VS
At a Glance
Power
82 kW
150 kW
Torque
146 Nm
300 Nm
Fuel
5.9 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
6.6 s
Engine
1496 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 82 kW while the MINI Cooper produces 150 kW. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 5.9 l/100km while the Cooper uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R515 100 for the Mazda3 and R652 395 for the Cooper. 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
82 kW
150 kW
Torque
146 Nm
300 Nm
0-100 kph
—
6.6 s
Top Speed
—
242 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
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
5.9 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
44 l
CO2 Emissions
136 g/km
145 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
3876 mm
Width
1795 mm
1744-1970 mm
Height
1435 mm
1432 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2495 mm
Ground Clearance
140 mm
130 mm
Kerb Weight
1314 Kg
1285 DIN / 1360 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
295 l
210-530-725 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
450 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mazda3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Cooper
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (5.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R515 100)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (82 kW vs 150 kW)
MINI Cooper
More powerful engine (150 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Cooper?
The Mazda3 uses 5.9 l/100km and the Cooper uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 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 Mazda3 or Cooper?
The Mazda3 produces 82 kW and 146 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 150 kW and 300 Nm of torque. The Cooper is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Cooper?
The Mazda3 starts from R515 100 and the Cooper from R652 395. The Mazda3 is cheaper by R137 295 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mazda3 or Cooper?
The Mazda3 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Cooper can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Cooper?
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.