VS
At a Glance
Power
73kW@5500
88 kW
Torque
136Nm@4200
153 Nm
Fuel
8.1
6.0 l/100km
Towing
800
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.9
—
Engine
1396
1496 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 73kW@5500 while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 88 kW. On fuel, the i20 returns 8.1 while the Mazda3 uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R189 900 for the i20 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.
Performance
Power Output
73kW@5500
88 kW
Torque
136Nm@4200
153 Nm
0-100 kph
12.9
—
Top Speed
170
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1396
1496 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
manual
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
45
51 l
CO2 Emissions
140
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995
4460 mm
Width
-1710
1795 mm
Height
1490
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2525
2725 mm
Ground Clearance
150
140 mm
Kerb Weight
1056
1293 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
800
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
295
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
2
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✗
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
5
Warranty Distance
150000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mazda3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
i20
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI i20
Lower starting price (R189 900)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1)
No factory service plan
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i20 or Mazda3?
The i20 uses 8.1 and the Mazda3 uses 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 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 73kW@5500 and 136Nm@4200 of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 88 kW and 153 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the i20 and Mazda3?
The i20 starts from R189 900 and the Mazda3 from R498 300. The i20 is cheaper by R308 400 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 800 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.