2014 Mazda 3 s vs. 2015 Volkswagen Golf SEL Comparison Test | Edmunds.com
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2014 Mazda 3 s vs. 2015 Volkswagen Golf SEL Comparison Test | Edmunds.com
Edmunds compares the 2014 Mazda 3 s and the 2015 Volkswagen Golf SEL hatchbacks. Includes on-road driving impressions, instrumented test data, specs, photos and more.
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The base 1.8T Golf starts at 18k (or 19k not including the launch edition) and the base 2.5L Mazda starts at 25,000. So you are saving 6 or 7 thousand(!) dollars for comparable power and dynamics (and if you opt for the manual in the Golf the transmission is probably better too). I'm sure if you put the equally-priced Mazda 2.0L against the 1.8T manual the comparison would've skewed heavily in the opposite direction. That's the comparison that I would be most interested in (though this one was good too).
According to the vw website the HID option for the Golf includes AFS, in your article you make it sound like its something you can only get on the mazda.
It's bizarre the Golf doesn't offer adaptive headlamps anymore. My 2012 TDI has adaptive headlamps plus cornering lamps (when foglamps are not on). As well - I'm averaging over 41mpg lifetime. Have seen as high as 58 on the highway. Seeing as this Golf lost 300 or so lbs over the MK6, I anticipate the Diesel will handily outdo the Mazda 3 mileage.
All in all though the 3 does look a lot better than the MK 7 Golf - and what I've heard from other magazines about the tuning of the steering and transmission, seems they took a step back in prioritizing performance over economy.
Would have been nice to see a Focus in the mix too....
This article is wrong; the Golf is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission, not a 6-speed. Plus, a true base addition of a Mazda3 would be the 2-liter version which starts at under 19-grand, but has a standard 6-speed manual transmission that I've read has decent performance. Pit the base Golf against the base Mazda3; I'm more curious to see the differences with the manual trans versions.
Good comparison. The right models were compared in this article.
The Mazda & VW in this comp have similar components, accessories & specs (both are their respective brand's range toppers until a Speed3 & GTI come out in the future).
The outcome of this comparison is similar to others that have come out: that the Mazda3 is the class leader in the compact hatchback segment.
How does the VW's mid range acceleration compare to the Mazda? I would think that in consistently moving traffic the VW's far superior torque curve would make it better to drive.
I don't think in any other market in the world does VW use a conventional slush box . They must have been scared about using the 7 Speed DSG in America. But given how awful this automatic seems maybe they should have had the guts to do it.
IIRC, the 2.0l Mazda3 was only a few tenths less quick than the 2.5l, nor was the handling far off, and it weighs even less, so it's far from clear that the Golf would be notably superior; perhaps just close to equal. Like Mazda3 i vs. s, manual Golfs have smaller, narrower tires than the SEL; the transmission probably isn't going to transform the handling. Testing when lower-spec Golfs become readily available will tell.
I own the 2.5L Mazda 3s. But also test drove the 2.0L 3i MT. I can see the 3i only being slight slower on 0-60 drag times, as it has with MT option you can do a clutch drop launch. No way to launch on the 2.5L. That said the 2.5L has noticeable more torque, across the powerband and down low. Thus for day-to-day driving the 2.5L provides a more pleasing driving experience.
I briefly drove the Jetta 1.8 (SEL) automatic and it was impeccable.