VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
85 kW
Torque
206 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Towing
850 Kg
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.5 s
10.0 s
Engine
1998 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-3 and the Volkswagen Taigo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda CX-3 delivers 115 kW while the Volkswagen Taigo produces 85 kW. On fuel, the CX-3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the Taigo uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R551 600 for the CX-3 and R555 300 for the Taigo. 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
85 kW
Torque
206 Nm
200 Nm
0-100 kph
9.5 s
10.0 s
Top Speed
197 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
4.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
123 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4275 mm
4266 mm
Width
1765-2049 mm
1757 mm
Height
1550 mm
1515 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2566 mm
Ground Clearance
155 mm
168 mm
Kerb Weight
1270 Kg
1184 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
—
Load Volume
230-1140 l
440-1222 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
850 Kg
1200 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000 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
Mazda CX-3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-3
Fuel Economy
Taigo
Value
CX-3
Practicality
CX-3
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-3
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Lower starting price (R551 600)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Volkswagen Taigo
Better fuel economy (5.4 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1200 Kg)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 115 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-3 or Taigo?
The CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the Taigo uses 5.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Taigo 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 Taigo?
The CX-3 produces 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque while the Taigo delivers 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The CX-3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-3 and Taigo?
The CX-3 starts from R551 600 and the Taigo from R555 300. The CX-3 is cheaper by R3 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 Taigo?
The CX-3 has a braked towing capacity of 850 Kg and the Taigo can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-3 or the Taigo?
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.