Verdict
The Mazda 3 Sedan asks RM29,020 more, but brings 118 hp and 153 Nm against the Toyota Vios’ 104 hp and 138 Nm, plus a 2,725-mm wheelbase, 18-inch wheels and adaptive cruise control with Highway & Traffic Jam Assist. The Vios is 346 kg lighter, rated at 5.2 L/100 km versus 5.8 L/100 km, and carries 475 litres in its boot against 444 litres. For Malaysian buyers watching running costs and luggage space, the Vios is the rational choice; the Mazda pays back in power, size and equipment.
Pick the Mazda 3 Sedan if you want 118 hp, a 2,725-mm wheelbase, dual-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control with Highway & Traffic Jam Assist.
Pick the Toyota Vios if lower purchase cost, a 5.2 L/100 km economy rating, a 475-litre boot and unlimited-kilometre warranty matter more.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda 3 Sedan RM119,620; Toyota Vios RM90,600.
- Output: Mazda 3 Sedan 118 hp and 153 Nm; Toyota Vios 104 hp and 138 Nm.
- Fuel economy: Mazda 3 Sedan 5.8 L/100 km; Toyota Vios 5.2 L/100 km.
- Wheelbase: Mazda 3 Sedan 2,725 mm; Toyota Vios 2,620 mm.
- Boot space: Mazda 3 Sedan 444 litres; Toyota Vios 475 litres.
- Warranty mileage: Mazda 3 Sedan 100,000 km; Toyota Vios unlimited km.
3 Sedan
- 118 hp and 153 Nm, ahead of the Vios’ 104 hp and 138 Nm.
- Adaptive cruise control with Highway & Traffic Jam Assist.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control, eight speakers and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- RM29,020 more expensive than the Toyota Vios.
- Rated at 5.8 L/100 km versus the Vios’ 5.2 L/100 km.
- 444-litre boot is 31 litres smaller than the Vios’.
Vios
- 5.2 L/100 km rated economy and 346 kg lower weight.
- 475-litre boot and a full-size 16-inch alloy spare wheel.
- Unlimited-kilometre five-year manufacturer warranty, plus a 3D panoramic-view reverse camera.
- 104 hp and 138 Nm trail the Mazda 3 Sedan’s 118 hp and 153 Nm.
- No adaptive cruise control, auto wipers or head-up display.
- Fixed rear bench where the Mazda gets 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM119,620 | RM90,600✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 118 hp✓ | 104 hp |
| Torque | 153 Nm✓ | 138 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive | CVT with 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Akashi Kikai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.8 L/100 km | 5.2 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,795 mm | 1,740 mm |
| Height | 1,440 mm | 1,480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm | 2,620 mm |
| Weight | 1,361 kg | 1,015 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 51 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 444 litres | 475 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/45R18 | 195/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/45R18 | 195/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 16" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Toyo Proxes CR1 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control Plus | — |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) | Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Fixed Bench |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Manual |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB-C | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.8" MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, 8 Speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | 9" Touchscreen Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Highway & Traffic Jam Assist | — |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 3D Panoramic View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | 7" TFT-LCD Digital Instrument Cluster Display with Analogue Dials | Qi Wireless Charger, Premium Solar and Security Tint, Front Digital Video Recorder |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km free service | — |
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.
Used 3 Sedan & Vios for sale
3 Sedan vs Vios FAQ
Is the Mazda 3 Sedan or Toyota Vios better?
The Mazda 3 Sedan is better equipped and stronger, with 118 hp, adaptive cruise control and dual-zone climate control. The Toyota Vios is the better cost-conscious choice, using 5.2 L/100 km and providing a larger 475-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda 3 Sedan costs RM29,020 more than the Toyota Vios. That gap brings 14 hp, 15 Nm, a 105-mm longer wheelbase, 18-inch wheels and adaptive cruise control with Highway & Traffic Jam Assist.
Which sedan has the larger boot?
The Toyota Vios has the larger boot at 475 litres, 31 litres more than the Mazda 3 Sedan’s 444 litres. However, the Mazda has 60:40 split-folding rear seats, while the Vios has a fixed rear bench.