2023 Honda Civic v Volkswagen Golf v Mazda 3 comparison
Honda, Volkswagen, and Mazda have taken their hatchbacks upmarket, at least when it comes to price. Which has done it most convincingly?
Mazda Mazda 3 vs Volkswagen Golf Comparison
Mazda Mazda 3
Deal Available!
Volkswagen Golf
2024 Mazda
Mazda 3
vs
2024 Volkswagen
Golf
Select Variants...
How they stack...
CarExpert Score
CarExpert has rated other vehicles in the small category, between scores of 7.4 and 8.6.
0.0
7.8
8.2
0.0
Based on the Mazda Mazda 3 G20 TOURING VISION
Based on the Volkswagen Golf GTi
Best suitable for...
City driving
Driving the family
FunFuel Efficiency
51L
296 to 337 km
50L - 55L
290 to 429 km
ANCAP Safety Rating
Warranty
5 year
warranty
warranty
5 year
warranty
warranty
MSRP
$30,470 - $42,470
$32,790 - $77,490
See what others have paid
Save with CarExpert
CarExpert's Take
William Stopford
News Editor
William Stopford drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- Elegant exterior
- Upscale interior
- Sporty handling
Misses
- Ride could be smoother
- Cabin could be quieter, roomier
- Powertrain merely average
Scott Collie
Head of Content
Scott Collie drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- Remains the consummate all-rounder
- Impressive front differential and DSG
- Price cut is very welcome
Misses
- Interior remains a Golf 8 weak point
- Evolution, not revolution under the bonnet
- Stock isn't as abundant as it once was
Standard Features
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | ||
| Wireless phone charger | ||
| Powered tailgate | ||
| Rear air vents | ||
| Adaptive cruise control | ||
| Climate control | ||
| Reversing sensors | ||
| Reversing camera | ||
| Autonomous emergency braking | ||
Optional Features
- Metallic Paint Premium (+$595)
NA
Colours Available
The Mazda 3 is available in the following finishes:
- Platinum Quartz Metallic
- Sonic Silver Metallic
- Deep Crystal Blue Mica
- Jet Black Mica
- Snowflake White Pearl Mica
The following finishes cost an additional $495:
- Polymetal Grey Metallic
- Soul Red Crystal Metallic
- Machine Grey Metallic
On the core range, metallic paint is a $600 option while premium metallic paint is a $900 option.
The following shades are available on the core range:
- Candy White
- Deep Black
- Dolphin Grey
- Reflex Silver (excludes R-Line)
- Moonstone Grey (R-Line only)
- Atlantic Blue
- Pomello Yellow
All shades are a no-cost option in the GTI, but for Kings Red which costs $300. The following shades are available:
- Pure White
- Dolphin Grey
- Deep Black
- Moonstone Grey
- Atlantic Blue
- Kings Red
The Golf R is available in three exterior paint colours:
- Pure White
- Lapiz Blue metallic
- Deep Black pearl
Comparison
Reviews
7.8
2024 Mazda 3 G20 Touring review
The Mazda 3 is a premium-looking sedan inside and out, but the driving experience isn't quite as upscale as its looks suggest.
![[object Object] profile picture](https://c-images.carexpert.com.au/upload/q_auto:best/f_auto/c_scale,w_1600/v1/authors/clu90fyvl000188413z66849k.png)
William Stopford
8.2
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI review
The Golf GTI remains a staple of the hot hatch world, despite stronger than ever competition from a new crop of rivals.
![[object Object] profile picture](https://c-images.carexpert.com.au/upload/q_auto:best/f_auto/c_scale,w_1600/v1/authors/clu90fnzm0001884d2mwe2tnt.jpg)
Scott Collie
Ready To Buy
Specs
| Type | ||
| ELECT DIRECT INJ, DIRECT FUEL INJ | TURBO DIRECT F/INJ | |
| Size (cc) | ||
| 1998 - 2488 | 1395 - 1984 | |
| Size (L) | ||
| 2.5L, 2.0L | 2.0L, 1.4L | |
| Induction | ||
| INLINE 4 | TURBO 4 | |
| Camshaft | ||
| VARIABLE DOUBLE OVERHEAD CAM | VARIABLE DOUBLE OVERHEAD CAM, DUAL OVERHEAD CAM | |
| Valves/Ports per Cylinder | ||
| 16 | 16 | |
| Power | ||
| 114kW - 139kW | 110kW - 245kW | |
| Power RPM | ||
| 6000 | 5000 - 5600 | |
| Torque | ||
| 200Nm - 252Nm | 250Nm - 420Nm | |
| Torque RPM | ||
| 4000 | 1500 - 2100 | |
| Bore Stroke | ||
| - | - | |
| Compression Ratio | ||
| 13 | 9.3 - 10.5 | |
