Mazda Mazda3 vs Suzuki Baleno
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
Suzuki Baleno
Price TBC
Hatchback
Petrol
K14B VVT
68kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
355L
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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
The Mazda Mazda3 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Suzuki Baleno gets a 7-inch display. 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 Suzuki Baleno. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda Mazda3 gets black cloth upholstery while the Suzuki Baleno 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 Suzuki Baleno responds with a K14B VVT making 68kW and 130Nm, paired to a 4-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 68kW. 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, 465mm longer than the Suzuki Baleno at 3,995mm (2,520mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 355L in the Suzuki Baleno, giving the Suzuki Baleno a 60L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m 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 9.8m 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 $1,539/year for the Suzuki Baleno. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Baleno.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Suzuki Baleno). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki Baleno if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda Mazda3 and Suzuki Baleno trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Suzuki Baleno will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Suzuki Baleno 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 Suzuki Baleno?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Suzuki Baleno uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda Mazda3 and Suzuki Baleno 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 Suzuki Baleno has the largest boot at 355L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
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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