Hatchback car comparison

Toyota YARIS vs Mazda MAZDA3

Both are hatchback vehicles on New Zealand roads. Based on NZTA fleet data.

Toyota YARIS 34,042 on NZ roads
VS
Mazda MAZDA3 31,975 on NZ roads
$12/week cheaper to fuel — Toyota YARIS at $44/wk vs $56/wk
44.8 kW more power — Mazda MAZDA3 at 116.8 kW
Toyota YARIS 34,042 in NZ Wins 3 of 4
Mazda MAZDA3 31,975 in NZ
Registered in NZ
34,042
31,975
Fuel Economy
5.6 L/100km
7.1 L/100km
Power
72 kW
116.8 kW
Weight
1,495 kg
1,792.8 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Body Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Seats
5
5
Year Range
1999–2026
2003–2026
Imported New
92%
91%

NZ Registrations Over Time

Registration trend for Toyota YARIS vs Mazda MAZDA3: comparing annual new registrations in NZ from 2020 onwards. Toyota YARIS has more total registrations.

Regional Popularity

Region Toyota YARIS Mazda MAZDA3
AUCKLAND 12,948 10,886
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 2,951 1,941
WELLINGTON CITY 2,237 1,431
HAMILTON CITY 1,170 1,690
TAURANGA CITY 953 1,275
PALMERSTON NORTH CITY 1,058 773
LOWER HUTT CITY 1,037 761
DUNEDIN CITY 680 735

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Toyota YARIS or Mazda MAZDA3?

The Toyota YARIS is more common with 34,042 registered in New Zealand compared to 31,975 for the Mazda MAZDA3. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Toyota YARIS or Mazda MAZDA3?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Toyota YARIS uses less fuel at 5.6 L/100km compared to 7.1 L/100km. At current fuel prices of approximately $2.80/L, that difference adds up over a year of typical driving.

Are Toyota YARIS and Mazda MAZDA3 the same body type?

Both are classified as Hatchback vehicles in the NZTA fleet data. The Toyota YARIS is primarily a petrol vehicle while the Mazda MAZDA3 runs on petrol.

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

92% of Toyota YARIS models were imported new to NZ, while 7% came as used imports. For the Mazda MAZDA3, 91% were new and 7% were used imports.

Where does this data come from?

All figures are sourced from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Motor Vehicle Register, current as of 31 March 2026. This covers 3,678,722 registered passenger vehicles in New Zealand.

Data sourced from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Motor Vehicle Register, current as of 31 March 2026.