VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
75kW@5850
Torque
206 Nm
145Nm@3750
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
7.5
Towing
850 Kg
1200
0-100 km/h
9.5 s
11.5
Engine
1998 cc
1598
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 75kW@5850. On fuel, the CX-3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the DUSTER uses 7.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R551 600 for the CX-3 and R194 900 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
75kW@5850
Torque
206 Nm
145Nm@3750
0-100 kph
9.5 s
11.5
Top Speed
197 Km/h
165
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1598
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
7.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
9.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.3
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
50
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
180
Dimensions
Length
4275 mm
4315
Width
1765-2049 mm
1822-2000
Height
1550 mm
1625
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2673
Ground Clearance
155 mm
205
Kerb Weight
1270 Kg
1160
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
240-1150 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
850 Kg
1200
Load Capacity
—
1636
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
3
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-3
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
DUSTER
Practicality
DUSTER
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.5 ss)
Higher starting price
RENAULT DUSTER
Lower starting price (R194 900)
Higher towing capacity (1200)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5)
No factory service plan
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 7.5 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 CX-3 or DUSTER?
The CX-3 produces 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque while the DUSTER delivers 75kW@5850 and 145Nm@3750 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CX-3 and DUSTER?
The CX-3 starts from R551 600 and the DUSTER from R194 900. The DUSTER is cheaper by R356 700 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 1200. 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.