Mazda Mazda3 vs Skoda Scala

The Mazda Mazda3 starts from $26,490 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Scala opens at $30,900. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $4,410.

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 $33,990 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Mazda Mazda3 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Scala gets a 8.3-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mazda Mazda3 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Skoda Scala. The Skoda Scala counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Scala responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.

The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda Mazda3 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mazda Mazda3 measures 4,460mm long on a 2,725mm wheelbase, 98mm longer than the Skoda Scala at 4,362mm (2,649mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 467L in the Skoda Scala, giving the Skoda Scala a 172L advantage.

For towing, the Skoda Scala leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3 and $1,539/year for the Skoda Scala. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Scala.

Estimated annual total: $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3) vs $1,539 (Skoda Scala). The Skoda Scala saves you roughly $143 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 Scala). The Skoda Scala has longer coverage.