Hyundai i30 Sedan vs Mazda Mazda3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
Hyundai i30 Sedan
From $29,250
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.1 L/100km
3★ ANCAP
474L
Mazda Mazda3
From $26,490
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
114kW
5.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
295L
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai i30 Sedan starts from $29,250 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $2,760.
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 $32,175 and $29,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 Hyundai i30 Sedan features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-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.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai i30 Sedan gets leather upholstery while the Mazda Mazda3 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a Petrol making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic 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 Hyundai i30 Sedan measures 4,710mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 250mm longer 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 474L in the Hyundai i30 Sedan and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Hyundai i30 Sedan a 179L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 100kg 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 10.8m
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,739/year for the Hyundai i30 Sedan and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Hyundai i30 Sedan) vs $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $57 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 Mazda3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai i30 Sedan if: You 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, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $57 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai i30 Sedan and Mazda Mazda3?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai i30 Sedan by $2,760.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai i30 Sedan all hold a 3-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan has the largest boot at 474L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 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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