VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
96 kW
Torque
206 Nm
230 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Towing
850 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.5 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
1199 cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-3 and the Renault Duster is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda CX-3 delivers 115 kW while the Renault Duster produces 96 kW. On fuel, the CX-3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the Duster uses 5.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R551 600 for the CX-3 and R549 999 for the Duster. 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
115 kW
96 kW
Torque
206 Nm
230 Nm
0-100 kph
9.5 s
—
Top Speed
197 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1199 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4275 mm
4343 mm
Width
1765-2049 mm
1921-2069 mm
Height
1550 mm
1661 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2658 mm
Ground Clearance
155 mm
217 mm
Kerb Weight
1270 Kg
1495 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
240-1150 l
444 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
850 Kg
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ 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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
3
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Renault Duster
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-3
Fuel Economy
Duster
Value
Duster
Practicality
Duster
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-3
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Renault Duster
Better fuel economy (5.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R549 999)
Higher towing capacity (1500 Kg)
Less power than rival (96 kW vs 115 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-3 or Duster?
The CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the Duster uses 5.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Duster 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 CX-3 or Duster?
The CX-3 produces 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque while the Duster delivers 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The CX-3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-3 and Duster?
The CX-3 starts from R551 600 and the Duster from R549 999. The Duster is cheaper by R1 601 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-3 or Duster?
The CX-3 has a braked towing capacity of 850 Kg and the Duster can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-3 or the Duster?
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.