Mazda Mazda3 vs Suzuki Swift
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda3 starts from $26,490 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki Swift opens at $23,990. That makes the Suzuki Swift the more affordable entry point by $2,500.
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 $26,389 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda3 by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Mazda Mazda3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Suzuki Swift. Adult occupant protection scored 98% for the Mazda Mazda3 and 47% for the Suzuki Swift.
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 4 in the Suzuki Swift.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda Mazda3 and 6 in the Suzuki Swift.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda Mazda3 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the Suzuki Swift gets a 7-inch display. 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 Swift responds with a Petrol making 61kW and 112Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.4 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 61kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda Mazda3 is 2.7s 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, 600mm longer than the Suzuki Swift at 3,860mm (2,450mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 267L in the Suzuki Swift, giving the Mazda Mazda3 a 28L advantage.
0Turning 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,083/year for the Mazda Mazda3 and $1,311/year for the Suzuki Swift. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,083 (Mazda Mazda3) vs $1,311 (Suzuki Swift). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $228 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 Swift). 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 Swift if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 7 of 8 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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