@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
@ Mazda Motor Corporation
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Dacia Duster vs Mazda 3 Hatchback – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Dacia Duster or Mazda 3 Hatchback fits your lifestyle better.

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

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Dacia Duster has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16300 £, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback costs 24500 £. That’s a price difference of around 8271 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Dacia Duster manages with 4.70 L and is therefore somewhat more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.60 L. The difference is about 0.90 L per 100 km.

3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda 3 Hatchback has a slightly edge – offering 186 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 28 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda 3 Hatchback is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 8 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.40 s. That’s about 1.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mazda 3 Hatchback performs a bit better – reaching 216 km/h, while the Dacia Duster tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 36 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mazda 3 Hatchback pulls barely noticeable stronger with 240 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 10 Nm difference.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Dacia Duster is barely noticeable lighter – 1377 kg compared to 1419 kg. The difference is around 42 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Dacia Duster offers evident more room – 517 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 166 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Dacia Duster performs distinct better – up to 1609 L, which is about 583 L more than the Mazda 3 Hatchback.

When it comes to payload, Mazda 3 Hatchback hardly perceptible takes the win – 485 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 32 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Dacia Duster shows itself to be wins solidly and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £16,300
Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Dacia Duster

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 115 - 158 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.7 - 7.5 L

Dacia Duster

5 (1)
rate

The Dacia Duster is a no-nonsense compact SUV that delivers rugged practicality and surprisingly comfortable everyday driving without fuss. It might not win any beauty contests, but its honest design, easy-to-live-with cabin and tough attitude make it a smart pick for buyers who want reliable transport without luxury frills.

details

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.

details
Dacia Duster
Mazda 3 Hatchback
Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
16300 - 24900 £
Price
24500 - 35500 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.5 L
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 124 g/km
co2
126 - 146 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
48 - 51 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1377 - 1455 kg
Curb weight
1419 - 1549 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4343 mm
Length
4460 mm
Width
1813 mm
Width
1795 mm
Height
1656 - 1659 mm
Height
1435 mm
Max trunk capacity
1414 - 1609 L
Max trunk capacity
1022 - 1026 L
Payload
450 - 453 kg
Payload
470 - 485 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
199 - 216 km/h
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
1199 - 1789 cm3
Engine capacity
1998 - 2488 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Mazda
What drivetrain options does the Dacia Duster have?

The Dacia Duster is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.