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 car buyers in South Africa 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.
Specification
Mazda CX-32.0 Individual A/T 2024 - From R551 600
Renault Duster1.2t ZEN 4x4 (mhev) 2025 - From R549 999
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
230-1140 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
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ 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
3yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
unlimitedkm
45000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Renault Duster
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-3
Fuel Economy
Duster
Value
Tied
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 real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual 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, a difference of just R1 601, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. 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.