Hyundai i30 Hatch 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 8 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.
$52,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$26,490RRP
- 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai i30 Hatch starts from $52,500 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $26,010.
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 $57,750 and $29,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda3 by roughly $3,705 in fuel alone.
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
Hyundai i30 Hatch
- REC-006422 · published 1 Sep 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pump impeller may become deformed under certain environmental conditions, interrupting the fuel supply.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
- REC-000629 · published 23 Apr 2019Certain batches of sunroof motors had incorrect software installed and may not have an automatic safety stop function.Year range on the notice: 2018
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 Hyundai i30 Hatch features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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.
The Hyundai i30 Hatch stands out with wireless charging and Infinity audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda Mazda3. The Mazda Mazda3 counters with head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai i30 Hatch gets cloth (n sports front seats) upholstery while the Mazda Mazda3 offers black cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Hyundai i30 Hatch and 1-zone in the Mazda Mazda3.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai i30 Hatch uses a 2.0 T-GDi producing 206kW and 392Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed n dct (wet clutch) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 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 Hyundai i30 Hatch has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 114kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai i30 Hatch measures 4,340mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 120mm 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 381L in the Hyundai i30 Hatch and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Hyundai i30 Hatch a 86L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg 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 11.6m
Based on 11.6m 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 $2,423/year for the Hyundai i30 Hatch and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i30 Hatch) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai i30 Hatch if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda Mazda3: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 68
The Mazda Mazda3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 68), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: performance (Hyundai i30 Hatch ahead by 31), fuel economy (Mazda Mazda3 ahead by 24), value (Mazda Mazda3 ahead by 13). The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $741 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai i30 Hatch 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, Hyundai i30 Hatch and Mazda Mazda3?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai i30 Hatch by $26,010.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Hyundai i30 Hatch 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 Hyundai i30 Hatch has the largest boot at 381L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch makes the most power at 206kW.
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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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