MG MG3 vs Mazda Mazda3
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.
Data checked: specs 12 Sep 2026, price 22 Jul 2026
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Price Breakdown
The MG MG3 starts from $20,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. That makes the MG MG3 the more affordable entry point by $5,500.
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 $23,089 and $29,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
MG MG3
- REC-006468 · published 3 Nov 2025In the event of collision, the inner side of the cushion frame may move forward and downwards much further than expected, inadvertently contacting the unlocking lever and then the locking pin, thereby causing the inboard rail to unlock.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
Mazda Mazda3
- REC-005733 · published 1 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear-view camera wiring harness may become damaged and could cause the rear-view image to become distorted or flicker.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2020
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000896 · published 9 Jan 2020The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system may falsely detect an object in front of the vehicle, which may initiate the automatic brake function.Year range on the notice: 2019
- 10 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG3 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Mazda Mazda3 gets a 8.8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG3 stands out with power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda Mazda3. The Mazda Mazda3 counters with head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG MG3 gets cloth upholstery while the Mazda Mazda3 offers black cloth.
Drivetrain
The MG MG3 uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 142Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.8 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) driving the front wheels.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 81kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG MG3 measures 4,113mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 347mm shorter than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,725mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 293L in the MG MG3 and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Mazda Mazda3 a 2L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.6m
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,710/year for the MG MG3 and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda Mazda3: Top CarSorted Score, 66 vs 63, but the MG MG3 is $5,500 cheaper
The Mazda Mazda3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (66 vs 63), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (Mazda Mazda3 ahead by 15), technology (Mazda Mazda3 ahead by 12), practicality (Mazda Mazda3 ahead by 6). The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. The MG MG3 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG MG3 and Mazda Mazda3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda Mazda3 by $5,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
MG MG3 holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda Mazda3, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the largest boot at 295L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
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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