Suzuki Ignis vs Mazda CX-3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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 Suzuki Ignis starts from $22,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-3 opens at $27,800. That makes the Suzuki Ignis the more affordable entry point by $5,310.
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 $24,739 and $30,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Suzuki Ignis by roughly $1,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Suzuki Ignis and Mazda CX-3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 1 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki Ignis uses a Petrol producing 61kW and 113Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 61kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-3 is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki Ignis measures 3,700mm long on a 2,435mm wheelbase, 575mm shorter than the Mazda CX-3 at 4,275mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 260L in the Suzuki Ignis and 350L in the Mazda CX-3, giving the Mazda CX-3 a 90L 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 $1,397/year for the Suzuki Ignis and $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $313 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Ignis.
Estimated annual total: $1,397 (Suzuki Ignis) vs $1,710 (Mazda CX-3). The Suzuki Ignis saves you roughly $313 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Ignis) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). The Mazda CX-3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Ignis if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Suzuki Ignis will save you roughly $313 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-3 has a clear edge. The Mazda CX-3 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, Suzuki Ignis and Mazda CX-3?
The Suzuki Ignis is the cheapest at $22,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-3 by $5,310.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Suzuki Ignis uses the least fuel at 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Suzuki Ignis and Mazda CX-3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-3 has the largest boot at 350L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda CX-3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW. The Mazda CX-3 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
