VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
75kW@5850
Torque
206 Nm
145Nm@3750
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
7.5L/100km
Towing
850 Kg
1200kg
0-100 km/h
9.5 s
11.5s
Engine
1998 cc
1598cc
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 75kW@5850. On fuel, the CX-3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the Duster uses 7.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R551 600 for the CX-3 and R204 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.
Specification
Mazda CX-32.0 Individual A/T 2024 - From R551 600
Renault Duster1.6 Dynamique 4x2 2013 - From R204 900
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
75kW@5850
Torque
206 Nm
145Nm@3750
0-100 kph
9.5 s
11.5s
Top Speed
197 Km/h
165km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1598cc
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
7.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
9.7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.3L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
50L
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
180g/km
Dimensions
Length
4275 mm
4315mm
Width
1765-2049 mm
1822-2000mm
Height
1550 mm
1625mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2673mm
Ground Clearance
155 mm
205mm
Kerb Weight
1270 Kg
1160kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
230-1140 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
850 Kg
1200kg
Load Capacity
—
1636kg
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
3yr
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimitedkm
—
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 (R204 900)
Higher towing capacity (1200kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5L/100km)
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 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-3 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 75kW@5850 and 145Nm@3750 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 R204 900. The Duster is cheaper by R346 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 1200kg. 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.