VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
121 kW
Torque
230 Nm
213 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1300 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
—
Engine
1499 cc
1998 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 121 kW. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 6.4 l/100km while the Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R753 395 for the 1 Series and R629 700 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 M Sport A/T (f70) 2024 - From R753 395
Mazda Mazda32.0 Astina A/T 5dr 2024 - From R629 700
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
121 kW
Torque
230 Nm
213 Nm
0-100 kph
8.5 s
—
Top Speed
226 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
146 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
1350 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
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
Mazda Mazda3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
1 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
Higher towing capacity (1300 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 121 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mazda Mazda3
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R629 700)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
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 6.3 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 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 1 Series and Mazda3?
The 1 Series starts from R753 395 and the Mazda3 from R629 700. The Mazda3 is cheaper by R123 695 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