VS
At a Glance
Power
82 kW
125kW@6000
Torque
146 Nm
220Nm@4000
Fuel
5.9 l/100km
11.26
Towing
1000 Kg
650
0-100 km/h
—
8.4
Engine
1496 cc
1598
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 125kW@6000. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 5.9 l/100km while the COOPER uses 11.26 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R515 100 for the Mazda3 and R250 350 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
125kW@6000
Torque
146 Nm
220Nm@4000
0-100 kph
—
8.4
Top Speed
—
220
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
1598
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.9 l/100km
11.26
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.82
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
50
CO2 Emissions
136 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
3655
Width
1795 mm
1925
Height
1435 mm
1416
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2467
Ground Clearance
140 mm
113
Kerb Weight
1314 Kg
1235
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
295 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
650
Load Capacity
—
670
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mazda3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
COOPER
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (5.9 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
MINI COOPER
Lower starting price (R250 350)
Higher fuel consumption (11.26)
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 11.26 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 125kW@6000 and 220Nm@4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and COOPER?
The Mazda3 starts from R515 100 and the COOPER from R250 350. The COOPER is cheaper by R264 750 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 650. 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.