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Mazda 3 Hatchback vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (25,000 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Hatchback or VW Passat?

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs VW Passat: Key differences

Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • a bit lighter
details

VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • somewhat quicker 0–100 km/h
  • considerably more trunk space
details

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

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

3 Hatchback

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Mazda 3 Hatchback is substantially cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the VW Passat costs 36,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,442 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.6 L/100km. The difference is about 4.4 L/100km.

Passat

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 VW Passat offers markedly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 86 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Passat is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 7.1 s, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback takes 8 s. That’s about 0.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Passat delivers clearly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 160 Nm more.

3 Hatchback

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda 3 Hatchback is a bit lighter – 1,417 kg compared to 1,573 kg. The difference is around 156 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers considerably more boot space – 690 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 339 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries moderately more – 577 kg compared to 502 kg. That’s a difference of about 75 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Passat is decisively ahead 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 £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 135 km
details

Frequently compared as well

VW Golf
VW Passat
VS
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Mazda 3 Hatchback
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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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Reviews Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
j m
29 Jun 2026, 22:06:55

power
efficiency and low consumption
driving pleasure
wonderful e-drive and head-up projection display on the windshield

VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

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Reviews VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
Voller
28 May 2026, 16:12:12

That's just a Passat. Too expensive in my opinion, but it's up to each person to decide whether to throw their money into VW's maw. The car itself is somehow a legend.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Sjaak
5 Dec 2025, 19:42:23

Spacious car that drives nicely and keeps its value for a long time.

Jack
5 Dec 2025, 15:24:16

Pleasant to drive, roomy and solid. The hybrid version is also very economical.

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Mazda 3 Hatchback
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,000 - 36,000 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
126 - 146 g/km
co2
28 - 153 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,529 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
487 - 502 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Mazda 3 Hatchback?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

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.