@ Kia Corporation
@ Mazda Motor Corporation
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Kia Ceed vs Mazda 3 Hatchback – Which model is better for everyday use?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Ceed or Mazda 3 Hatchback?

Ceed @ Kia Corporation

The Compact Hatchback Rivalry: Kia Ceed vs. Mazda 3

When it comes to choosing the perfect hatchback, the 2024 offerings of the Kia Ceed and the Mazda 3 Hatchback stand out as strong contenders. Both models showcase impressive engineering and innovation, making it a challenge to determine which might suit your driving preferences better. In this comparison, we delve into the technical specifications and innovation features of these two automotive titans.

3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Performance and Efficiency

The Kia Ceed offers a range of engines that cater to different driving styles. Powered by either a 3 or 4-cylinder petrol engine, the Ceed produces between 100 and 140 HP, channeling its power through either a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch automatic transmission for a more engaging drive. With a top speed reaching up to 197 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h as swift as 9.5 seconds, the Ceed is designed for both everyday efficiency and spirited driving. Fuel consumption varies between 6 and 6.4 L/100 km, offering a balance between performance and economy.

On the other hand, the Mazda 3 Hatchback offers a higher baseline with its 4-cylinder petrol engines, pumping out 140 to 186 HP. It features both manual and automatic gearbox options, and a unique offering of all-wheel drive, which is a rarity in this class. Achieving a top speed of 216 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 8 seconds, the Mazda 3 is built for those who crave a sportier edge. With fuel consumption as low as 5.6 L/100km, it manages to harmonize power with impressive fuel efficiency.

Ceed @ Kia Corporation

Design and Dimensions

The Kia Ceed measures between 4315 and 4325 mm in length, 1800 mm in width, and up to 1447 mm in height, offering a solid and stable base. With a trunk capacity of up to 395 liters, it provides generous space for luggage and everyday cargo. The overall design speaks a language of modernity and sleek sophistication, prioritizing functionality without compromising on style.

Mazda 3 leans towards a more aerodynamic silhouette with a length of 4460 mm, width of 1795 mm, and height of 1435 mm. Its trunk, slightly more compact at 351 liters, caters well to urban environments where maneuverability is key. Mazda's signature design philosophy, Kodo, aims to capture movement even when stationary, giving the Mazda 3 a distinct and dynamic presence on the road.

3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Safety and Innovation

Both vehicles come packed with safety and technological enhancements designed to elevate the driving experience. The Kia Ceed boasts a host of standard safety features, alongside its highly efficient powertrains that manage to achieve a CO2 efficiency class of E, with emissions ranging between 137 to 146 g/km.

The Mazda 3 steps it up a notch with additional driving aids and an optional all-wheel-drive system, augmenting traction and stability on varied terrains. With a slightly better CO2 efficiency class of D in some variants, and emissions spanning from 126 to 146 g/km, Mazda clearly emphasizes environmental consciousness along with cutting-edge driving dynamics.

Ceed @ Kia Corporation

Conclusion

Choosing between the Kia Ceed and the Mazda 3 comes down to personal preference and specific needs: the Ceed with its straightforward, purposeful approach, or the Mazda 3, which offers a sportier drive with a touch of elegance. In the end, both hatchbacks deliver qualities that cater well to diverse automotive desires, making them superb choices in the compact car landscape.

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

3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

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.

Kia Ceed has a hardly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 23500 £, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback costs 24500 £. That’s a price difference of around 1071 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mazda 3 Hatchback manages with 5.60 L and is therefore barely noticeable more efficient than the Kia Ceed with 6 L. The difference is about 0.40 L per 100 km.

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 has a evident edge – offering 186 HP compared to 140 HP. That’s roughly 46 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 Kia Ceed takes 9.50 s. That’s about 1.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mazda 3 Hatchback performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 216 km/h, while the Kia Ceed tops out at 197 km/h. The difference is around 19 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Kia Ceed pulls hardly perceptible stronger with 253 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 13 Nm difference.

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, Kia Ceed is slight lighter – 1298 kg compared to 1419 kg. The difference is around 121 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Kia Ceed offers somewhat more room – 395 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 44 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Kia Ceed performs distinct better – up to 1291 L, which is about 265 L more than the Mazda 3 Hatchback.

When it comes to payload, Kia Ceed barely noticeable takes the win – 490 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mazda 3 Hatchback proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mazda 3 Hatchback is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £24,500
3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

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
details

Kia Ceed

The Kia Ceed is a sensible, stylish hatchback that gives buyers more than they'd expect for the money, blending practical space with crisp, modern looks. It drives with measured confidence and comes loaded with user-friendly kit, so you can enjoy daily life behind the wheel without breaking into a sweat.

details
Kia_Ceed_GT_Line_MJ22_01 @ Kia Corporation
Kia_Ceed_GT_Line_MJ22_02 @ Kia Corporation
Kia_XCeed_MJ2023_Innen @ Kia Corporation

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 Hatchback presents a sleek and modern design, capturing attention with its streamlined curves and dynamic stance. Inside, the interior showcases high-quality materials and an intuitive layout, providing comfort and ease for both driver and passengers. On the road, this hatchback impresses with its agile handling and responsive performance, making it a practical yet stylish choice for urban and suburban driving.

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2022_mazda3_spain_act_23_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation
2022_mazda3_spain_act_15_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation
2022_mazda3_spain_still_14_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation
2022_mazda3_spain_int_01_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation
2022_mazda3_pq_spain_int_05_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation

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Costs and Consumption
Price
23500 - 26300 £
Price
24500 - 35500 £
Consumption L/100km
6 - 6.4 L
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
137 - 146 g/km
co2
126 - 146 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
48 - 51 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1298 - 1372 kg
Curb weight
1419 - 1549 kg
Trunk capacity
357 - 395 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4315 mm
Length
4460 mm
Width
1800 mm
Width
1795 mm
Height
1447 mm
Height
1435 mm
Max trunk capacity
1253 - 1291 L
Max trunk capacity
1022 - 1026 L
Payload
478 - 490 kg
Payload
470 - 485 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV
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, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
100 - 140 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.5 - 13.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
178 - 197 km/h
Max Speed
199 - 216 km/h
Torque
172 - 253 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
74 - 103 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
998 - 1482 cm3
Engine capacity
1998 - 2488 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Kia
Brand
Mazda

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What drivetrain options does the Kia Ceed have?

The Kia Ceed is available as Front-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.