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Dacia Sandero vs Mazda 3 Sedan comparison

Compare performance (122 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (11,000 £ vs 25,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Sandero or Mazda 3 Sedan?

Dacia Sandero vs Mazda 3 Sedan: Key differences

Dacia Sandero

3.1 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • visibly lighter
details

Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately more trunk space
details

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

Sandero

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Dacia Sandero is significantly cheaper – starting at 11,000 £ , while the Mazda 3 Sedan costs 25,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,015 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Sandero uses 5.3 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the Mazda 3 Sedan with 5.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.

3 Sedan

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 offers markedly more power – delivering 186 HP compared to 122 HP. That’s roughly 64 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda 3 Sedan is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 8.1 s, while the Dacia Sandero takes 9.7 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda 3 Sedan delivers moderately more torque with 240 Nm compared to 200 Nm. That’s about 40 Nm more.

Sandero

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 terms of curb weight, Dacia Sandero is visibly lighter – 1,100 kg compared to 1,420 kg. The difference is around 320 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers moderately more boot space – 450 L compared to 372 L. That’s a difference of about 78 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Sedan carries barely more – 481 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda 3 Sedan is slightly ahead 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 Sedan

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/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
VS
If you need a proper SUV silhouette, more room and rough-road confidence, the Dacia Duster is the sensible adventurer — higher ride height, optional 4x4 and a generous boot make it the one to choose for family trips and gravel tracks. But if you mainly commute, squeeze into city parking and care …
Dacia Sandero
Renault Captur
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The Dacia Sandero is the no-nonsense value king—spacious, economical and brutally practical for buyers who want transport, not trinkets. The Renault Captur, by contrast, bundles sharper styling, more tech and a cosier cabin into a compact SUV package, so you pay extra for polish and personality.
Dacia Sandero
Mazda 3 Sedan

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero is a no-nonsense hatchback that prioritises practicality and low running costs, making it a smart choice for budget-minded buyers. It delivers a surprisingly roomy interior and straightforward, useful equipment so you get everyday usability without paying for unnecessary frills.

details
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d220190p

Reviews Dacia Sandero

3.1 (5 Reviews)
rate
Thierry
14 Apr 2026, 21:55:26

New car — but problems: water ingress in a vehicle that's only two years old, mould forming, a defective front plate and a black stain.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Le
9 Mar 2026, 11:19:49

Hello — having tried the Sandero Stepway Extreme Auto 120.
The big downside is at the front, where large consoles on both the passenger and driver doors create a feeling that, as the kilometres go by, you have to drive with your knees squeezed together. On top of that, the small compartment between the two seats is more cumbersome than practical.
The rear seats are really spacious.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan dresses like a compact premium car, with sculpted lines and an interior that punches well above its class. It rewards drivers with eager handling and a composed, comfortable ride that turns routine runs into something a bit more enjoyable — proof that style and substance can share the same key.

details
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Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

Frequently compared as well

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Kia Stonic
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Dacia Sandero
Kia Picanto
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Comparing the Dacia Sandero and the Kia Picanto: both are budget-friendly small cars but they appeal to different priorities — the Sandero emphasizes space and low running costs, while the Picanto focuses on compact agility and city-friendly maneuverability. If you need roomy practicality and …
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Mazda 3 Sedan
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Dacia Sandero
Toyota Yaris Cross
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Toyota Yaris
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The Dacia Sandero and Toyota Yaris are two popular small hatchbacks that appeal to budget-conscious buyers but take very different approaches: the Sandero prioritizes low price and practicality, while the Yaris focuses on refinement, efficiency and safety. If you want maximum value and …
Dacia Sandero
VW Polo
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Dacia Sandero
Renault Mégane
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It’s the classic value-versus-style standoff: the Dacia Sandero arrives like a sensible bargain you can live with every day, while the Renault Mégane promises sharper looks and a dose of refinement — for a healthier cheque. We’ll drive, measure and compare practicality, economy and driving feel to …
Dacia Sandero
Fiat Grande Panda
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In the budget-friendly segment, the Dacia Sandero and Fiat Panda vie for attention with their distinct offerings. The Sandero stands out with its spacious interior and robust build, offering excellent value for those seeking practicality and comfort. Meanwhile, the Fiat Panda charms with its …
Dacia Sandero
Mazda 3 Sedan

Costs and Consumption
Price
11,000 - 16,300 £
Price
25,000 - 34,200 £
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
111 - 131 g/km
co2
123 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,100 - 1,297 kg
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,492 kg
Trunk capacity
372 L
Trunk capacity
450 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,853 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
385 - 436 kg
Payload
467 - 481 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
67 - 122 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 16.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
49 - 90 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 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 Sandero have?

The Dacia Sandero is offered with 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.