VS
◆
At a Glance
Power
121 kW
102kW@5600
Torque
213 Nm
189Nm@4400
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
7.3
Towing
1000 Kg
1300
0-100 km/h
—
—
Engine
1998 cc
1987
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the TOYOTA COROLLA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 121 kW while the TOYOTA COROLLA produces 102kW@5600. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the COROLLA uses 7.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R629 700 for the Mazda3 and R264 700 for the COROLLA. 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
102kW@5600
Torque
213 Nm
189Nm@4400
0-100 kph
—
—
Top Speed
—
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1987
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
7.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
55
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
173
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
4545
Width
1795 mm
1760
Height
1435 mm
1470
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2600
Ground Clearance
140 mm
150
Kerb Weight
1350 Kg
—
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
295 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
1300
Load Capacity
—
450
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
VSC
Traction Control
—
✗
Airbag Count
7
7
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
—
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
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
5
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
COROLLA
Practicality
COROLLA
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
TOYOTA COROLLA
Lower starting price (R264 700)
Higher towing capacity (1300)
Higher fuel consumption (7.3)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or COROLLA?
The Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the COROLLA uses 7.3 on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 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 Mazda3 or COROLLA?
The Mazda3 produces 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque while the COROLLA delivers 102kW@5600 and 189Nm@4400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and COROLLA?
The Mazda3 starts from R629 700 and the COROLLA from R264 700. The COROLLA is cheaper by R365 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mazda3 or COROLLA?
The Mazda3 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the COROLLA can tow 1300. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the COROLLA?
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.