VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
82 kW
Torque
200 Nm
146 Nm
Fuel
4.8 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.4 s
—
Engine
999 cc
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 85 kW while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 82 kW. On fuel, the A1 returns 4.8 l/100km while the Mazda3 uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R549 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
85 kW
82 kW
Torque
200 Nm
146 Nm
0-100 kph
9.4 s
—
Top Speed
203 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
999 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
5.9 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.2 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
119 g/km
136 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4029 mm
4460 mm
Width
1740-1940 mm
1795 mm
Height
1409 mm
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2563 mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance
—
140 mm
Kerb Weight
1125 Kg
1314 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
335 l
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
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
Optional
—
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimited
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A1
Fuel Economy
A1
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Audi A1
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mazda Mazda3
Lower starting price (R515 100)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (5.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (82 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A1 or Mazda3?
The A1 uses 4.8 l/100km 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 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 82 kW and 146 Nm of torque. The A1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A1 and Mazda3?
The A1 starts from R549 000 and the Mazda3 from R515 100. The Mazda3 is cheaper by R33 900 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 not specified 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.