2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI presented a familiar yet subtly refreshed design, maintaining its iconic silhouette while incorporating new body panels. The eighth-generation model was longer and lower than its predecessor, though the wheelbase remained unchanged, ensuring the GTI retained its nimble handling. The front end featured a sleek hood and a honeycomb-patterned air intake, with a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Optional features like a light bar added drama to its appearance. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling, contributing to reduced drag. The GTI offered a range of wheel sizes and colours, with plaid cloth seats standard on lower trims and Vienna leather on the Performance trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 showcased a bold design with rakish headlights and a large grille, available in both sedan and hatchback forms. The hatchback, in particular, stood out with its futuristic design, though it compromised rear visibility. Inside, the cabin continued the clean, modern aesthetic, with a conventional shifter and straightforward climate controls. The steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, maintained an elegant design. The Mazda3 offered various trim levels, each with distinct features, from the base GX with 16-inch wheels and heated seats to the GT Turbo with a more powerful engine and AWD. The interior was designed for front-seat comfort, with limited rear legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, delivered peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm and maintained a broad torque curve starting at 1,750 rpm. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG), both driving the front wheels. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway with the automatic, slightly higher with the manual. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes, allowing for precise cornering and a comfortable ride. The top-tier Performance trim featured adaptive damping for even greater control.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-litre engine, standard on the GT, delivered 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with AWD available. The highlight was the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft with premium. The automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD were standard with the turbo engine. The Mazda3 excelled in steering feedback and handling, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. The turbo engine provided moderate acceleration, shining in second gear, while the brakes offered a sports car-like feel. The Mazda3's handling was precise and refined, balancing agility with comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance with practicality, offering 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 977 litres with the seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a centre stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 569 litres. However, rear seat legroom was limited, and the sloping roofline reduced headroom, making the rear seats best for occasional use. The front seating area included a centre console with a sliding lid and ergonomic design, though the lid's operation was somewhat frustrating.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on higher trims, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Performance trim added a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered remote access features, though the touch-capacitive controls were less intuitive.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a centre console dial, which proved cumbersome. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but navigation was challenging. The Mazda3 offered two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control, with available upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI included IQ.Drive, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and more, though only on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features on higher trims. The GT added adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera. The large C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction risk. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA.