New Volkswagen Golf R Vs. Mazda3 Hatchback: Hatch To Hatch

If you're looking for a fun-loving hatchback to enhance your daily commute, comparing Volkswagen Golf R vs. Mazda3 Hatchback differences is likely on your mind. The 2024 VW Golf R offers AWD, a power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof, and a premium Harman Kardon® audio system. The Mazda3 Hatchback also has a few outstanding amenities, so which one should you choose? To help you decide, we at Gunther Volkswagen Delray Beach have compiled a Golf R vs. Mazda3 Hatchback review and comparison of trim features, performance, efficiency, and everyday driving comfort to see how effectively the Golf R enhances your life.

2024 Volkswagen Golf R vs. 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback Trims

The new 2024 VW Golf R comes standard with summer performance tires on 19-inch alloy wheels, Climatronic three-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation. Regarding performance, the new 2024 Golf R has a Drive Mode Select system that includes "Drift" and "Special" race modes for those afternoons at the track.

As the performance-enhanced sibling of the new GTI for sale, you can expect some of the highest quality convenience and comfort options to be standard. For example, keep your eyes on the track with a Head-Up Display and rest comfortably in the heated or ventilated front row.

When comparing the Golf R versus Mazda3 Hatchback trims and features, the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback comes in seven trim packages to make sense of. There are five Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 S variants plus two 2.5 Turbo models. The Mazda3 2.5 Carbon Turbo and Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus offer turbocharged performance, but they do not offer drive modes that include "Drift" and "Special" race – making days at the track less interesting with simple Manual and Sport modes.

Find the Speed: Golf R vs. Mazda3 Hatchback Specs

Our Golf R vs. Mazda3 Hatchback comparison wouldn't be complete without a performance review. The VW Golf R has been the hot-hatchback benchmark for over four decades, and according to the Golf R specs for 2024, it shows no signs of slowing down.

The Golf R has 315 horsepower and can deliver 280 or 295 pound-feet of torque thanks to a 4MOTION 2.0 TSI engine that pairs with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission with Tiptronic and Sport mode, respectively. With the available DSG transmission, you can reach an exhilarating 4.5-second 60-mph acceleration time!

The upper-echelon Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 Turbo models deliver up to 250 horsepower, which is significantly less than the base model VW Golf R. This lets the turbo trims of the Mazda3 Hatchback reach a 60 mph acceleration speed of 5.9 seconds³ – nearly a second and a half slower than the Golf R.

How about efficiency in our 2024 VW Golf R vs. 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback comparison? Drivers who opt for the seven-speed automatic transmission can expect an EPA-estimated 22/31/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)¹ out of the VW Golf R. For a vehicle that can reach 60 mph in less than five seconds, this is a great rating.

As you'd expect, because the Mazda3 Hatchback has significantly less horsepower than the VW Golf R, it has a slightly better-estimated fuel economy rating. The engine with comparable performance, the Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5-liter turbo engine, has an EPA-estimated 23/31/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)² when you select the more spacious five-door model. This rating is almost identical to the Golf R despite losing a lot of horsepower and accelerating to 60 mph a full second slower.

Ultimately, you must ask yourself if gaining a couple of miles per gallon is worth losing the fun of a six-speed manual transmission, 4MOTION AWD with Active Control and driving mode Selection, sport suspension, and the XDS Cross Differential system.

We didn't think so either.

2024 Golf R vs. Mazda3 Hatchback Dimensions

So, we know which is faster, but is the Golf R or Mazda3 Hatchback more maneuverable? For a Volkswagen Golf R vs. Mazda3 Hatchback size comparison, both vehicles offer five-passenger seating and a 60/40 split second row. Let's compare dimensions.

As shown in the chart, the VW Golf R has a tighter exterior, with almost seven fewer inches of length, making this hatchback easier to use on city streets and tracks. Climb inside, though, and you'll see how similar the cabins feel in the Volkswagen Golf R vs. Mazda3 Hatchback size comparison. The VW Golf R has 91.9 cubic feet of total passenger volume and 19.9 cubic feet of cargo room with the second row up. Fold the rear seat to expose 34.5 cubic feet of total cargo volume.

In the driver's seat without a sunroof, you'll have up to 38.5 inches of front headroom, 55.9 inches of shoulder room, and 41.2 inches of legroom.

Now, let's look at the Mazda3 Hatchback dimensions. The vehicle offers 92.7 cubic feet of passenger room and 20.1 cubic feet of cargo room. On its Turbo Premium Plus trim, it provides 37.5 inches of headroom, 55.7 inches of shoulder room, and 42.3 inches of legroom in the front. The VW Golf R and Mazda3 Hatchback are nearly identical in size in the front row, with the VW model offering more space for the upper part of your body and just slightly less room for your legs.

Discover Your 2024 VW Golf R Lease Deal at Gunther Volkswagen Delray Beach

Thanks for checking out our VW Golf R and Mazda3 Hatchback comparison guide. If the efficient, spacious, and fun-loving VW Golf R has your attention, visit our dealership today to discover its many other benefits with a test drive. Once you've decided on whether you want a heart-pumping Golf R or opt for one of our Golf GTI lease deals we make it an easy process to get behind the wheel of your ideal vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a VW Golf R bigger than a Mazda3 Hatchback?

The 2024 VW Golf R and 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback are nearly identical in interior dimensions and cargo area. The Mazda3 Hatchback offers slightly more total passenger volume than the VW Golf R, 92.7 cubic feet vs. 91.9 cubic feet, respectively. The VW model has 19.9 cubic feet of EPA-estimated cargo area, whereas the Mazda3 Hatchback has 20.1 cubic feet.

Is a VW Golf R faster than the Mazda3 Hatchback?

The new VW Golf R has 315 horsepower and max 295 pound-feet of torque, which is more overall strength than you can find on the available Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 turbo models. The available horsepower allows the turbo trims of the Mazda3 Hatchback to reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds,³ while the Golf R rockets to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

Is the Mazda3 Hatchback a luxury car?

No, the new 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback is not considered a luxury car. It offers attractive styling elements and high-quality features that offer value for its price point, but it does not have the technology of a luxury vehicle, like ventilated front seats or a Head-Up Display. You can find those from its more performative rival at Volkswagen – the new Golf R.

Continue Your VW Golf & Comparison Research:

¹22 city/31 highway mpg (2024 Golf R 2.0L 4-Cyl, seven-speed automatic). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

²EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.

³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mazda/mazda3/