Cerato III (YD) vs 3 III (BM): which is better?
Kia Cerato III (YD) (2013–2018) vs Mazda 3 III (BM) (2013–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Cerato III (YD)
Mazda 3 III (BM)Specifications
| Kia Cerato III (YD) | Mazda 3 III (BM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2013–2018 | 2013–2019 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Power, up to | 130 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque, up to | 157 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 560 mm | 4 580 mm |
| Width | 1 780 mm | 1 795 mm |
| Height | 1 445 mm | 1 450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 51 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Cerato III (YD)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 engine (G4FC, G4FG): catalytic converter breakdown and debris entering the cylinders — scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 (G4FC, G4FG)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders — scoring; timing chain stretch after 150k km; knocking when worn (valves adjusted with shims).
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
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
- Cerato III (YD) — if you care more about: power, torque.
- 3 III (BM) — if you care more about: fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
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: Cerato III (YD) or 3 III (BM)?
Cerato III (YD): up to 130 hp, 3 III (BM): up to 120 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Cerato III (YD) — about 13 675 ₸, 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.