VS
At a Glance
Power
145 kW
115 kW
Torque
290 Nm
206 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
675 Kg
850 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
9.5 s
Engine
1598 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Chery Tiggo 7 and the Mazda CX-3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Chery Tiggo 7 delivers 145 kW while the Mazda CX-3 produces 115 kW. On fuel, the Tiggo 7 returns 7.2 l/100km while the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R549 900 for the Tiggo 7 and R551 600 for the CX-3. 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
145 kW
115 kW
Torque
290 Nm
206 Nm
0-100 kph
—
9.5 s
Top Speed
—
197 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
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
7.2 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
48 l
CO2 Emissions
168 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4553 mm
4275 mm
Width
1862 mm
1765-2049 mm
Height
1686 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance
154 mm
155 mm
Kerb Weight
1437 Kg
1270 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
565-1396 l
240-1150 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
675 Kg
850 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
60000
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiggo 7
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
Tiggo 7
Practicality
CX-3
Pros & Cons
Chery Tiggo 7
More powerful engine (145 kW)
Lower starting price (R549 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Mazda CX-3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (850 Kg)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 145 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tiggo 7 or CX-3?
The Tiggo 7 uses 7.2 l/100km and the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-3 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 Tiggo 7 or CX-3?
The Tiggo 7 produces 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque while the CX-3 delivers 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque. The Tiggo 7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tiggo 7 and CX-3?
The Tiggo 7 starts from R549 900 and the CX-3 from R551 600. The Tiggo 7 is cheaper by R1 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tiggo 7 or CX-3?
The Tiggo 7 has a braked towing capacity of 675 Kg and the CX-3 can tow 850 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tiggo 7 or the CX-3?
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.