@ Mazda Motor Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Mazda 3 Hatchback vs VW Golf – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Hatchback or VW Golf?

Mazda 3 Hatchback

VW Golf

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Mazda 3 Hatchback has a barely noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 24500 £, while the VW Golf costs 25200 £. That’s a price difference of around 647 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.60 L. The difference is about 4.50 L per 100 km.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf has a significantly edge – offering 333 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 147 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback takes 8 s. That’s about 3.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs to a small extent better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback tops out at 216 km/h. The difference is around 54 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls clearly stronger with 420 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm difference.

3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is minimal lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1419 kg. The difference is around 112 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers barely noticeable more room – 381 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 30 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs to a small extent better – up to 1237 L, which is about 211 L more than the Mazda 3 Hatchback.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf slight takes the win – 508 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 23 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Golf proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Golf is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

Mazda 3 Hatchback
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
details

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 hatchback blends elegant design with a surprisingly sporty drive, giving a cabin that feels more upscale than you’d expect for the segment. Practical enough for everyday life yet eager to entertain behind the wheel, it’s a smart, good-humored choice that makes even grocery runs feel like a mini escape.

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2022_mazda3_spain_act_23_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation
2022_mazda3_spain_act_15_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation
2022_mazda3_spain_still_14_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation
2022_mazda3_spain_int_01_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation
2022_mazda3_pq_spain_int_05_highres @ Mazda Motor Corporation

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

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DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02120_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02082_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02081_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02087_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02105_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Reviews Mazda 3 Hatchback

Reviews VW Golf

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3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption
Price
24500 - 35500 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
126 - 146 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
48 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1419 - 1549 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4460 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1795 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1435 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1022 - 1026 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
470 - 485 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
199 - 216 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1998 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW

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What drivetrain options does the Mazda 3 Hatchback have?

The Mazda 3 Hatchback is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.

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