Mazda Mazda3 vs Suzuki Ignis
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda3 starts from $26,490 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki Ignis opens at $22,490. That makes the Suzuki Ignis the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $24,739 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda3 by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda Mazda3 and Suzuki Ignis hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 1 in the Suzuki Ignis.
Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. 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 Suzuki Ignis responds with a Petrol making 61kW and 113Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.8 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 61kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda Mazda3 is 3.1s 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, 760mm longer than the Suzuki Ignis at 3,700mm (2,435mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 260L in the Suzuki Ignis, giving the Mazda Mazda3 a 35L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,397/year for the Suzuki Ignis. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,083 (Mazda Mazda3) vs $1,397 (Suzuki Ignis). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $314 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 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Ignis). The Mazda Mazda3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki Ignis if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda Mazda3 has a clear edge. The Mazda Mazda3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-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 Suzuki Ignis?
The Suzuki Ignis is the cheapest at $22,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda Mazda3 by $4,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda Mazda3 and Suzuki Ignis all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
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 Mazda Mazda3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k 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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