Mazda 3 Sedan vs Proton S70
Verdict
Taken purely on the numbers, this is a brutal price-versus-spec split: the Mazda 3 Sedan costs RM119,620, the Proton S70 RM73,800, a RM45,820 gap. The Proton hits harder with 178 hp and 290 Nm, plus a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time and 500-litre boot. The Mazda counters with a longer 2,725 mm wheelbase, 7 airbags, a 200 km/h top speed and 5.8 L/100 km fuel economy. For Malaysia, the Proton is the rational buy; the Mazda is the longer-wheelbase, lower-output choice.
Pick the Mazda 3 Sedan if you want the CBU sedan with the longer wheelbase, 7 airbags and a quoted 5.8 L/100 km fuel economy figure.
Pick the Proton S70 if you want much stronger outputs, a larger boot, a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time and the lower buying price.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda 3 Sedan RM119,620; Proton S70 RM73,800
- Power/torque: Mazda 3 Sedan 118 hp/153 Nm; Proton S70 178 hp/290 Nm
- Gearbox: Mazda 3 Sedan conventional automatic; Proton S70 wet dual-clutch automatic
- Size: Mazda 3 Sedan 4,660 x 1,795 x 1,440 mm; Proton S70 4,602 x 1,809 x 1,466 mm
- Wheelbase/boot: Mazda 3 Sedan 2,725 mm/444 L; Proton S70 2,627 mm/500 L
- Safety: Mazda 3 Sedan 7 airbags with AEB; Proton S70 6 airbags with AEB
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 119,620 | RM 73,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,496 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Power | 118 hp | 178 hp✓ |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 290 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | — | 7.5 s |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 5.8 L/100km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,602 mm |
| Width | 1,795 mm | 1,809 mm |
| Height | 1,440 mm | 1,466 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm | 2,627 mm |
| Boot space | 444 L | 500 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 51 L | 50 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7✓ | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 90 | RM 90 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
3 Sedan
- Longer 2,725 mm wheelbase
- 7 airbags
- Quoted 5.8 L/100 km fuel economy
- RM45,820 dearer
- 118 hp and 153 Nm trail the Proton
- 444-litre boot is smaller
S70
- RM73,800 entry into a C-segment sedan
- 178 hp, 290 Nm and 7.5-second 0-100 km/h
- 500-litre boot
- 6 airbags versus the Mazda's 7
- Shorter 2,627 mm wheelbase
3 Sedan vs S70 FAQ
Is the Mazda 3 Sedan or Proton S70 better?
The Proton S70 is the better buy on numbers, with far more power, more torque, a bigger boot and a much lower price. The Mazda 3 Sedan suits buyers who prioritise its longer wheelbase, extra airbag and quoted fuel economy.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda 3 Sedan is RM45,820 more expensive. It is priced at RM119,620, while the Proton S70 is RM73,800.
Which car is faster?
The Proton S70 has the stronger performance figures: 178 hp, 290 Nm and a listed 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds. The Mazda 3 Sedan makes 118 hp and 153 Nm, with no listed 0-100 km/h time.