VS
At a Glance
Power
88 kW
132kW@5600
Torque
153 Nm
235Nm@1950
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
9.9
Towing
1000 Kg
1300
0-100 km/h
—
7.79
Engine
1496 cc
1782
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 88 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF produces 132kW@5600. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 6.0 l/100km while the GOLF uses 9.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R498 300 for the Mazda3 and R231 640 for the GOLF. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
88 kW
132kW@5600
Torque
153 Nm
235Nm@1950
0-100 kph
—
7.79
Top Speed
—
220
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
1782
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
manual
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
9.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
15.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.5
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
55
CO2 Emissions
140 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
4149
Width
1795 mm
1735
Height
1435 mm
1439
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2511
Ground Clearance
140 mm
102
Kerb Weight
1293 Kg
1279
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
295 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
1300
Load Capacity
—
1184
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
GOLF
Practicality
GOLF
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Lower starting price (R231 640)
Higher towing capacity (1300)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or GOLF?
The Mazda3 uses 6.0 l/100km and the GOLF uses 9.9 on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Mazda3 or GOLF?
The Mazda3 produces 88 kW and 153 Nm of torque while the GOLF delivers 132kW@5600 and 235Nm@1950 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and GOLF?
The Mazda3 starts from R498 300 and the GOLF from R231 640. The GOLF is cheaper by R266 660 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mazda3 or GOLF?
The Mazda3 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the GOLF can tow 1300. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the GOLF?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.