Mazda Mazda3 vs Renault Megane
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.
Mazda Mazda3
From $26,490
Hatchback
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation
114kW
5.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
295L
Renault Megane
Price TBC
Hatchback
Petrol
TCe 205 1.6L turbo petrol
151kW
6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
434L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda Mazda3 stands out with Apple CarPlay and head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Renault Megane. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Renault Megane responds with a TCe 205 1.6L turbo petrol making 151kW and 280Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch (edc) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
The Renault Megane has the clear power advantage at 151kW vs 114kW. 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, 104mm longer than the Renault Megane at 4,356mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 434L in the Renault Megane, giving the Renault Megane a 139L advantage.
For towing, the Renault Megane leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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
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 $1,710/year for the Renault Megane. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Megane). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Megane if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Megane takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Renault Megane 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, Mazda Mazda3 and Renault Megane?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda Mazda3 and Renault Megane 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 Renault Megane has the largest boot at 434L.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Megane has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Renault Megane makes the most power at 151kW.
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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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