Mazda 6 Grand Touring vs Volkswagen Golf
Verdict
The Mazda 6 Grand Touring asks RM44,858 more than the Volkswagen Golf, and the spend mainly buys size: a D-segment wagon body, 4,800 mm length, 2,750 mm wheelbase and a 522-litre boot versus the Golf’s C-segment hatchback, 4,289 mm, 2,631 mm and 380 litres. The Mazda is also slightly quicker at 8.2 seconds to 100 km/h against 8.6, though both make 250 Nm. The Golf hits back with seven airbags, a far lower RM90 road tax and CKD assembly.
Pick the Mazda 6 Grand Touring if you want the bigger wagon, the 522-litre boot and the stronger 185 hp engine.
Pick the Volkswagen Golf if you want the lower RM185,990 entry price, RM90 road tax and seven airbags.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda 6 Grand Touring RM230,848; Volkswagen Golf RM185,990
- Body and segment: Mazda wagon, D-segment; Volkswagen hatchback, C-segment
- Engine and output: Mazda 2,488 cc with 185 hp; Volkswagen 1,498 cc with 148 hp
- Acceleration: Mazda 0-100 km/h in 8.2 s; Volkswagen 0-100 km/h in 8.6 s
- Boot space: Mazda 522 L; Volkswagen 380 L
- Road tax: Mazda RM868/year; Volkswagen RM90/year
6 Grand Touring
- Larger 522-litre boot
- More power at 185 hp
- Longer 2,750 mm wheelbase
- RM44,858 dearer
- Road tax is RM868 a year
- One fewer airbag than the Golf
Golf
- Lower purchase price
- Seven airbags
- RM90 annual road tax
- Smaller 380-litre boot
- Less power at 148 hp
- Shorter 2,631 mm wheelbase
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 230,848 | RM 185,990✓ |
| Body type | Wagon | Hatchback |
| Segment | D-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable intake valve timing with 48-volt MHEV assistance |
| Capacity | 2,488 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 185 hp✓ | 148 hp |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 89 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive | 7-Speed DSG |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.2 seconds✓ | 8.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 218 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,800 mm | 4,289 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,789 mm |
| Height | 1,480 mm | 1,483 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,631 mm |
| Weight | 1,506 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 522 litres✓ | 380 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R19 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R19 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Bridgestone Turanza T005 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloy | 17" Coventry Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloy | 17" Coventry Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control | Electronic differential lock (XDS) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Center Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes, with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED projector | IQ.Light Matrix LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with Sequential Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable 8-way Driver's Seat with Memory, Power Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | 2nd Row Vents, single-zone |
| Sunroof | Front, tilt and slide | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 front | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 front, 2 rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Touch-screen with radio, CD, MP3, AUX, USB and Bluetooth, 11 speakers | 12.9" Digital Cockpit Pro with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 7-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 868 | 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.
6 Grand Touring vs Golf FAQ
Is the Mazda 6 Grand Touring or Volkswagen Golf better?
The Mazda is better for space and load carrying, with a 522-litre boot and larger D-segment wagon body. The Golf is better for cost control, with RM90 road tax, seven airbags and a much lower price.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda 6 Grand Touring costs RM44,858 more than the Volkswagen Golf. That money mainly buys the larger wagon body, bigger boot, more power and slightly quicker 0-100 km/h time.
Which one is more practical for family use?
The Mazda 6 Grand Touring is the more practical carrier on paper, with 522 litres of boot space versus 380 litres in the Volkswagen Golf, plus a longer 2,750 mm wheelbase.