Citroen C4 Cactus 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.
Data checked: specs 12 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
No price
- no option data for this car
$26,490RRP
- with the Citroen C4 Cactus's standard kit: $26,490 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Citroen C4 Cactus
- REC-005687 · published 30 May 2023The timing belt may degrade due to aged engine oil.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2020
- REC-000213 · published 1 Apr 2021The braking system’s power assistance may be lost or reduced.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- REC-000208 · published 13 Nov 2017On affected vehicles, the striker wire support on the bonnet lining may not be sufficiently secure.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
Mazda Mazda3
- REC-005733 · published 1 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear-view camera wiring harness may become damaged and could cause the rear-view image to become distorted or flicker.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2020
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000896 · published 9 Jan 2020The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system may falsely detect an object in front of the vehicle, which may initiate the automatic brake function.Year range on the notice: 2019
- 10 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Citroen C4 Cactus features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda Mazda3 gets a 8.8-inch display and 7-inch instruments.
The Mazda Mazda3 counters with Apple CarPlay and head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Citroen C4 Cactus uses a 1.2 PureTech turbo petrol with stop-start producing 81kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.3 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) driving the front wheels.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 81kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Citroen C4 Cactus measures 4,157mm long on a 2,595mm wheelbase, 303mm shorter than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,725mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 358L in the Citroen C4 Cactus and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Citroen C4 Cactus a 63L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 825kg. That 375kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.9m
Based on 10.9m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,340/year for the Citroen C4 Cactus and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Citroen C4 Cactus.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Citroen C4 Cactus) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). The Mazda Mazda3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Citroen C4 Cactus if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Citroen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (58 vs 73). The Citroen C4 Cactus and Mazda Mazda3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Citroen C4 Cactus will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Citroen C4 Cactus has a clear edge. The Mazda Mazda3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Citroen C4 Cactus and Mazda Mazda3?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Citroen C4 Cactus uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Citroen C4 Cactus and Mazda Mazda3 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Citroen C4 Cactus has the largest boot at 358L with the seats up (1,170L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda Mazda3 makes the most power at 114kW.
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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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