Holden Astra 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.
Holden Astra
Price TBC
Hatchback
Petrol
1.4L Ecotec turbo direct-injection DOHC
110kW
5.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
360L
Mazda Mazda3
From $26,490
Hatchback
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation
114kW
5.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
295L
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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.
Feature Showdown
The Holden Astra features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda Mazda3 gets a 8.8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda Mazda3 counters with head-up display that the Holden Astra does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Holden Astra uses a 1.4L Ecotec turbo direct-injection DOHC producing 110kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
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. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Holden Astra measures 4,386mm long on a 2,662mm wheelbase, 74mm 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 360L in the Holden Astra and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Holden Astra a 65L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 0kg 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 11.1m
Based on 11.1m 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 $1,653/year for the Holden Astra and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Holden Astra.
Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Holden Astra) vs $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3). The Holden Astra saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Holden Astra) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Holden Astra if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Holden's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Holden Astra takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Holden Astra will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Holden Astra has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Holden Astra and Mazda Mazda3?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Holden Astra uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Holden Astra and Mazda Mazda3 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Holden Astra has the largest boot at 360L.
Which can tow the most?
The Holden Astra has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
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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