3 III (BM) vs Corolla E170: which is better?
Mazda 3 III (BM) (2013–2019) vs Toyota Corolla E170 (2013–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Mazda 3 III (BM)
Toyota Corolla E170Specifications
| Mazda 3 III (BM) | Toyota Corolla E170 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2013–2019 | 2013–2019 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 120 hp | 122 hp |
| Torque, up to | 150 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 580 mm | 4 620 mm |
| Width | 1 795 mm | 1 775 mm |
| Height | 1 450 mm | 1 465 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 150 mm |
| Fuel tank | 51 L | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
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.
Toyota Corolla E170
Pros
- Toyota CVT gearbox: generally reliable
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 1ZR-FE/FAE engine (1.6): oil consumption from 150k km
- Toyota CVT gearbox: jerking with old fluid
Engine (Toyota 1ZR-FE/FAE (1.6)): oil consumption from 150k km; VVT-i coupling rattle; water pump leak.
Gearbox (Toyota CVT): generally reliable; jerks with old oil.
Which one to choose
- 3 III (BM) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Corolla E170 — if you care more about: power, torque, fuel tank.
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: 3 III (BM) or Corolla E170?
3 III (BM): up to 120 hp, Corolla E170: up to 122 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 3 III (BM) — about 8 650 ₸, Corolla E170 — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.