Mazda Mazda3 vs BYD Dolphin
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda3 starts from $26,490 before on-road costs, while the BYD Dolphin opens at $29,990. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $29,139 and $32,989 respectively.
The BYD Dolphin qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda Mazda3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda Mazda3 and BYD Dolphin hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 98% for the Mazda Mazda3 and 89% for the BYD Dolphin.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda Mazda3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda Mazda3 and 7 in the BYD Dolphin.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda Mazda3 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Dolphin gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mazda Mazda3 uses a Petrol producing 114kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin responds with a Electric making 70kW and 180Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda Mazda3 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda Mazda3 measures 4,460mm long on a 2,726mm wheelbase, 170mm longer than the BYD Dolphin at 4,290mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 308L in the BYD Dolphin, giving the BYD Dolphin a 13L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Dolphin adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda Mazda3 and BYD Dolphin?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Dolphin by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda Mazda3 and BYD Dolphin all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 308L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda Mazda3 makes the most power at 114kW. The Mazda Mazda3 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.7s.
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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