Mazda 3 offers impressive value, according to Fuel Cost Calculator

Research from HonestJohn.co.uk has unveiled the huge fuel cost disparity between two of the UK's most popular petrol-powered hatchbacks - the Mazda 3 and the Renault Megane.

The Fuel Cost Calculator has shown that Mazda 3 drivers could save more than £500 a year compared to the Renault Megane.

HonestJohn.co.uk compared the Mazda 3 Skyactiv-G 2.0 SE (120PS, five-door) with the Renault Megane Dynamique TomTom 1.6 (110PS, five-door) and found that the Mazda returns huge savings.

Not only is the Mazda cheaper to buy - costing £16,995 compared to the Renault’s list price of £17,750 – but the official figures show the ‘3’ will return annual savings of £531, with the Mazda offering lower VED and higher MPG. Admitted, the savings fall when you factor in Real MPG, but they’re still stacked in the Mazda 3’s favour, with a typical owner standing to save £380 on fuel costs.  

It should be noted that the Renault Megane gets better spec, compared with the Mazda 3, with the notable additions being sat nav and duel climate control. However, if you can live without these luxuries, then the Mazda 3 appears to offer the best value when it comes to fuel costs.

The HonestJohn.co.uk Fuel Calculator is a simple money saving tool that lets car buyers compare two different models to find the lowest fuel cost. It’s a brand new aspect of HonestJohn.co.uk and features every make, model and trim of car on the UK market. The tool also factors in the latest fuel prices, to ensure each comparison is as accurate as possible.