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Dacia Duster vs Mazda 3 Hatchback comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (16,300 £ vs 25,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or Mazda 3 Hatchback?

Dacia Duster vs Mazda 3 Hatchback: Key differences

Dacia Duster

4.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • slightly more efficient
  • barely lighter
  • noticeably more trunk space
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Mazda 3 Hatchback

  • moderately more power
  • somewhat quicker 0–100 km/h
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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

Duster

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 is substantially cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the Mazda 3 Hatchback costs 25,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,743 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Duster uses 4.7 L/100km and is slightly more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.6 L/100km. The difference is about 0.9 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 moderately more power – delivering 186 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 28 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda 3 Hatchback is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 8 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.4 s. That’s about 1.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda 3 Hatchback delivers barely more torque with 240 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 10 Nm more.

Duster

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, Dacia Duster is barely lighter – 1,377 kg compared to 1,417 kg. The difference is around 40 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Duster offers noticeably more boot space – 517 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 166 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Hatchback carries very slightly more – 502 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 49 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Dacia Duster holds a narrow overall lead 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 £16,300
Duster

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 - 7.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
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The Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero are budget-friendly staples from the same brand, but they serve very different needs: the Duster is a compact SUV with higher ground clearance and more interior space, while the Sandero is a practical, economical hatchback ideal for city driving. This comparison …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
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Choosing between the Dacia Duster and the Dacia Jogger comes down to whether you want a compact SUV with stronger on-road and light off-road ability or a stretched estate focused on space and family practicality. The Duster favours higher ground clearance and a tougher presence, while the Jogger …
Dacia Duster
Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is a straightforward, budget-friendly SUV that prioritizes practicality and value over flashy features. Its rugged styling and simple, roomy interior make it a sensible choice for buyers who want capable everyday transport without paying for extras they won’t use.

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Reviews Dacia Duster

4.8 (3 Reviews)
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Dave
11 May 2026, 00:08:47

As a previous owner of a manual 1998 Suzuki Vitara (two door), I was thrilled when the Duster was announced. The Bigster seems like a safer (and less adventurous) alternative to the Duster.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Buh
14 Dec 2025, 22:40:05

I find the difference between the two very minimal.
And for almost €20k more 💶 I would absolutely not choose the Tiguan.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Value for Money

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

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

Frequently compared as well

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Dacia Bigster
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The Dacia Duster is a compact, proven SUV that’s affordable and easy to live with; the Dacia Bigster is a bigger, more modern model focused on space and family practicality. This comparison will help you weigh size, interior comfort, engines, equipment and running costs so you can pick the right …
Dacia Duster
Opel Frontera
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The Dacia Duster is the sensible new-school pick — affordable, economical and surprisingly well packaged with modern safety and infotainment for the money; the Opel Frontera, meanwhile, is a proper old-school body-on-frame bruiser that still appeals to buyers who prize simple, rugged off-road …
Dacia Duster
Renault Captur
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Think of the Dacia Duster as the bargain-basement SUV that treats rough roads like a challenge and your wallet like a VIP—rugged, simple and brutally practical. The Renault Captur, by contrast, is the fashion-forward city slicker with sharper looks, more tech and a softer ride, ideal if you want …
Dacia Duster
Renault Symbioz
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This quick comparison pits the practical, budget‑minded Dacia Duster against Renault’s forward‑looking Symbioz concept. The Duster is a compact SUV built around affordability, ruggedness and simple, proven technology, while the Symbioz is a showpiece electric concept focused on advanced …
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The Dacia Duster is known for no-nonsense value and roomy practicality, while the Suzuki Vitara offers a more polished drive and a stronger equipment list. This comparison will highlight where each SUV shines — from running costs and interior space to technology and on-road manners — so you can …
Dacia Duster
Hyundai Tucson
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The Dacia Duster and Hyundai Tucson are both compact SUVs but take very different approaches: the Duster prioritizes affordability, rugged simplicity and practical off-road ability, while the Tucson leans on refinement, interior space and a richer feature set. Choosing between them comes down to …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Dacia Duster
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In the fiercely competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Citroen C3 Aircross stands out with its bold design and customizable interior options, appealing to urban drivers seeking both style and practicality. Meanwhile, the Dacia Duster offers remarkable value for money, boasting robust off-road …
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Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Price
25,000 - 36,000 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 140 g/km
co2
126 - 146 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,559 kg
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,529 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,813 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
402 - 453 kg
Payload
487 - 502 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 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
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
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2026
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.

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.