VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
115 kW
Torque
144 Nm
206 Nm
Fuel
6.6 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
850 Kg
0-100 km/h
10.5 s
9.5 s
Engine
1497 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Kia Sonet and the Mazda CX-3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Sonet delivers 85 kW while the Mazda CX-3 produces 115 kW. On fuel, the Sonet returns 6.6 l/100km while the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R299 995 for the Sonet and R440 000 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
85 kW
115 kW
Torque
144 Nm
206 Nm
0-100 kph
10.5 s
9.5 s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
197 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
48 l
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4110 mm
4275 mm
Width
1790 mm
1765-2049 mm
Height
1610 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
155 mm
Kerb Weight
1168 Kg
1270 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
385 l
240-1150 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
850 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
3
Service Plan Distance
45000
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-3
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
Sonet
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
Kia Sonet
Lower starting price (R299 995)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 115 kW)
Mazda CX-3
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.5 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonet or CX-3?
The Sonet uses 6.6 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 Sonet or CX-3?
The Sonet produces 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque while the CX-3 delivers 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque. The CX-3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonet and CX-3?
The Sonet starts from R299 995 and the CX-3 from R440 000. The Sonet is cheaper by R140 005 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sonet or CX-3?
The Sonet has a braked towing capacity of 1100 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 Sonet 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.