Should I buy a 2022 Mazda 3 sedan or a Kia Cerato sedan?
Sedans may not be 'in vogue', but that doesn’t mean they’re not a solid choice. Here, we compare two of the top sellers – the Mazda 3 sedan and Kia Cerato sedan.
Cars like the Mazda 3 sedan and Kia Cerato sedan might be something of a dying breed – but they’re not giving up without a fight.
They can be just as well-specified and practical as their hatch counterparts, and provide a nice point of difference to the scourge of SUVs taking over our roads.
This comparison pits the 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP sedan against the 2021 Kia Cerato Sport+ sedan.
Both models are consistent top sellers in Australia’s small passenger car market, fighting alongside the popular Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla.
While the Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP sits comfortably in the middle of its expansive model range, the Kia Cerato Sport+ is on the upper end of its range – and both cars must vie for attention with their hatchback siblings.
Both cars are also front-wheel drive, with a six-speed automatic transmission, but the Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP scores a larger, more powerful 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine outputting 139kW and 252Nm.
Meanwhile, the Kia Cerato Sport+ boasts a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine capable of 112kW and 192Nm.
Key details | 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP sedan | 2021 Kia Cerato Sport+ sedan |
Price (MSRP) | $31,490 plus on-road costs | $31,140 plus on-road costs |
Colour of test car | Polymetal Grey | Silky Silver |
Options | Metallic paint – $595 | Metallic paint – $520 |
Price as tested | $37,333 drive-away (Melbourne) | $33,731 drive-away (Melbourne) |
Here, we compare the two models across several commonly asked questions, but for a more in-depth analysis, you can read Sam's full review of the 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP sedan here and Tom's full review of the 2021 Kia Cerato Sport+ here.
How much does a 2022 Mazda 3 sedan cost?
The 2022 Mazda 3 range is comprehensive, offering eight specification grades, all with the choice of hatch or sedan body type, and manual or automatic transmission.
The G25 Evolve SP sedan hovers in the middle of this list, with an asking price of $31,490 before on-road costs for a manual.
Opting for an automatic transmission adds roughly $1000 to the price, while choosing the Polymetal Grey metallic paint adds $595, bringing the price of our test car to $37,333 drive-away (in Melbourne).
The Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP is the cheapest Mazda 3 variant to feature the larger and most powerful 2.5-litre engine, and it also scores blacked-out 18-inch wheels, grille insert and exterior mirrors.
The seats are cloth-covered with contrast stitching and feature 10-way electric adjustment, and automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and push-button start are all standard inclusions.
Meanwhile, standard safety equipment across the board includes autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a reverse camera, driver attention alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assistance, rear parking sensors, a rear-cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition.
An optional $1500 Vision Technology pack adds a 360-view monitor, front parking sensors, a front cross-traffic alert and driver monitoring.
How much does a 2021 Kia Cerato sedan cost?
The Cerato range spans four variants and also offers the choice of sedan and hatch, but all variants are automatic only.
The Sport+ costs $31,140 before on-road costs and is the second-to-top grade of the Cerato, sitting below the Cerato GT.
Finished in the $520 Silky Silver metallic paint, the final price of our test car comes to $33,731 drive-away (based on a current drive-away offer in Melbourne).
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On the Sport+ grade, seats are leather-appointed (or, more accurately, pleather-appointed) with six-way power adjustment.
Kia’s Safety Pack comes as standard, which brings about autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert.
Other additions unlocked by the Sport+ model grade include keyless entry, push-button start, electronic parking brake, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror and larger rear brakes.
Summary
Around $4000 separates the drive-away prices of the Mazda 3 sedan and the Kia Cerato sedan, with the Mazda 3 proving the more pricey of the pair.
Both cars represent something of a sweet spot in their respective ranges, with comprehensive safety and driver assistance technology as standard, but the Cerato edges ahead with its leather-appointed seats.
Ultimately, the Cerato offers more for less money, but it’s a tight contest.
How big is the Mazda 3 sedan?
The second row of the Mazda 3 sedan isn't huge – this is a small car after all – but is big enough for adults to squeeze in comfortably.
There are air vents back, along with ISOFIX and top tether points. The seat backs are soft and scalloped to help make the most of the leg room on offer, and we found it big enough to get kids (and their forward-facing seats) in without any drama.
With the seat in a regular driving position, we had leg room left over.
The boot of the Mazda 3 sedan – 444L worth according to the manufacturer – is big. It's 149L bigger than the hatchback version, and is perhaps the biggest advantage the sedan has in overall packaging. There is a little bit of a lip to overcome, but the second row can be dropped down for additional storage when needed.
How big is the Kia Cerato sedan?
Space in the first row of the Kia Cerato sedan is comfortable and all controls are at hand, plus the driving position affords good vision throughout.
You fare better in the second row of the sedan than the hatchback. It is a tight space for adults, but not to the point of becoming tiring or claustrophobic. Head room and foot room are perfectly fine.
Continuing the space theme, the sedan body style of the Cerato allows for a huge 502L cavity to store your stuff.
Summary
Both the Mazda 3 sedan and the Kia Cerato sedan offer a moderately sized back seat with adequate – if not expansive – room for adults.
Both sedans provide more boot space than their hatchback counterparts, but the Cerato’s boot offers more storage room than the Mazda 3.
2022 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP sedan | 2021 Kia Cerato Sport+ sedan | |
Seats | Five | Five |
Boot volume | 444L | 502L |
Length | 4660mm | 4640mm |
Width | 1795mm | 1800mm |
Height | 1440mm | 1440mm |
Wheelbase | 2725mm | 2700mm |
Is the Mazda 3 fuel-efficient?
Fuel economy isn't the strong suit of this Mazda 3, which has the largest engine in its segment.
It uses a little extra fuel in comparison to the 2.0-litre engine, but the extra punch and torque could be worth it to many buyers.
While the claim of 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres might be possible, we weren't able to get close. Instead, we used 8.5L/100km.
The Mazda 3 runs on 91-octane petrol and has a 51L fuel tank.
Is the Kia Cerato fuel-efficient?
Kia claims running the Cerato Sport+ on a combined cycle will return 7.4L/100km fuel economy, but our week on test bettered that figure recording a combined 6.7L/100km.
It runs on 91-octane petrol and stocks a 50L fuel tank.
Summary
According to our real-world testing, the Cerato is more economical than the Mazda 3 – which could be attributed to the 3’s larger engine.
As such, buyers will have to weigh up whether the increased performance is worth the extra spend at the bowser.
Is the Mazda 3 fun to drive?
Extra cubic capacity under the bonnet is rarely a bad thing, and that seems to be especially the case with the Mazda 3.
Having the shove of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine improves the general refinement and character of the Mazda 3, which is an important element to consider for commuters. Although, visits to your local petrol station might be a little more frequent.
It's not hot, and doesn't really even have any warmth of something like a sporty model, but the performance – handling and straight line – is still satisfying. For those who enjoy the act of driving and the connection between human and machine, you will get some joy from this Mazda 3.
Standing starts rip through first gear quite smartly, it makes a little bit of noise, and gets to highway speeds without any drama. There are no crackles or burbles, but there is enough for an approximate 0–100km/h dash of around eight seconds.
If you want a nice commuter car that offers a little bit more than your average four-cylinder petrol engine, then this might suit your needs nicely.
Steering is eagerly tuned, sharp-feeling, with little off-centre dullness. It plays to the strengths of the car, and suits its overall nature. Thankfully, it's not so overbearing as to ruin the experience, but leans more towards dynamic and engaged driving instead of the ultimate in disconnected ease.
The ride quality is the same: well-sorted, with an edge of firmness and intent. Its roadholding abilities are certainly engaging, with a responsive driving demeanour. But, once again, it's comfortable and compliant enough for daily usage. We noticed a little bit of road noise on the highway, but bump absorption is well sorted.
Mazda has stuck to a six-speed torque converter auto for the Mazda 3 range, which is a fine gearbox. Six ratios used to be the gold standard. It perhaps sounds less impressive in the face of continuously variable and dual-clutch set-ups with higher ratio counts, but the truth is that this gearbox is perfectly fine. There is predictable and smart shifting with a smooth nature.
Is the Kia Cerato fun to drive?
The Kia Cerato Sport+ may be at the pointy end of the line-up in terms of price, but it does business with the base 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. It’s an old unit (it doesn’t have direct fuel injection) and it’s carried over from its predecessor. Even back then it felt like it had passed its use-by date.
Power and torque are rated at 112kW and 192Nm, and sent through a six-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox to the front wheels only.
The power is respectable for a car of this size, though the lack of turbocharged torque does annoy when you’re trying to get away in a hurry or performing an overtake. Luckily the gearbox is intuitive, keeping you in the right gear at the right time, and responsive enough to change down quickly when needed.
Noise and vibration are unobtrusive through start-up and during light-throttle demands, but it can become a little loud and unrefined once you start to put your foot into it.
Unlike its hard-riding Cerato GT stablemate, the Sport+ is soft and pliant over road surface changes and bumps, while remaining composed over speed humps. It’s a comfy car to drive and to be driven in. There’s not a lot of feedback felt through the steering wheel – it’s just a light, direct and simple system matched perfectly to the car’s intended use case.
Summary
Both the Mazda 3 and Kia Cerato sedans are well-balanced commuters, with good composure and moderate noise and vibration, but the Mazda 3’s acceleration and steering are sharper, and the bigger engine enhances both performance and driver enjoyment.
At a glance | 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP sedan | 2021 Kia Cerato Sport+ sedan |
Warranty | Five years, unlimited km | Seven years, unlimited km |
Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km | 12 months or 15,000km |
Servicing costs | $1169 (3 years), $2032 (5 years) | $1083 (3 years), $2015 (5 years) |
Fuel cons. (claimed) | 6.5L/100km | 7.4L/100km |
Fuel cons. (on test) | 8.5L/100km | 6.7L/100km |
Fuel type | 91-octane regular unleaded | 91-octane regular unleaded |
Fuel tank size | 51L | 50L |
Is the Mazda 3 expensive to maintain?
Mazda’s servicing costs for the 3 sedan are reasonable, feeling neither cheap nor expensive for the vehicle. After five years – at which point your unlimited-kilometre warranty will expire – you will have spent $2032 on maintenance.
That averages to just over $400 per year, but that number could be higher for buyers who cover more than the 10,000km interval inside of 12 months.
Is the Kia Cerato expensive to maintain?
Kias are among the best vehicles to own over a longer ownership period thanks to the brand’s strong seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
The warranty is accompanied by a complimentary 12 months of roadside assistance, which can be renewed in 12-month intervals (up to eight years) by simply returning the Cerato to a Kia dealership for servicing.
Speaking of servicing, Kia offers a capped-price program that sees the first three services cost $1083 in total, while five years’ worth costs $2015. Services must be completed each year or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
Summary
The Kia Cerato manages to overtake the Mazda 3 thanks to its seven-year warranty.
When averaged out over a five-year period, the difference between the two cars’ servicing costs is marginal, with Kia charging $403 a year on average, while Mazda charges $406 over the same period.
Is the 2022 Mazda 3 a safe car?
The Mazda 3’s five-star ANCAP safety rating comes from a relatively recent test in 2019, when this generation Mazda 3 came to Australian showrooms. Individual ratings for adult and child occupants are impressively high, with 98 per cent and 89 per cent awarded respectively.
Importantly, the Mazda 3 comes with autonomous emergency braking across the board, which operates between 4km/h and 80km/h. There is also blind-spot monitoring, a reversing camera, driver attention alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assistance, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
Is the 2021 Kia Cerato a safe car?
The Cerato GT sedan was last tested by ANCAP in 2018 where it achieved a full five-star safety rating. This rating carries over to the updated model.
Kit including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-follow assist, driver attention monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and brake, and larger rear brake discs (for better stopping performance) helps it achieve that score.
Summary
Both cars receive a five-star safety rating from ANCAP – although the Mazda’s was awarded more recently – and score a comprehensive suite of safety technology as standard.
Key details | 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP sedan | 2021 Kia Cerato Sport+ sedan |
Engine | 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol | 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol |
Power | 139kW @ 6000rpm | 112kW @ 6200rpm |
Torque | 252Nm @ 4000rpm | 192Nm @ 4000rpm |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
Transmission | Six-speed torque converter automatic | Six-speed torque converter automatic |
Power to weight ratio | 101kW/t | 85kW/t |
Weight | 1376kg | 1320kg |
Turning circle | 10.6m | 10.6m |
Is the 2022 Mazda 3 sedan a good car?
It's hard not to like this little sedan. In fact, the main thing wrong with it is that it’s not an SUV. While many love the idea of a high-riding small car with a raised seating position and some exterior cladding, they are overlooking something that could be better.
A small sedan or hatch, much like any similarly sized small SUV, is absolutely fit for purpose, well-dialled, and honed in its craft of providing comfort, practicality and enjoyment.
The Mazda 3's interior, ride quality and driving dynamics are the main strengths here, all wrapped up in a classic and practical sedan-shaped package.
This mid-spec Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP – with the slightly larger engine – doesn't blow the budget as hard as other options out there, and could be a sweet spot for all of the important factors: performance with a premium touch, comfort and practicality.
Is the 2021 Kia Cerato sedan a good car?
Despite an outdated powertrain that should have been left in the 2010s, the Kia Cerato Sport+ soldiers on as a competent small car ready to meet the needs of budget buyers.
Kia will have your back for the seven-year-long haul, which is a major ownership benefit, and the minute updates to the 2021 facelift help to keep it current. That said, while they might come at a higher cost, rivals such as the Mazda 3 sedan and Hyundai i30 sedan may represent a nicer ownership experience.
While it does tick many boxes, the Kia Cerato Sport+ merely feels like it’s treading water against those newer-feeling alternatives. It’s always been a good car, but I can’t help but think Kia could’ve done a bit more with this most recent facelift.
Cast away all aspersions of sportiness alluded to by the Sport+ badge, and you’ll learn to like the Cerato Sport+ for what it is – a comfortable and economical small car.
Summary
For buyers on a budget, the Kia Cerato sedan represents the more economical buy, with better fuel economy, a longer seven-year warranty and marginally lower servicing costs, and a more affordable drive-away price, all with a similar list of standard equipment to the Mazda 3 sedan.
However, while the Mazda 3’s bigger engine might be thirstier, it also boasts more performance than the Cerato’s dated driveline – enhancing your daily commute in a way it’s hard to put a dollar figure against.
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