Mazda Mazda3 vs MG MG3
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 MG MG3 opens at $20,990. That makes the MG MG3 the more affordable entry point by $5,500.
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 $23,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda3 by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Mazda Mazda3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the MG MG3. Adult occupant protection scored 98% for the Mazda Mazda3 and 74% for the MG MG3.
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 5 in the MG MG3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda Mazda3 and 6 in the MG MG3.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda Mazda3 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the MG MG3 gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG3 counters with power tailgate that the Mazda Mazda3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 MG MG3 responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 142Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda Mazda3 is 1.1s 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, 347mm longer than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the Mazda Mazda3 a 2L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m 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 10.2m 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 $1,083/year for the Mazda Mazda3 and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,083 (Mazda Mazda3) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $627 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 6 of 8 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. The MG MG3 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda Mazda3 by $5,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the largest boot at 295L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k 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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