VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
82 kW
Torque
250 Nm
146 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.4 s
—
Engine
1395 cc
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 110 kW while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 82 kW. On fuel, the A3 returns 5.8 l/100km while the Mazda3 uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R769 000 for the A3 and R515 100 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 A3March 2026 2026 - From R769 000
Mazda Mazda31.5 Dynamic A/T 5dr 2024 - From R515 100
Performance
Power Output
110 kW
82 kW
Torque
250 Nm
146 Nm
0-100 kph
8.4 s
—
Top Speed
225 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1395 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
136 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
4460 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1795 mm
Height
1441 mm
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2636 mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance
—
140 mm
Kerb Weight
1325 DIN / 1400 EU Kg
1314 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
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
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5yr
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimitedkm
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A3
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
More powerful engine (110 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mazda Mazda3
Lower starting price (R515 100)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (5.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (82 kW vs 110 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or Mazda3?
The A3 uses 5.8 l/100km and the Mazda3 uses 5.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A3 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 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 82 kW and 146 Nm of torque. The A3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and Mazda3?
The A3 starts from R769 000 and the Mazda3 from R515 100. The Mazda3 is cheaper by R253 900 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 not specified 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