VS
At a Glance
Power
70 kW
121 kW
Torque
160 Nm
213 Nm
Fuel
TBA l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
Engine
electric cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Dongfeng Box and the Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Dongfeng Box delivers 70 kW while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 121 kW. On fuel, the Box returns TBA l/100km while the Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 000 for the Box and R629 700 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
70 kW
121 kW
Torque
160 Nm
213 Nm
Top Speed
140 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
TBA l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43.9 kWh l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
—
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4020 mm
4460 mm
Width
1810 mm
1795 mm
Height
1570 mm
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2663 mm
2725 mm
Ground Clearance
—
140 mm
Kerb Weight
1342 Kg
1350 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
295 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
375 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
2
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery + high voltage par
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery + high v
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
5
Service Plan Distance
100000
unlimited
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mazda3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Box
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Dongfeng Box
Lower starting price (R499 000)
Less power than rival (70 kW vs 121 kW)
Mazda Mazda3
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Box or Mazda3?
The Box uses TBA l/100km and the Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Box or Mazda3?
The Box produces 70 kW and 160 Nm of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Box and Mazda3?
The Box starts from R499 000 and the Mazda3 from R629 700. The Box is cheaper by R130 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Box or Mazda3?
The Box has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the Mazda3 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Box 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.