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Mazda 3 Hatchback vs VW Grand California comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 163 HP), boot space and price (25,000 £ vs 70,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Hatchback or VW Grand California?

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs VW Grand California: Key differences

Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
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  • significantly cheaper
  • slightly more power
  • substantially lighter
  • significantly more trunk space
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VW Grand California

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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

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

3 Hatchback

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Mazda 3 Hatchback is significantly cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the VW Grand California costs 70,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 45,216 £.

Grand California

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda 3 Hatchback offers slightly more power – delivering 186 HP compared to 163 HP. That’s roughly 23 HP more horsepower.

3 Hatchback

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Mazda 3 Hatchback offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda 3 Hatchback is substantially lighter – 1,417 kg compared to 3,052 kg. The difference is around 1,635 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Hatchback offers significantly more boot space – 351 L compared to 0 L. That’s a difference of about 351 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Hatchback carries moderately more – 502 kg compared to 448 kg. That’s a difference of about 54 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda 3 Hatchback is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £25,000
3 Hatchback

Mazda 3 Hatchback

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Manual, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 140 - 186 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Mazda 3 Hatchback
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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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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VW Grand California

The Grand California is Volkswagen's remarkable take on the camper van, blending practicality with comfort for the ultimate road trip experience. With ample space for both living and storage, it's designed for adventure seekers who don't want to compromise on amenities. Whether you're exploring coastal roads or setting up camp in the mountains, the Grand California offers a perfect home away from home.

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Mazda 3 Hatchback
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption

Price
25,000 - 36,000 £
Price
70,200 - 77,900 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
126 - 146 g/km
co2
-
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Bus
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,529 kg
Curb weight
3,052 - 3,354 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Trunk capacity
0 L
Length
-
Length
5,986 - 6,836 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Width
2,040 mm
Height
-
Height
2,839 - 2,971 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
487 - 502 kg
Payload
146 - 448 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
163 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
120 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,968 cm3

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
-
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.