VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
115 kW
Torque
270 Nm
206 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
—
850 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
9.5 s
Engine
1497 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the GAC Emkoo and the Mazda CX-3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GAC Emkoo delivers 130 kW while the Mazda CX-3 produces 115 kW. On fuel, the Emkoo returns 6.4 l/100km while the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R559 900 for the Emkoo and R479 300 for the CX-3. 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.
Performance
Power Output
130 kW
115 kW
Torque
270 Nm
206 Nm
0-100 kph
—
9.5 s
Top Speed
190 Km/h
197 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
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
55 l
48 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4680 mm
4275 mm
Width
1901 mm
1765-2049 mm
Height
1670 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2750 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance
160 mm
155 mm
Kerb Weight
1540 Kg
1270 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
420 l
240-1150 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
850 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st owne
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
100000
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Emkoo
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
CX-3
Practicality
CX-3
Pros & Cons
GAC Emkoo
More powerful engine (130 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mazda CX-3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R479 300)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 130 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Emkoo or CX-3?
The Emkoo uses 6.4 l/100km and the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Emkoo or CX-3?
The Emkoo produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the CX-3 delivers 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque. The Emkoo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Emkoo and CX-3?
The Emkoo starts from R559 900 and the CX-3 from R479 300. The CX-3 is cheaper by R80 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Emkoo or CX-3?
The Emkoo has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CX-3 can tow 850 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Emkoo or the CX-3?
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.