Mazda Mazda3 vs Skoda Fabia
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda3 starts from $26,490 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Fabia opens at $27,990. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $30,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Fabia by roughly $1,285 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.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda Mazda3 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Fabia gets a 8.3-inch display and 8-inch instruments. 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 Skoda Fabia responds with a Petrol making 85kW 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 85kW. 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, 352mm longer than the Skoda Fabia at 4,108mm (2,564mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 380L in the Skoda Fabia, giving the Skoda Fabia a 85L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 450kg 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 10.7m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m 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 $1,425/year for the Skoda Fabia. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Fabia.
Estimated annual total: $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3) vs $1,425 (Skoda Fabia). The Skoda Fabia saves you roughly $257 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 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Fabia). The Skoda Fabia has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Fabia if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda Mazda3 and Skoda Fabia trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Skoda Fabia will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Fabia has a clear edge. The Skoda Fabia adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Skoda Fabia?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Fabia by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Fabia uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda Mazda3 and Skoda Fabia carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Fabia has the largest boot at 380L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Fabia has the longest warranty at 7 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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