2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI had a stealthy, unassuming appearance that appealed to those who preferred not to draw attention. Despite its conservative styling, the GTI featured subtle sporty elements like a honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets. The Rabbit Edition trim added gloss black finishes and unique colors, though some found the bunny badge a bit much. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design and quality materials, including the whimsical Clark Plaid cloth upholstery, created a functional yet stylish cabin.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a more striking design, especially in its hatchback form, with curves and a unique silhouette. The sedan, while more traditional, still looked upscale. The interior emphasized simplicity and minimalism, with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, while the rear seats, though tight on legroom, featured soft front seatbacks for added comfort. The Mazda3's design aimed to compete with luxury brands, though some materials, like the sheet metal, felt less premium.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a thrill to drive, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The VAQ limited-slip differential enhanced traction and handling, making the GTI agile and responsive. The 6-speed manual gearbox provided a satisfying driving experience, with light clutch action and short throws. The GTI's sport suspension offered a stiff ride, but the adaptive damping suspension available on higher trims improved comfort. The GTI's steering was precise, and the brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, were highly effective. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded slightly lower results.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, while not as sporty as the GTI, still offered a solid driving experience. Its 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine delivered 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate power for most driving situations. The switch to a torsion beam rear suspension from a multi-link setup was a cost-cutting measure that affected ride quality, but the precise steering and minimal body roll made up for it. The Mazda3's six-speed automatic transmission was smooth, though a manual option was available for those who preferred it. The upcoming Mazda3 Turbo promised more power for enthusiasts.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a versatile vehicle, suitable for both family duties and spirited driving. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with ample storage options throughout the cabin. The backseat offered decent comfort, though legroom was tight. The trunk provided 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GTI's practical design made it a great all-around vehicle.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in sedan and hatchback forms, offered a compact yet comfortable interior. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, while the rear seats were tight on legroom but featured soft front seatbacks. The sedan's trunk held 13.2 cubic feet of cargo, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet. These figures were on the smaller side for the segment, but the Mazda3's interior quality and design made up for it.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system varied by trim. The S and Rabbit Edition featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The GTI Autobahn included a navigation system and a semi-autonomous parking assistant. The adaptive LED front lighting system was standard on all but the S trim.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard. Mazda eliminated touch functionality, opting for a rotary dial controller and dedicated buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The new software was faster and featured sharp graphics. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GTI received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it had an Acceptable rating for front passenger protection in the small overlap frontal impact test.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with Good ratings in all crash tests and for the Premium Package's LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall rating. The Mazda3 included advanced safety features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.