 USB-C in front
Infotainment Screen
10-Inch
12.8-inch
Touchscreen
10-Inch
12.8-inch
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
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.
Black, Putty Grey, Shadow Grey, Fluorite Grey, Moon White
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Yes
Fog Lamps
-
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance Max
140 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
140 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Tyre Size
215/45 R18
225/55 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Temporary-use spare
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson independent
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multi-link independent
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
179 g/km
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90,000 km
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current South African derivative
Price Zar
629700 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
629700
469900
Starting Price Zar
629700
469900
Spec
Mazda3
UNI-S
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 150,000 km; roadside assistance 5 years
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda3 and UNI-S 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 UNI-S 59.
Efficiency index: Mazda3 61 vs UNI-S 55.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda3 96 vs UNI-S 92.
Practicality index: Mazda3 50 vs UNI-S 68.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda3 not separately scored vs UNI-S 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 UNI-S 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
UNI-S leads by 5 points
Mazda3 and UNI-S 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
UNI-S
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
68/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexChangan UNI-S
leads the specification evidence index with 69 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, UNI-S 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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