VS
At a Glance
Power
90 kW
121 kW
Torque
172 Nm
213 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.9 s
—
Engine
998 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai i20 and the Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Hyundai i20 delivers 90 kW while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 121 kW. On fuel, the i20 returns 5.8 l/100km while the Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R467 500 for the i20 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.
Performance
Power Output
90 kW
121 kW
Torque
172 Nm
213 Nm
0-100 kph
9.9 s
—
Top Speed
187 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 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
5.8 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995 mm
4460 mm
Width
1775 mm
1795 mm
Height
1505 mm
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2580 mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
140 mm
Kerb Weight
1017 Kg
1350 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
311 l
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
513 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
5
Service Plan Distance
60000
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai i20
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
i20
Value
i20
Practicality
i20
Pros & Cons
Hyundai i20
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R467 500)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Less power than rival (90 kW vs 121 kW)
Mazda Mazda3
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i20 or Mazda3?
The i20 uses 5.8 l/100km and the Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The i20 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 i20 or Mazda3?
The i20 produces 90 kW and 172 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 i20 and Mazda3?
The i20 starts from R467 500 and the Mazda3 from R629 700. The i20 is cheaper by R162 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the i20 or Mazda3?
The i20 has a braked towing capacity of 1100 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 i20 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.