VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
88 kW
Torque
400 Nm
153 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
750 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
—
Engine
1998 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 233 kW while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 88 kW. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 7.8 l/100km while the Mazda3 uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R988 768 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 SeriesM135 Xdrive A/T (f70) 2024 - From R988 768
Mazda Mazda31.5 Dynamic 5dr 2024 - From R498 300
Performance
Power Output
233 kW
88 kW
Torque
400 Nm
153 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
177 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
1550 DIN / 1625 EU Kg
1293 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
550 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
Mazda Mazda3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R498 300)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (88 kW vs 233 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 1 Series or Mazda3?
The 1 Series uses 7.8 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 233 kW and 400 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 R988 768 and the Mazda3 from R498 300. The Mazda3 is cheaper by R490 468 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 750 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