2025 MG 4 vs Mazda 3 comparison: Spec battle

If you’re considering joining the electric vehicle revolution, there’s no doubt you’re doing some homework before charging forward.

There are obvious benefits to the EV lifestyle, such as cheaper running costs, zero tailpipe emissions, better performance, and the serenity of silence while driving.

But there are equally as many drawbacks, including range anxiety, access to charging infrastructure, long-term value and the higher cost of entry.

So, let us help you out with a comparison between one of the most surprising and convincing new EVs to arrive in Australia over the last couple of years, the MG 4, and one of the country’s most popular small cars, the Mazda 3.

For this bench test, we’ve capped our budget at $50k, which is already a considerable amount of money for a small hatchback. But, for that kind of money, you’ll get the mid-range MG 4 Essence with a 64kWh battery pack or the flagship Mazda 3 G25 Astina.

So, which option is best: join the future of electric vehicles, or remain with the petrol-powered status quo? Let’s find out…

Pricing

First things first, the MG 4 does cost fractionally more than the Mazda 3 – but it does have a national drive-away price whereas the Mazda can fluctuate depending on state-based on-road costs.

We’re only talking about a couple of hundred dollars here though, so there’s nothing in it.

There is headroom to spend more within the MG 4 range, however, with a longer range 77kWh battery pack ($54,702 drive-away) and the performance-focused flagship XPower variant ($59,990 drive-away), whereas the G25 Astina sits at the top of the Mazda 3 range, and is also offered as a sedan for the same price.

Drivetrains and Efficiency

Here’s where things drastically diverge.

The Mazda 3 is powered by a thoroughly modern interpretation of ‘old-school’ internal combustion engine technology. There’s no turbocharger like most of its conventional rivals and instead it relies on its larger-than-normal 2.5-litre capacity to produce healthy power and torque outputs, along with a six-speed automatic that drives the front wheels.

It does have some clever fuel-saving features like cylinder deactivation – where it shuts down half the engine while cruising at steady speeds – which makes it one of the more efficient cars in its class. It also runs on cheaper 91 RON regular unleaded, which doesn’t hurt the hip pocket as much as turbocharged alternatives.

Its biggest advantage over the MG 4 is driving range, with an estimated distance of 750km between refills, and a higher maximum (braked) towing capacity.

The MG 4 Essence 64, on the other hand, has a claimed driving range of 435km on a single charge from its 64kWh battery back, while its electric motor is positioned at the back of the car and drives the rear wheels through a single-speed direct drive gearbox.

It does produce more power (150kW vs 139kW), which is instantaneously accessible from the moment you press the throttle, and the pair are lineball on maximum torque.

Dimensions

The Mazda 3 is physically longer – and has more space between the front and rear axles – than the MG 4, but it’s fractionally lower and narrower than the EV alternative.

However, that doesn’t tell the whole picture, especially when it comes to interior space as the MG 4 offers significantly more room in the rear for back-seat occupants, plus more boot space.

Service and Warranty

As with all MG models, the MG 4 is covered by the company’s new benchmark 10-year warranty across 250,000km of driving, while the Mazda is covered by a five-year warranty with unlimited kilometres and also comes with free roadside assistance for the same period.

With the MG, free roadside assistance is also offered for the duration of the warranty period and is activated annually each time the vehicle is serviced within the MG dealer network.

Both models require regular maintenance every 12 months or 15,000km and have capped-price service plans, spanning seven years for the Mazda and a decade for the MG.

Over the same time period, the MG 4 is more affordable to maintain.

Safety

Both models have a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.

However, the Mazda scores higher across the board under each of the four disciplines – Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist – but the MG 4 was tested under stricter protocols (2022 versus 2019).

See the table below for the full breakdown of each vehicle’s safety equipment.

Standard Equipment

There’s not much to separate the MG 4 and Mazda3 Astina on paper when it comes to their generous list of standard equipment.

Technology

Both of them feature the latest in digital conveniences, including twin digital screens – for the instrument cluster and infotainment system – wireless phone charging pads, embedded satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone mirroring and voice control activation for certain functions.

As the flagship model variant, the Mazda does have a higher-quality 12-speaker Bose audio system compared to the MG 4’s six-speaker unit.

Comfort and Convenience

As for the little luxuries, both the MG 4 and Mazda 3 Astina match each other for standard features, including climate control air conditioning, power windows, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and a sunroof.

But the Mazda is more polished in terms of the quality of its materials, with genuine leather trim compared to the synthetic blend in the MG, plus better plastics and chrome trim highlights.

CarExpert’s Pick

The question here is not about price and features, or even electric versus petrol, as there is very little to separate these two from a rational perspective.

And, even from a driving point of view, both the MG 4 and Mazda 3 Astina offer plenty to like.

The MG 4 is zippy, silent and introduces a significant improvement to the overall ride and handling package from the Chinese brand, especially compared to earlier models.

And the Mazda is one of the most well-rounded small hatchbacks available today in terms of balancing comfort with a fun and engaging character.

You are, however, paying a premium for transitioning to an electric vehicle with the MG 4, as the Mazda provides better long-distance driving range and a more luxurious experience within the cabin, at least for those in the front seats.

Interested in buying a MG 4 or Mazda 3? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers via the links

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