BYD Dolphin vs Mazda Mazda3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $32,989 and $29,139 respectively.
The BYD Dolphin qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda Mazda3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the Mazda Mazda3 gets a 8.8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Dolphin gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mazda Mazda3 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The BYD Dolphin uses a Electric producing 70kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.3 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a Petrol making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda Mazda3 is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 170mm shorter than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,726mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the BYD Dolphin a 13L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Dolphin adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Dolphin and Mazda Mazda3?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Dolphin by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Dolphin all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 308L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda Mazda3 makes the most power at 114kW. The Mazda Mazda3 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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