VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
88 kW
Torque
230 Nm
153 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
1300 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
—
Engine
1499 cc
1496 cc
Choosing between the BMW 1 Series and the Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 1 Series delivers 115 kW while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 88 kW. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 6.4 l/100km while the Mazda3 uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R713 395 for the 1 Series 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
BMW 1 Series118 A/T (f70) 2024 - From R713 395
Mazda Mazda31.5 Dynamic 5dr 2024 - From R498 300
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
88 kW
Torque
230 Nm
153 Nm
0-100 kph
8.5 s
—
Top Speed
226 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4361 mm
4460 mm
Width
1800-2072 mm
1795 mm
Height
1459 mm
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance
156 mm
140 mm
Kerb Weight
1390 DIN / 1465 EU Kg
1293 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1300 Kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
570 lkg
—
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
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5yr
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimitedkm
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
1 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1300 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R498 300)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (88 kW vs 115 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 1 Series or Mazda3?
The 1 Series uses 6.4 l/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 1 Series or Mazda3?
The 1 Series produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 88 kW and 153 Nm of torque. The 1 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 1 Series and Mazda3?
The 1 Series starts from R713 395 and the Mazda3 from R498 300. The Mazda3 is cheaper by R215 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 1 Series or Mazda3?
The 1 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1300 Kg and the Mazda3 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 1 Series 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