VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
140 kW
Torque
206 Nm
255 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Towing
850 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
9.5 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
1477 cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-3 and the Proton X90 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda CX-3 delivers 115 kW while the Proton X90 produces 140 kW. On fuel, the CX-3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the X90 uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R551 600 for the CX-3 and R559 900 for the X90. 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
115 kW
140 kW
Torque
206 Nm
255 Nm
0-100 kph
9.5 s
—
Top Speed
197 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1477 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
156 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4275 mm
4830 mm
Width
1765-2049 mm
1900 mm
Height
1550 mm
1764 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2805 mm
Ground Clearance
155 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1270 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
240-1150 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
850 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
Optional
Service Plan Years
3
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X90
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
CX-3
Practicality
CX-3
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R551 600)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 140 kW)
Proton X90
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-3 or X90?
The CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the X90 uses 6.8 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 CX-3 or X90?
The CX-3 produces 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque while the X90 delivers 140 kW and 255 Nm of torque. The X90 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-3 and X90?
The CX-3 starts from R551 600 and the X90 from R559 900. The CX-3 is cheaper by R8 300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-3 or X90?
The CX-3 has a braked towing capacity of 850 Kg and the X90 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-3 or the X90?
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.