VS
At a Glance
Power
121 kW
115 kW
Torque
213 Nm
230 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
8.0 s
Engine
1998 cc
1499 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 121 kW while the MINI Cooper produces 115 kW. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the Cooper uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R629 700 for the Mazda3 and R627 052 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
121 kW
115 kW
Torque
213 Nm
230 Nm
0-100 kph
—
8.0 s
Top Speed
—
225 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1499 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
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
44 l
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
137 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
4036 mm
Width
1795 mm
1744-1970 mm
Height
1435 mm
1464 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2567 mm
Ground Clearance
140 mm
130 mm
Kerb Weight
1350 Kg
1320 DIN / 1395 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
295 l
275-665-925 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
520 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Cooper
Value
Cooper
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
MINI Cooper
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R627 052)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 121 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Cooper?
The Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the Cooper uses 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Cooper 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 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Cooper?
The Mazda3 starts from R629 700 and the Cooper from R627 052. The Cooper is cheaper by R2 648 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.