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Citroen C3 vs Mazda 3 Hatchback comparison

Compare performance (113 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (14,000 £ vs 25,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 or Mazda 3 Hatchback?

Citroen C3 vs Mazda 3 Hatchback: Key differences

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • moderately more efficient
  • a bit lighter
details

Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

C3

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Citroen C3 is substantially cheaper – starting at 14,000 £ , while the Mazda 3 Hatchback costs 25,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,058 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Citroen C3 uses 5 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.6 L/100km. The difference is about 0.6 L/100km.

3 Hatchback

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda 3 Hatchback offers clearly more power – delivering 186 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 73 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda 3 Hatchback is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 8 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.9 s. That’s about 1.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda 3 Hatchback delivers a bit more torque with 240 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 35 Nm more.

C3

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 is a bit lighter – 1,226 kg compared to 1,417 kg. The difference is around 191 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Hatchback offers moderately more boot space – 351 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 41 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Hatchback carries slightly more – 502 kg compared to 423 kg. That’s a difference of about 79 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda 3 Hatchback sits just ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £25,000
3 Hatchback

Mazda 3 Hatchback

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 140 - 186 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Citroen C3 Aircross
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Deciding between the Citroën C3 and the Citroën C3 Aircross is basically a choice between a compact, city-focused hatch and a taller, more practical crossover. The C3 prioritises nimble handling, simplicity and economy for urban driving, while the C3 Aircross adds higher ride height, extra interior …
Citroen C3
Opel Corsa
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The Citroën C3 charms with its quirky French flair, plush seats and a ride tuned more for comfort than cornering, while the Opel Corsa plays the sensible all-rounder with sharper handling, a tidier cabin and a broader engine lineup. If you want personality and city-friendly cushioning, pick the C3; …
Citroen C3
Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 is a stylish and practical small hatchback that puts comfort and a calm urban driving experience at the top of its list. With its distinctive looks and thoughtful interior touches, it suits buyers who want personality and everyday usability without drama.

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Reviews Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 hatchback blends elegant design with a surprisingly sporty drive, giving a cabin that feels more upscale than you’d expect for the segment. Practical enough for everyday life yet eager to entertain behind the wheel, it’s a smart, good-humored choice that makes even grocery runs feel like a mini escape.

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Reviews Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
j m
29 Jun 2026, 22:06:55

power
efficiency and low consumption
driving pleasure
wonderful e-drive and head-up projection display on the windshield

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Citroen C4
VS
The Citroën C3 is the cheeky city hatch that charms with low running costs, soft suspension and easy parking, while the Citroën C4 stretches into crossover territory with more space, stronger engines and sharper tech. If you mostly nip around town grab the C3 for its thrift and comfort; if you want …
Citroen C3
Renault Clio
VS
City supermini buyers face a tasty dilemma: the Citroën C3 charms with cosy ride comfort, playful looks and practical flair, while the Renault Clio answers with sharper handling, a more premium cabin and smarter tech. Choose the C3 if you prioritise comfort and personality; pick the Clio if you …
Citroen C3
Jeep Avenger
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The Citroën C3 and the Jeep Avenger are two compact, city-focused crossovers that target buyers who want practicality, efficiency and a touch of personality. This quick comparison highlights their differences in ride comfort, interior space, fuel economy and features to help you pick the better fit …
Citroen C3
Renault Captur
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Choosing between the Citroën C3 and the Renault Captur comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused hatch with quirky styling or a slightly larger, more versatile crossover with a higher driving position. I’ll compare practicality, fuel economy, driving feel and value so you can pick …
Citroen C3
Dacia Sandero
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Citroen C3 and Dacia Sandero go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Citroen C3 or the Dacia …
Citroen C3
DS Automobiles DS 3
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Citroen C3 and DS Automobiles DS 3 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Citroen C3 or the …
Citroen C3
SEAT Arona
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Citroen C3 and SEAT Arona go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Citroen C3 or the SEAT Arona …
Citroen C3
Honda Jazz
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Citroen C3 and Honda Jazz go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Citroen C3 or the Honda Jazz …
Citroen C3
Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption
Price
14,000 - 24,700 £
Price
25,000 - 36,000 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
212 - 325 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
126 - 146 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,226 - 1,518 kg
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,529 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,755 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
487 - 502 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Mazda
What drivetrain options does the Citroen C3 have?

The Citroen C3 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.