VS
At a Glance
Power
132kW@4500
88 kW
Torque
280Nm@1350
153 Nm
Fuel
6.6L/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
1600kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.7s
—
Engine
1798cc
1496 cc
Choosing between the Audi A3 and the Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi A3 delivers 132kW@4500 while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 88 kW. On fuel, the A3 returns 6.6L/100km while the Mazda3 uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R362 500 for the A3 and R498 300 for the Mazda3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A31.8 TFSI S Quattro S-Tronic 2012 - From R362 500
Mazda Mazda31.5 Dynamic 5dr 2024 - From R498 300
Performance
Power Output
132kW@4500
88 kW
Torque
280Nm@1350
153 Nm
0-100 kph
6.7s
—
Top Speed
228km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1798cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6L/100km
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
8.2L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.6L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
55L
51 l
CO2 Emissions
153g/km
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4237mm
4460 mm
Width
-1777mm
1795 mm
Height
1421mm
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2601mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance
123mm
140 mm
Kerb Weight
1350kg
1293 Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
1100kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
5
Warranty Distance
-
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5yr
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimitedkm
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
A3
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
A3
Practicality
A3
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Lower starting price (R362 500)
Higher towing capacity (1600kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6L/100km)
No factory service plan
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or Mazda3?
The A3 uses 6.6L/100km and the Mazda3 uses 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A3 or Mazda3?
The A3 produces 132kW@4500 and 280Nm@1350 of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 88 kW and 153 Nm of torque. The A3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and Mazda3?
The A3 starts from R362 500 and the Mazda3 from R498 300. The A3 is cheaper by R135 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A3 or Mazda3?
The A3 has a braked towing capacity of 1600kg and the Mazda3 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A3 or the Mazda3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider