VS

Mazda 6 Saloon vs Mazda 3 Hatchback comparison

Compare performance (258 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (38,500 £ vs 25,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 6 Saloon or Mazda 3 Hatchback?

Mazda 6 Saloon vs Mazda 3 Hatchback: Key differences

Mazda 6 Saloon

  • visibly more power
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Mazda 3 Hatchback

  • considerably cheaper
  • considerably lighter
  • barely more trunk space
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

6 Saloon

The Battleground of Versatility: Mazda 3 Hatchback vs. Mazda 6 Sedan

In the compact world of urban mobility, two virtuosos from Mazda stand tall, showcasing different yet captivating characteristics: the Mazda 3 Hatchback and the Mazda 6 Sedan. Let's delve into the facets that make these vehicles stand out in their respective domains.

3 Hatchback

Design and Body Type

The Mazda 3 Hatchback, with its sporty and compact design encapsulating five doors, boasts a length of 4460 mm, a width of 1795 mm, and a height of 1435 mm. On the other hand, the Mazda 6 Sedan portrays a more traditional elegance with four doors, stretching longer at 4870 mm, wider at 1840 mm, and taller at 1450 mm.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, both models offer a choice between a petrol engine with the Mazda 3 Hatchback boasting an additional hybrid option. The Mazda 3 Hatchback provides an engine capacity of up to 2488 cm3, cushioning a power output of 140 to 186 HP and torque reaching up to 240 Nm. It reaches a remarkable acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 8 seconds, making it a great pick for those enthusiastic about speed.

The Mazda 6 Sedan, not far behind, offers an engine capacity long designed for finesse and longevity, capped at 2488 cm3. Its power ranges from 145 to 194 HP, with torque hitting a maximum of 258 Nm. The best 0-100 km/h acceleration is 8.1 seconds, allowing for a steady and powerful presence on the road.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Performance

When it comes to consumption, the Mazda 3 Hatchback demonstrates an efficiency in fuel usage ranging from 5.6 to 6.5 L/100 km. Its emissions, however, bear a range of CO2 outputs from 126 to 146 g/km, positioning it within the D to E efficiency classes.

The Mazda 6 Sedan, noted for its slightly higher fuel consumption of 6.7 to 7.4 L/100 km, emits between 152 and 167 g/km of CO2 depending on engine selection, categorizing itself within E to F efficiency classes. This places the sedan slightly behind the hatchback in terms of eco-friendliness but within a reasonable threshold for its size.

Practicality and Space

Inside, both models comfortably seat five occupants. The Mazda 6 Sedan offers a more generous trunk capacity at 480 liters compared to the 351 liters available in the Mazda 3 Hatchback, appealing to those requiring extra storage space for long journeys.

Fuel tank capacities further define each model's purpose, with the Mazda 6 Sedan housing up to 62 liters compared to the Hatchback's 51 liters, enhancing the range before refueling.

Driving Comfort and Technology

Both models share Mazda’s commitment to prioritizing driver experience. They include options for a manual or automatic gearbox, with the Mazda 3 Hatchback offering more versatility with front-wheel and all-wheel drive options.

The two vehicles feature advanced driver assistance technologies, fostering a safe and intuitive driving environment. The Mazda 3 Hatchback, being more compact, offers a slightly more exhilarating driving experience in tighter urban settings, while the Mazda 6 Sedan riddled with comfort features provides a quieter and more refined ride over longer distances.

Conclusion: Choosing Between the Two

Your choice between the Mazda 3 Hatchback and the Mazda 6 Sedan could depend largely on your lifestyle and driving needs. The Hatchback appeals to enthusiasts of dynamic driving and urban adventures with its compact agility and stylish sportiness. Conversely, the Sedan suits drivers yearning for a spacious ride, with its classic look and emphasis on comfort, ready to embrace longer roads.

Both models exhibit Mazda’s signature craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring robust performances and unwavering reliability. In the end, Mazda has tactfully designed these cars to cater to varying needs, challenging the assumption that you have to compromise one aspect over another.

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

6 Saloon

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.

Mazda 3 Hatchback is considerably cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the Mazda 6 Saloon costs 38,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,465 £.

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 6 Saloon offers visibly more power – delivering 258 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 72 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda 6 Saloon is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback takes 8 s. That’s about 0.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda 6 Saloon delivers visibly more torque with 320 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda 3 Hatchback is considerably lighter – 1,417 kg compared to 2,027 kg. The difference is around 610 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Hatchback offers barely more boot space – 351 L compared to 336 L. That’s a difference of about 15 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Hatchback carries markedly more – 502 kg compared to 360 kg. That’s a difference of about 142 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda 6 Saloon is clearly ahead overall 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 £38,500
6 Saloon

Mazda 6 Saloon

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 245 - 258 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.5 - 16.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 479 - 552 km
Mazda 6 Saloon
Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mazda 6 Saloon

The Mazda6 saloon feels like the sensible yet stylish choice for buyers who want a car that drives with poise and looks sharper than its badge suggests. It mixes engaging handling, a refined cabin and everyday practicality without shouting for attention — perfect for those who prefer understated class with a wink.

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
Mazda 6 Saloon
Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption

Price
38,500 - 41,600 £
Price
25,000 - 36,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.5 - 16.6 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
479 - 552 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
126 - 146 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,027 - 2,028 kg
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,529 kg
Trunk capacity
336 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4,921 mm
Length
-
Width
1,890 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
1,491 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,074 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
359 - 360 kg
Payload
487 - 502 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
245 - 258 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 7.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
175 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
320 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
180 - 190 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Mazda
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.