Mazda Mazda3 vs Fiat 500
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 4 Oct 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda3 starts from $26,490 before on-road costs, while the Fiat 500 opens at $28,900. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $2,410.
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 $31,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Fiat 500 by roughly $1,570 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
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.
Fiat 500
- REC-003875 · published 30 May 2019On affected vehicles the drive axle may break due to a nonconformity in the production process.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003732 · published 26 Jul 2016Possible non-conformity of the right front seat guide tracks.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003693 · published 18 Apr 2016There is a potential deviation in the buckle heat treatment process.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda Mazda3 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Fiat 500 gets a 7-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda Mazda3 stands out with head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Fiat 500. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda Mazda3 gets black cloth upholstery while the Fiat 500 offers fabric.
Drivetrain
The Mazda Mazda3 uses a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation producing 114kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) to a FWD layout.
The Fiat 500 responds with a MultiAir Petrol making 51kW and 102Nm, paired to a 5-speed dualogic automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.9 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 51kW. 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 2,725mm wheelbase, 889mm longer than the Fiat 500 at 3,571mm (2,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 185L in the Fiat 500, giving the Mazda Mazda3 a 110L advantage. The Mazda Mazda3 seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m 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 9.3m 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 $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3 and $1,368/year for the Fiat 500. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Fiat 500.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500). The Mazda Mazda3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Fiat 500 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda Mazda3: Top CarSorted Score, 66 vs 51
The Mazda Mazda3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (66 vs 51), taking 4 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Mazda Mazda3 ahead by 25), technology (Mazda Mazda3 ahead by 24), performance (Mazda Mazda3 ahead by 24). The Fiat 500 will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda Mazda3 has a clear edge. The Mazda Mazda3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda Mazda3 and Fiat 500?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Fiat 500 by $2,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Fiat 500 uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda Mazda3 and Fiat 500 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 Mazda Mazda3 has the largest boot at 295L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
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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