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Dacia Duster vs Mazda 3 Sedan – Which model is better for everyday use?

Two cars, one duel: Dacia Duster meets Mazda 3 Sedan.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

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

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

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.

Dacia Duster has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16300 £, while the Mazda 3 Sedan costs 25000 £. That’s a price difference of around 8700 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Dacia Duster manages with 4.70 L and is therefore a bit more efficient than the Mazda 3 Sedan with 5.50 L. The difference is about 0.80 L per 100 km.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda 3 Sedan has a somewhat 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 Sedan is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.10 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.40 s. That’s about 1.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mazda 3 Sedan performs somewhat 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 Sedan 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:

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 curb weight, Dacia Duster is minimal lighter – 1377 kg compared to 1420 kg. The difference is around 43 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Dacia Duster offers slightly more room – 517 L compared to 450 L. That’s a difference of about 67 L.

When it comes to payload, Mazda 3 Sedan slight takes the win – 481 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 28 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mazda 3 Sedan proves to be has a very small edge and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mazda 3 Sedan is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £25,000
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Mazda 3 Sedan

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 140 - 186 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.5 - 6.1 L

Dacia Duster

5 (1)
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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.

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Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan stands out with its elegant and sleek design, capturing attention on the road with its refined aesthetics. Inside, it offers a well-crafted and comfortable cabin, providing a pleasurable driving experience marked by quality materials and advanced features. The car's performance is reliable and smooth, making it a versatile choice for both city driving and long-distance journeys.

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Dacia Duster
Mazda 3 Sedan
Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
16300 - 24900 £
Price
25000 - 34200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.5 L
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 124 g/km
co2
123 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
51 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1377 - 1455 kg
Curb weight
1420 - 1492 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
450 L
Length
4343 mm
Length
4660 mm
Width
1813 mm
Width
1795 mm
Height
1656 - 1659 mm
Height
1440 mm
Max trunk capacity
1414 - 1609 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
450 - 453 kg
Payload
467 - 481 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
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
203 - 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
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.