VS
At a Glance
Power
88 kW
49 kW
Torque
153 Nm
89 Nm
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
4.4 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
—
Engine
1496 cc
998 cc
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the Toyota Vitz is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 88 kW while the Toyota Vitz produces 49 kW. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 6.0 l/100km while the Vitz uses 4.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R498 300 for the Mazda3 and R182 400 for the Vitz. 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
88 kW
49 kW
Torque
153 Nm
89 Nm
Top Speed
-
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
4.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
32 l
CO2 Emissions
140 g/km
101 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
3695 mm
Width
1795 mm
1655 mm
Height
1435 mm
1555 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2435 mm
Ground Clearance
140 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1293 Kg
805 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
295 l
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
4 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
unlimitedkm
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Vitz
Value
Vitz
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
More powerful engine (88 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Vitz
Better fuel economy (4.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R182 400)
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 88 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Vitz?
The Mazda3 uses 6.0 l/100km and the Vitz uses 4.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Vitz 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 Mazda3 or Vitz?
The Mazda3 produces 88 kW and 153 Nm of torque while the Vitz delivers 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Vitz?
The Mazda3 starts from R498 300 and the Vitz from R182 400. The Vitz is cheaper by R315 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mazda3 or Vitz?
The Mazda3 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Vitz can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Vitz?
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.
Also Consider