@ Mazda Motor Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Mazda 3 Hatchback vs VW Polo – Which car suits you better?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Mazda 3 Hatchback or VW Polo?

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

3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Polo has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 17000 £, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback costs 24500 £. That’s a price difference of around 7547 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Polo manages with 5.10 L and is therefore hardly perceptible more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.60 L. The difference is about 0.50 L per 100 km.

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Polo has a to a small extent edge – offering 207 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is distinct quicker – completing the sprint in 6.50 s, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback takes 8 s. That’s about 1.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Polo performs barely noticeable better – reaching 240 km/h, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback tops out at 216 km/h. The difference is around 24 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Polo pulls noticeable stronger with 320 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm difference.

3 Hatchback @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Polo is noticeable lighter – 1143 kg compared to 1419 kg. The difference is around 276 kg.

Boot capacity is identical – both offer 351 L of storage.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Polo performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1125 L, which is about 99 L more than the Mazda 3 Hatchback.

When it comes to payload, Mazda 3 Hatchback hardly perceptible takes the win – 485 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 28 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Polo shows itself to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £17,000
Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Polo

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.5 L

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 Hatchback presents a sleek and modern design, capturing attention with its streamlined curves and dynamic stance. Inside, the interior showcases high-quality materials and an intuitive layout, providing comfort and ease for both driver and passengers. On the road, this hatchback impresses with its agile handling and responsive performance, making it a practical yet stylish choice for urban and suburban driving.

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VW Polo

The Polo is a small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.

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

Costs and Consumption

Price
24500 - 35500 £
Price
17000 - 30400 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
126 - 146 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
48 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 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
1143 - 1378 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4460 mm
Length
4074 mm
Width
1795 mm
Width
1751 mm
Height
1435 mm
Height
1431 - 1451 mm
Max trunk capacity
1022 - 1026 L
Max trunk capacity
1125 L
Payload
470 - 485 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
199 - 216 km/h
Max Speed
171 - 240 km/h
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1998 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
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.