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Mazda CX-30 vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (25,700 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-30 or VW Golf Variant?

Mazda CX-30 vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Mazda CX-30

4.6 (12 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat cheaper
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VW Golf Variant

1 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely more power
  • noticeably more efficient
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • noticeably more trunk space
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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

CX-30

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 CX-30 is somewhat cheaper – starting at 25,700 £ , while the VW Golf Variant costs 28,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,142 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf Variant uses 4.3 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Mazda CX-30 with 5.7 L/100km. The difference is about 1.4 L/100km.

Golf Variant

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 Variant offers barely more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 18 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Mazda CX-30 takes 8.3 s. That’s about 1.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf Variant delivers visibly more torque with 360 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 120 Nm more.

CX-30

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 terms of curb weight, VW Golf Variant is only slightly lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,455 kg. The difference is around 89 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers noticeably more boot space – 611 L compared to 430 L. That’s a difference of about 181 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries only slightly more – 547 kg compared to 496 kg. That’s a difference of about 51 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf Variant stands well ahead of its rival 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 £28,800
Golf Variant

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission Manual, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 204 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 7 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

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Mazda CX-30 vs Golf — two compact, sensible choices that target slightly different needs: the CX-30 brings SUV styling and a premium-feel cabin, while the Golf is the benchmark compact hatch for everyday practicality and versatility. Below I’ll run through the strengths and trade‑offs so you can …
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 blends Mazda’s upscale styling with a compact crossover body, offering a refined interior and engaging driving dynamics. It’s a practical choice for buyers who want a premium feel and agile handling in a city-friendly package.

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Reviews Mazda CX-30

4.6 (12 Reviews)
rate
Carlos
18 Jul 2026, 09:40:54

The Mazda is a more elegant car, less cumbersome and, even though it’s also an SUV, it feels less like an SUV and more like a regular car. Besides having an interior that feels more "like a real car" and less "smartphone," the finishes are also superior and the dynamic behavior is better. The lower power is made up for by being about 100 kg lighter, a lower vehicle height (more aerodynamic efficiency), and a smoother drive thanks to a high-displacement, non-turbo engine. The equipment is very similar but the Mazda just has more "class." Prices are comparable with equal equipment, and the difference is size: the Tucson being 11 cm longer is noticeable, especially in the boot — the Mazda’s is fine, but the Tucson’s is cavernous. If you don’t actually need something that big, I recommend the Mazda.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Value for Money
Jarek
4 Jun 2026, 09:16:53

The pleasure of driving and everything we call premium sensations.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Danny
31 May 2026, 17:14:00

Nice luxury car, although I'm not sure I find the oversized rims that attractive. On the other hand, I like the Mazda 3 better.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Paul
27 May 2026, 05:17:55

Better soundproofed, more powerful, and feels more like a continuation of my hands and feet when driving — in other words, you feel like a single unit during the driving experience — but cramped for me at 6 ft 1 in to get in and out…

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Michele
8 May 2026, 17:46:44

Quiet; well finished, predominantly analog dashboard; excellent value for money

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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Reviews VW Golf Variant

1 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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VW Golf Variant
VW Passat
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Choose the VW Golf Estate if you want a sprightly, city-friendly load-lugger with surprising practicality and lower running costs — it’s the clever, no-nonsense family carrier that still feels fun to drive. Opt for the VW Passat when space, comfort and motorway composure matter most — bigger, more …
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Mazda CX-30
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,700 - 37,200 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 6.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
129 - 148 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,455 - 1,587 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
422 - 430 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
458 - 496 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission
Manual, 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, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 10.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Mazda CX-30?

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.