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 X55 Plus are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
X55 Plus starts ZAR 68,400 cheaperMazda3 from ZAR 498,300 · X55 Plus from ZAR 429,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Maximum Power
Mazda3121 kW @ 6000 rpm
X55 Plus138 kW
Maximum Torque
Mazda3213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
X55 Plus305 Nm
Engine Size
Mazda31998 cc
X55 Plus1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda315.9 km/l
X55 Plus12.99 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda3140 mm
X55 PlusNot 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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
Model Introduced Year
2019
2024
Generation
Seventh-generation BP-series Mazda3 hatchback
Current upgraded X55 Plus generation for South Africa, mechanically based around BAIC's Magic Core 1.5T engine, DCT380 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
Facelift History
The seventh-generation South African hatchback launched in 2019 and the current range has since been consolidated to Dynamic and Astina editions.
The original X55 arrived locally in 2022. BAIC launched the upgraded X55 Plus in August 2024 with revised exterior details, a full-black interior, updated wheel and exhaust treatment, and additional connectivity features.
Facelift Launched Since
2019
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2024
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
C-segment hatchback
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1350 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
SUV
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Length
4460 mm
4620 mm
Width
1795 mm
1886 mm
Height
1440 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2735 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
53 l
Boot/Cargo Space
295 l
350 l
Kerb Weight
1350 kg
1480 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1870 kg
1970 kg
Payload Capacity
520 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1075 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
891 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
160 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Air conditioning
Power Windows
Front
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
687 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
A156T2H
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1498 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
305 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
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
7.7 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart
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
X55 Plus
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
7DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
FWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
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 Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Dual-clutch
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
6
7
LSD Available
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Clutch Type
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.99 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
53 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
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
53
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
12.99 km/l
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Standard
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
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 Officially Disclosed
Parking Sensors
Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
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 Officially Disclosed
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Seat Material
Black Leather
Leather
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
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
6-way manual
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Leather
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Infotainment System
Standard
BAIC DA head unit with radio, Bluetooth and smartphone connection
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
10.25-inch LCD instrument screen
USB Ports
2
Front USB, rear USB and Type-C charging
Infotainment Screen
10-Inch
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Touchscreen
10-Inch
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
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.
Electric Yellow, Metallic Grey, Scarlet Red, Krypton Grey, Polar White, Turquoise Blue
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Standard
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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
X55 Plus
Tyre Size
215/45 R18
225/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D16
Space-saver spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
18x7J
18-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric parking brake
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson independent suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multi-link independent suspension
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 60 000 km
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
Price Zar
629700 ZAR
429900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current ex-showroom price
Starting Price
629700
429900
Starting Price Zar
629700
429900
Spec
Mazda3
X55 Plus
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years / 150 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda3 and X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 62.
Efficiency index: Mazda3 61 vs X55 Plus 53.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda3 96 vs X55 Plus 88.
Practicality index: Mazda3 50 vs X55 Plus 55.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda3 not separately scored vs X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 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
X55 Plus leads by 1 points
Mazda3 and X55 Plus are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
X55 Plus +12
Efficiency
Mazda3 +8
Safety
Mazda3 +8
Practicality
X55 Plus +5
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
X55 Plus
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
55/100
Mazda3
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
96/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBAIC X55 Plus
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 64 pts for Mazda3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, X55 Plus 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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