Citroen DS3 vs Mazda MX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles 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 10 Sep 2026, price 14 Oct 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.
Citroen DS3: we're still completing price, drive type and ground clearance.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$44,590RRP
- no option data for this car
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.
Track the Citroen DS3 & Mazda MX-5
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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 DS3
- REC-003574 · published 11 Sep 2014The front suspension arm fixing bolts may break.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003434 · published 21 Jun 2012On affected vehicles, one of the components of the hydraulic ABS/ESP block may have a non-conformity in comparison to the manufacturer's required specifications.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003410 · published 19 Dec 2011On affected vehicles the dimensional non-conformity of the battery earth cable may lead in the long-term to its breakage.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
Mazda MX-5
- REC-006355 · published 4 Jun 2025Due to a software programming issue, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module may fail to illuminate the visual warning lights.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
- REC-006248 · published 23 Jan 2025Due to a software issue, the parking assist control unit in the vehicle that detects obstructions when reversing may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 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
- 2 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Citroen DS3 stands out with ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda MX-5. The Mazda MX-5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Citroen DS3 gets cloth upholstery while the Mazda MX-5 offers black cloth with synthetic suede.
Drivetrain
The Citroen DS3 lines up producing 115kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a six speed manual to the wheels. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) making 135kW and 205Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Citroen DS3 measures 3,948mm long on a 2,464mm wheelbase, 33mm longer than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Citroen DS3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 245L in the Citroen DS3 and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the Citroen DS3 a 115L advantage. The Citroen DS3 seats 5 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m 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 $1,682/year for the Citroen DS3 and $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Citroen DS3.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Citroen DS3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5). The Mazda MX-5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 3yr (Citroen DS3)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Citroen DS3 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Citroen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (55 vs 66). The Citroen DS3 and Mazda MX-5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Citroen DS3 will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Citroen DS3 has a clear edge. The Mazda MX-5 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 DS3 and Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $44,590 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Citroen DS3 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Citroen DS3 and Mazda MX-5 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 DS3 has the largest boot at 245L with the seats up (980L with the seats folded).
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda MX-5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda MX-5 makes the most power at 135kW. The Mazda MX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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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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