VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
63kW@6000
Torque
206 Nm
110Nm@4100
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
7.2
Towing
850 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
9.5 s
14.1
Engine
1998 cc
1328
Choosing between the Mazda CX-3 and the SUZUKI JIMNY is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda CX-3 delivers 115 kW while the SUZUKI JIMNY produces 63kW@6000. On fuel, the CX-3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the JIMNY uses 7.2 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R479 300 for the CX-3 and R184 900 for the JIMNY. 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
63kW@6000
Torque
206 Nm
110Nm@4100
0-100 kph
9.5 s
14.1
Top Speed
197 Km/h
140
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1328
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
7.2
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
40
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
171
Dimensions
Length
4275 mm
3645
Width
1765-2049 mm
1600
Height
1550 mm
1705
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2250
Ground Clearance
155 mm
190
Kerb Weight
1270 Kg
1070
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
240-1150 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
850 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
816
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✗
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
3
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-3
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
JIMNY
Practicality
CX-3
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (850 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.5 ss)
Higher starting price
SUZUKI JIMNY
Lower starting price (R184 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-3 or JIMNY?
The CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the JIMNY uses 7.2 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 JIMNY?
The CX-3 produces 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque while the JIMNY delivers 63kW@6000 and 110Nm@4100 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CX-3 and JIMNY?
The CX-3 starts from R479 300 and the JIMNY from R184 900. The JIMNY is cheaper by R294 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-3 or JIMNY?
The CX-3 has a braked towing capacity of 850 Kg and the JIMNY can tow 0. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-3 or the JIMNY?
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.