Skoda Scala vs Mazda Mazda3

The Skoda Scala starts from $30,900 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. 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 $33,990 and $29,139 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 Skoda Scala features a 8.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-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 Skoda Scala stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Mazda Mazda3. The Mazda Mazda3 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Skoda Scala uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.1 seconds.

The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a Petrol making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 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 Skoda Scala measures 4,362mm long on a 2,649mm wheelbase, 98mm 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 467L in the Skoda Scala and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Skoda Scala a 172L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 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 $1,539/year for the Skoda Scala and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Scala.

Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Skoda Scala) vs $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3). 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Scala) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). The Skoda Scala has longer coverage.