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?
Volkswagen Golf vs Mazda Mazda 3 Comparison
Volkswagen Golf
Deal Available!
Mazda Mazda 3
Deal Available!
2025 Volkswagen
Golf
vs
2025 Mazda
Mazda 3
Select Variants...
How they stack...
CarExpert Rating
CarExpert Rating
Excellent
Read the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R reviewThis rating has been converted from our previous rating system. Read about our new review ratings.
CarExpert Rating
Very Good
Read the 2025 Mazda 3 reviewThis rating has been converted from our previous rating system. Read about our new review ratings.
Based on the Volkswagen Golf R 4MOTION
Based on the Mazda Mazda 3 G25 EVOLVE SP VISION
Best suitable for...
City driving
Driving the family
FunFuel Efficiency
50L - 55L
290 to 457 km
51L
296 to 337 km
ANCAP Safety Rating
Warranty
5 year
warranty
warranty
5 year
warranty
warranty
MSRP
$38,690 - $72,490
$31,190 - $43,310
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CarExpert's Take
James Wong
Marketplace Editor
James Wong drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- Still the jack of all trades
- Meaningful tech updates
- Black Edition looks menacing in... Black
Misses
- Like tradesmen, it ain't cheap anymore
- No wagon for Australia... welp
- Capacitive steering wheel buttons
Josh Nevett
Deputy Marketplace Editor
Josh Nevett drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- Engaging to drive
- Loaded with safety kit
- Premium cabin
Misses
- Thirsty in traffic
- Tight rear seats, boot
- Expensive servicing
Colours Available
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
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
Comparison
Reviews
2025 Volkswagen Golf R review
The ultimate Volkswagen Golf remains a little weapon, regardless of whether you're driving around town, up a back road, or on a racetrack.
![[object Object] profile picture](https://c-images.carexpert.com.au/upload/q_auto:best/f_auto/c_scale,w_1600/v1/authors/cm3qmn3ng000t6i480ara0byg.jpg)
James Wong
2025 Mazda 3 review
Beyond equipment upgrades and price rises, the Mazda 3 remains a refined and rewarding small car with a couple of unresolved flaws.
![[object Object] profile picture](https://c-images.carexpert.com.au/upload/q_auto:best/f_auto/c_scale,w_1600/v1/authors/cm3xxxs4v00006i2o2hapflqz.jpg)
Josh Nevett
Ready To Buy
Specs
| Type | ||
| TURBO | PETROL DIRECT INJECTION | |
| Size (cc) | ||
| 1395 - 1984 | 1998 - 2488 | |
| Size (L) | ||
| 2.0L, 1.4L | 2.5L, 2.0L | |
| Cylinders | ||
| 4 | 4 | |
| Camshaft | ||
| DUAL OVERHEAD CAM | DUAL OVERHEAD CAM | |
| Valves/Ports per Cylinder | ||
| 16 | 16 | |
| Power | ||
| 110kW - 245kW | 114kW - 139kW | |
| Power RPM | ||
| 5000 - 5600 | 6000 | |
| Torque | ||
| 250Nm - 420Nm | 200Nm - 252Nm | |
| Torque RPM | ||
| 1500 - 2100 | 4000 | |
| Bore Stroke | ||
| 80 - 92.8 | - | |
| Compression Ratio | ||
| - | - | |
