2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. Its bodywork was a blend of drama and sophistication, offering a daring yet refined appearance. The sedan version, which was tested, provided a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, came with all-wheel drive and a range of interior options, including luxurious leather finishes. The interior, especially in the tested sedan with white leather, exuded a premium feel, supported by meticulous design details and high-quality materials, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, though boasting all-new body panels, retained a familiar look to its predecessor. The Mk8 model was longer and lower, maintaining its nimble character. The GTI's styling was classic, with a smooth hood and signature red accent line across the front. Aerodynamic enhancements were subtle but effective, and the GTI offered a range of wheel sizes and vibrant colour options. Inside, the GTI was driver-centric, with a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of lighting and defogging settings. Rear-seat comfort was surprisingly good, and the GTI's cargo space was practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a performance standout, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. It delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo's dynamic tuning and Sport mode further enhanced its sporty character, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, fuel consumption during testing was higher than estimated, averaging 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's retuned suspension and electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential improved handling and reduced understeer. Various drive modes allowed for customization, and the Performance trim offered adaptive damping for enhanced driving dynamics. Fuel consumption estimates were competitive, with the automatic achieving 8.3 L/100 km combined. The GTI's performance was characterized by its balance of power and agility, making it a pleasure to drive on winding roads.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery and heated front seats. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The driver-focused cabin offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but the front passenger seat was manual. Rear-seat space was limited, and storage was adequate but not exceptional. The sedan's trunk provided 374 litres of space, while the hatchback offered more utility with up to 1,334 litres of cargo capacity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in practicality, with 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 977 litres with them folded. The GTI's interior was driver-centric, with a centre stack angled towards the driver and innovative controls for lighting and defogging. Rear-seat legroom was generous, making it suitable for family use. The GTI's blend of performance and practicality made it a versatile choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering good sound quality. The Premium Package included a head-up display, providing useful driving information.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display and an 8-inch or 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Performance trim offered a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the touch-capacitive controls for volume and climate were less intuitive. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access and vehicle monitoring features.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 prioritized driver engagement with its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, an Adaptive Front Lighting System, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered IQ.Drive, a suite of ADAS features including Travel Assist, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard, and the Performance trim added Park Assist. As a new model, the GTI had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.