Gentra II vs 3 III (BM): which is better?
Daewoo Gentra II (2013–2016) vs Mazda 3 III (BM) (2013–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Daewoo Gentra II
Mazda 3 III (BM)Specifications
| Daewoo Gentra II | Mazda 3 III (BM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2013–2016 | 2013–2019 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Power, up to | 107 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque, up to | 141 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 515 mm | 4 580 mm |
| Width | 1 725 mm | 1 795 mm |
| Height | 1 445 mm | 1 450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 600 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | 155 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 51 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Daewoo Gentra II
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Uzbekistan
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- GM B15D2 engine (1.5, Cobalt/Nexia): valve cover gasket leak
- GM 6T30/6T40/6T45 etc. gearbox: 3-5-R clutch pack wave spring failure (6T40/6T45)
Engine (GM B15D2 (1.5, Cobalt/Nexia)): valve cover gasket leak; timing belt wear; hydraulic lifter tapping when cold.
Gearbox (GM 6T30/6T40/6T45, etc.): broken wave spring in the 3-5-R clutch pack (6T40/6T45); jerks when the valve body wears.
Mazda 3 III (BM)
Pros
- Mazda Skyactiv-Drive gearbox (6-speed automatic): a reliable transmission
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Mazda Skyactiv-G engine: carbon buildup on valves in city driving
Engine (Mazda Skyactiv-G): few widespread problems; carbon buildup on valves in city driving.
Gearbox (Mazda Skyactiv-Drive (6-speed automatic)): reliable gearbox.
Which one to choose
- Gentra II — if you care more about: fuel tank.
- 3 III (BM) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Gentra II or 3 III (BM)?
Gentra II: up to 107 hp, 3 III (BM): up to 120 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Gentra II — about 8 650 ₸, 3 III (BM) — about 8 650 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.