VS
At a Glance
Power
121 kW
140 kW
Torque
213 Nm
255 Nm
Fuel
6.6 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Towing
1200 Kg
—
Engine
1998 cc
1477 cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-30 and the Proton X90 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda CX-30 delivers 121 kW while the Proton X90 produces 140 kW. On fuel, the CX-30 returns 6.6 l/100km while the X90 uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R651 500 for the CX-30 and R644 900 for the X90. 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
121 kW
140 kW
Torque
213 Nm
255 Nm
Top Speed
196 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1477 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
6.6 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
150 g/km
156 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4395 mm
4830 mm
Width
1795-2040 mm
1900 mm
Height
1540 mm
1764 mm
Wheelbase
2655 mm
2805 mm
Ground Clearance
175 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1340 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
295-1200 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
Optional
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X90
Fuel Economy
CX-30
Value
X90
Practicality
CX-30
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-30
Better fuel economy (6.6 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (121 kW vs 140 kW)
Higher starting price
Proton X90
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Lower starting price (R644 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.8 l/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-30 or X90?
The CX-30 uses 6.6 l/100km and the X90 uses 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-30 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-30 or X90?
The CX-30 produces 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque while the X90 delivers 140 kW and 255 Nm of torque. The X90 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-30 and X90?
The CX-30 starts from R651 500 and the X90 from R644 900. The X90 is cheaper by R6 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-30 or X90?
The CX-30 has a braked towing capacity of 1200 Kg and the X90 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-30 or the X90?
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.