VS
At a Glance
Power
121 kW
141kW@5850
Torque
213 Nm
230Nm@1980
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
7.3
Towing
1000 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
7.2
Engine
1998 cc
1598
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the OPEL CORSA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 121 kW while the OPEL CORSA produces 141kW@5850. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the CORSA uses 7.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R629 700 for the Mazda3 and R271 600 for the CORSA. 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
141kW@5850
Torque
213 Nm
230Nm@1980
0-100 kph
—
7.2
Top Speed
—
225
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 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
6.3 l/100km
7.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
45
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
172
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
3999
Width
1795 mm
1737-1944
Height
1435 mm
1488
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2511
Ground Clearance
140 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1350 Kg
—
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
295 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
700
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
60
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mazda3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
CORSA
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
OPEL CORSA
Lower starting price (R271 600)
Higher fuel consumption (7.3)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or CORSA?
The Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the CORSA uses 7.3 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 CORSA?
The Mazda3 produces 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque while the CORSA delivers 141kW@5850 and 230Nm@1980 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and CORSA?
The Mazda3 starts from R629 700 and the CORSA from R271 600. The CORSA is cheaper by R358 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mazda3 or CORSA?
The Mazda3 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the CORSA can tow 0. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the CORSA?
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.