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Mazda 3 Sedan vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (25,000 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Sedan or VW Polo?

Mazda 3 Sedan vs VW Polo: Key differences

Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more trunk space
details

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • somewhat more power
  • barely more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

3 Sedan

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.

VW Polo is substantially cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Mazda 3 Sedan costs 25,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,719 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Polo uses 5.1 L/100km and is barely more efficient than the Mazda 3 Sedan with 5.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.4 L/100km.

Polo

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 Polo offers somewhat more power – delivering 207 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Mazda 3 Sedan takes 8.1 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Polo delivers noticeably more torque with 320 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.

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, VW Polo is markedly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,420 kg. The difference is around 277 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers noticeably more boot space – 450 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 99 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Sedan carries only slightly more – 481 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 24 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Polo 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 £17,300
Polo

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/100km
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Frequently compared as well

VW Polo
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The VW Polo is a nimble, wallet-friendly hatch that makes city driving and tight parking effortless, while the VW T-Cross trades the Polo’s sprightliness for SUV practicality — higher seating, a roomier boot and a more commanding road presence. Pick the Polo if you want cheap, lively motoring; …
VW Polo
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The VW Polo is the sharp, no-nonsense hatchback that nails everyday practicality — nimble in town, economical to run and pleasantly composed on the motorway. The VW Taigo swaps a bit of luggage room and rear headroom for SUV flair, higher seating and a more eye-catching cabin, so pick the Polo for …
Mazda 3 Sedan
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan dresses like a compact premium car, with sculpted lines and an interior that punches well above its class. It rewards drivers with eager handling and a composed, comfortable ride that turns routine runs into something a bit more enjoyable — proof that style and substance can share the same key.

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Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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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Reviews VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Mazda 3 Sedan
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,000 - 34,200 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
123 - 135 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,492 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
450 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
467 - 481 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
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
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
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Mazda 3 Sedan have?

The Mazda 3 Sedan is offered with Front-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.