VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
77 kW
Torque
148 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
5.7 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Towing
750 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.6 s
11.2 s
Engine
1496 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda2 and the Toyota Starlet is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda Mazda2 delivers 85 kW while the Toyota Starlet produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Mazda2 returns 5.7 l/100km while the Starlet uses 5.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R336 000 for the Mazda2 and R330 900 for the Starlet. 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
77 kW
Torque
148 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
9.6 s
11.2 s
Top Speed
188 Km/h
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.7 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
44 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
134 g/km
133 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4080 mm
3990 mm
Width
1695 mm
1745 mm
Height
1515 mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
—
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1050 Kg
990 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
250 l
314- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability 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
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
4 services
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Starlet
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda2
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Starlet
Practicality
Starlet
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda2
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Toyota Starlet
Lower starting price (R330 900)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda2 or Starlet?
The Mazda2 uses 5.7 l/100km and the Starlet uses 5.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet 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 Mazda2 or Starlet?
The Mazda2 produces 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque while the Starlet delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Mazda2 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda2 and Starlet?
The Mazda2 starts from R336 000 and the Starlet from R330 900. The Starlet is cheaper by R5 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mazda2 or Starlet?
The Mazda2 has a braked towing capacity of 750 Kg and the Starlet can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mazda2 or the Starlet?
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.