Suzuki Swift 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.
Price Breakdown
The Suzuki Swift starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. 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 $26,389 and $29,139 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 47% for the Suzuki Swift and 98% for the Mazda Mazda3.
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 Suzuki Swift and 6 in the Mazda Mazda3.
Feature Showdown
The Suzuki Swift features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda Mazda3 gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki Swift uses a Petrol producing 61kW and 112Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.4 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 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 Suzuki Swift measures 3,860mm long on a 2,450mm wheelbase, 600mm shorter than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,726mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 267L in the Suzuki Swift and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, 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 9.8m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,311/year for the Suzuki Swift and $1,083/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,311 (Suzuki Swift) vs $1,083 (Mazda Mazda3). 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: 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Swift) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). The Mazda Mazda3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Swift if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
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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