Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Volkswagen Golf
Verdict
The Mazda 3 Hatchback is the cheaper, longer car here: RM119,620 against RM185,990, a RM66,370 gap to the Volkswagen Golf. The Golf counters with the stronger drivetrain, at 148 hp and 250 Nm versus 118 hp and 153 Nm, plus a quoted 8.6-second 0-100 km/h time. The Mazda gives you the longer 2,725 mm wheelbase and 5.9 L/100 km fuel economy; the Golf has the bigger 380-litre boot. For Malaysian buyers, this is money versus performance and luggage space.
Pick the Mazda 3 Hatchback if you want the lower spend, longer wheelbase and a quoted 5.9 L/100 km fuel economy figure.
Pick the Volkswagen Golf if you want the stronger 148 hp and 250 Nm output, 8.6-second 0-100 km/h time and 380-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda 3 Hatchback RM119,620; Volkswagen Golf RM185,990
- Output: Mazda 3 Hatchback 118 hp/153 Nm; Volkswagen Golf 148 hp/250 Nm
- Transmission: Mazda 3 Hatchback conventional automatic; Volkswagen Golf dry dual-clutch automatic
- Dimensions: Mazda 3 Hatchback 4,460/1,795/1,435 mm; Volkswagen Golf 4,289/1,789/1,483 mm
- Wheelbase: Mazda 3 Hatchback 2,725 mm; Volkswagen Golf 2,631 mm
- Boot space: Mazda 3 Hatchback 295 litres; Volkswagen Golf 380 litres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 119,620✓ | RM 185,990 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 1,496 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Power | 118 hp | 148 hp✓ |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 250 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | — | 8.6 s |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 5.9 L/100km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,460 mm | 4,289 mm |
| Width | 1,795 mm | 1,789 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,483 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm | 2,631 mm |
| Boot space | 295 L | 380 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 51 L | 50 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 90 | RM 90 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
3 Hatchback
- RM66,370 cheaper
- Longer 2,725 mm wheelbase
- Quoted 5.9 L/100 km fuel economy
- Lower 118 hp and 153 Nm output
- Smaller 295-litre boot
- No 0-100 km/h time quoted
Golf
- Stronger 148 hp and 250 Nm output
- Bigger 380-litre boot
- Quoted 8.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Costs RM66,370 more
- Shorter 2,631 mm wheelbase
- No fuel economy figure quoted
3 Hatchback vs Golf FAQ
Is the Mazda 3 Hatchback or Volkswagen Golf better?
The Volkswagen Golf is better for performance and boot space. The Mazda 3 Hatchback is better for price, wheelbase length and quoted fuel economy. Choose based on what matters more: pace and luggage room, or lower cost and efficiency.
What is the price difference?
The Volkswagen Golf costs RM185,990 versus RM119,620 for the Mazda 3 Hatchback, so the Golf is RM66,370 dearer.
Which car has more boot space?
The Volkswagen Golf has the larger boot at 380 litres. The Mazda 3 Hatchback has 295 litres, so the Golf gives you an extra 85 litres for luggage.