VS
At a Glance
Power
121 kW
184kW@6300
Torque
213 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
—
Towing
1000 Kg
1400
0-100 km/h
—
—
Engine
1998 cc
3189
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 121 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF produces 184kW@6300. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the GOLF uses 0 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R629 700 for the Mazda3 and R366 900 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
121 kW
184kW@6300
Torque
213 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
—
—
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
3189
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE V 6
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
60
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
4246
Width
1795 mm
1759
Height
1435 mm
1465
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2578
Ground Clearance
140 mm
117
Kerb Weight
1350 Kg
1579
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
295 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
1400
Load Capacity
—
1305
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
—
FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
REMOTE
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
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
GOLF
Practicality
GOLF
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Lower starting price (R366 900)
Higher towing capacity (1400)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or GOLF?
The Mazda3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the GOLF uses 0 on the combined cycle. 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 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque while the GOLF delivers 184kW@6300 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and GOLF?
The Mazda3 starts from R629 700 and the GOLF from R366 900. The GOLF is cheaper by R262 800 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 1400. 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.