Hyundai i30 Sedan vs Mazda CX-3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Hyundai i30 Sedan starts from $27,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-3 opens at $27,800. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $190.
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 $30,789 and $30,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai i30 Sedan and Mazda CX-3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 71% for the Hyundai i30 Sedan and 99% for the Mazda CX-3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai i30 Sedan packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mazda CX-3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Hyundai i30 Sedan and 6 in the Mazda CX-3.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai i30 Sedan features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-3 gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses a Petrol producing 117kW and 191Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan has the clear power advantage at 117kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai i30 Sedan is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai i30 Sedan measures 4,650mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 375mm longer than the Mazda CX-3 at 4,275mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai i30 Sedan generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 474L in the Hyundai i30 Sedan and 350L in the Mazda CX-3, giving the Hyundai i30 Sedan a 124L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai i30 Sedan 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 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,995/year for the Hyundai i30 Sedan and $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Hyundai i30 Sedan) vs $1,710 (Mazda CX-3). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i30 Sedan) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai i30 Sedan if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai i30 Sedan takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai i30 Sedan has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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