VS
At a Glance
Power
90kW@5000
82 kW
Torque
200Nm@1500
146 Nm
Fuel
5.2
5.9 l/100km
Towing
1200
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.9
—
Engine
1390
1496 cc
Choosing between the AUDI A1 and the Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI A1 delivers 90kW@5000 while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 82 kW. On fuel, the A1 returns 5.2 while the Mazda3 uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R273 000 for the A1 and R515 100 for the Mazda3. 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
90kW@5000
82 kW
Torque
200Nm@1500
146 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9
—
Top Speed
203
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1390
1496 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.2
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.5
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.2
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
45
51 l
CO2 Emissions
119
136 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3954
4460 mm
Width
1740
1795 mm
Height
1416
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2469
2725 mm
Ground Clearance
—
140 mm
Kerb Weight
1125
1314 Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
920
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
5
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
AUDI A1
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
A1
Value
A1
Practicality
A1
Pros & Cons
AUDI A1
Better fuel economy (5.2)
Lower starting price (R273 000)
Higher towing capacity (1200)
No factory service plan
Mazda Mazda3
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (5.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A1 or Mazda3?
The A1 uses 5.2 and the Mazda3 uses 5.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A1 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 A1 or Mazda3?
The A1 produces 90kW@5000 and 200Nm@1500 of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 82 kW and 146 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A1 and Mazda3?
The A1 starts from R273 000 and the Mazda3 from R515 100. The A1 is cheaper by R242 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A1 or Mazda3?
The A1 has a braked towing capacity of 1200 and the Mazda3 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A1 or the Mazda3?
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.