VS
At a Glance
Power
121 kW
103 kW
Torque
213 Nm
142+e Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
4.0 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
—
Engine
1998 cc
1798 cc
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the Toyota Corolla is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 121 kW while the Toyota Corolla produces 103 kW. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the Corolla uses 4.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R629 700 for the Mazda3 and R601 100 for the Corolla. 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
103 kW
Torque
213 Nm
142+e Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1798 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
4.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
43 l
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
91 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
4375 mm
Width
1795 mm
1790 mm
Height
1435 mm
1480 mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
140 mm
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1350 Kg
1375 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
295 l
305- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
6 services
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Corolla
Value
Corolla
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla
Better fuel economy (4.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R601 100)
Less power than rival (103 kW vs 121 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Corolla?
The Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the Corolla uses 4.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Corolla 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 Corolla?
The Mazda3 produces 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque while the Corolla delivers 103 kW and 142+e Nm of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Corolla?
The Mazda3 starts from R629 700 and the Corolla from R601 100. The Corolla is cheaper by R28 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mazda3 or Corolla?
The Mazda3 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Corolla can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Corolla?
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.