VS
At a Glance
Power
90 kW
115 kW
Torque
172 Nm
206 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
850 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.9 s
9.5 s
Engine
998 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai I20 and the Mazda CX-3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Hyundai I20 delivers 90 kW while the Mazda CX-3 produces 115 kW. On fuel, the I20 returns 5.8 l/100km while the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R467 500 for the I20 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.
Specification
Hyundai I201.0t N-LINE DCT 2024 - From R467 500
Mazda CX-32.0 Dynamic A/T 2024 - From R479 300
Performance
Power Output
90 kW
115 kW
Torque
172 Nm
206 Nm
0-100 kph
9.9 s
9.5 s
Top Speed
187 Km/h
197 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
48 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995 mm
4275 mm
Width
1775 mm
1765-2049 mm
Height
1505 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2580 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
155 mm
Kerb Weight
1017 Kg
1270 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
311 l
240-1150 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
850 Kg
Load Capacity
513 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ 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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ 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
4yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
unlimitedkm
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai I20
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-3
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 115 kW)
Mazda CX-3
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I20 or CX-3?
The I20 uses 5.8 l/100km and the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The I20 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 I20 or CX-3?
The I20 produces 90 kW and 172 Nm of torque while the CX-3 delivers 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque. The CX-3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the I20 and CX-3?
The I20 starts from R467 500 and the CX-3 from R479 300. The I20 is cheaper by R11 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the I20 or CX-3?
The I20 has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg 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 I20 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.
Also Consider