Mazda 3 vs Fiat 500E
What's the difference?

Mazda 3

$19,950 - $42,998

2024 price

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Fiat 500E

—

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Summary

2024 Mazda 3

2024 Fiat 500E

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.6L/100km (combined)

Electric range

320 km

Energy consumption

14.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Stunning design
Superb cabin presentation
Athletic handling and control

Stylish, classic looks
Thoroughly modern cabin
Electric motor improves drive experience

Dislikes

Small boot
Gloomy rear seat
No more manual

Limited range on offer
Expensive for a small EV
Warranty massively underwhelming

2024 Mazda 3 Summary

Half a decade on, the current-generation Mazda 3 has weathered a world of change.

Cheap cars have vanished. Electric vehicles are commonplace and the small car class it belongs to has been decimated by SUVs. Big names like the Ford Focus, Holden Astra and Mitsubishi Lancer are history.

But while it looks identical to the car unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show, today’s Mazda 3 has also evolved, albeit gently.

Let’s see how competitive the latest and improved (as well as more expensive) version is.

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2024 Fiat 500E Summary

You wouldn’t know it to look at it, but this is a brand-new — as in really and truly all-new — Fiat 500.

That has got to be a big deal for fans of Fiat’s pint-sized city car, with a genuinely all-new 500 about rare as spotting Halley’s Comet soaring over Turin. The last time was way back in 2007, by the way, and that car will remain on sale alongside this new one for the foreseeable.

But that’s not the only surprise. This 500 is also entirely electric, properly modern inside, and it has actual technology in its cabin and on its safety list.

Fiat reckons this is a big reset for the 500. And that there will never be another all-new petrol model again.

So, how does this new 500e stack up against the recent flood of small EVs, predominantly from China?

Let’s go find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Mazda 3 2024 Fiat 500E

Verdict

Given how effortlessly it traverses the mainstream and premium small car classes, the Mazda 3 might be the best value small car on the planet.

With racy styling, sports car handling, classy interior presentation and impressive, intelligent efficiency, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here.

Poor rear vision, a dark back-seat area and smallish boot aside, it doesn’t have any glaring faults.

In a world overrun with SUVs, props to Mazda for evolving the small car so brilliantly to mask a half-decade of existence. Continuous improvements have made the 2024 G25 Evolve SP Vision an essential small car shortlist proposition, regardless of price.

Verdict

A fun, funky EV which will no doubt appeal to lovers of Italian style, but also one which struggles a little on the range and price front.

Still, there’s no doubt that electrification has improved the Fiat 500 formula.

Mazda 3 vs Fiat 500E What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda 3 vs Fiat 500E
What's the difference?