2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, which was tested, showcased a blend of drama and sophistication, with its sleek bodywork and refined aesthetics. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured all-wheel drive and came in standard or Premium Plus trims. The test sedan, priced at $33,890, included Premium Plus trim and Machine Gray Metallic paint. Interior options varied by trim, with the Premium Plus offering luxurious Nappa leather. The sedan's white leather interior added a premium feel, complemented by meticulous design details and high-quality materials, despite some use of hard plastics.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a staple in the hot hatch segment since its 1983 debut, maintained its performance-oriented design. The GTI's exterior featured subtle enhancements like red GTI badges, a red horizontal grille strip, and painted brake calipers. The top-of-the-line Autobahn model included standard DCC adaptive damping and variable-ratio steering for precise handling. Inside, the GTI offered a sporty ambiance with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats. The GTI's interior quality was high, with well-installed materials and a focus on driver engagement.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo excelled in performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. With 93-octane fuel, it produced 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while 87-octane fuel yielded 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The six-speed automatic transmission, paired with Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, delivered smooth and predictable power. The Turbo model's stiffer front suspension and improved steering response enhanced its sporty character. Despite the lack of summer tires, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a balanced and engaging driving experience, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing, though real-world figures might be closer to 24 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The test model featured a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was also available. The GTI's performance shone through its four-wheel independent suspension, adaptive damping, and variable-ratio steering. However, its sporty setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI's fuel economy was commendable, with EPA ratings of 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined for the automatic transmission, though premium fuel was recommended for optimal performance.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger's seat did not. Rear-seat passengers faced cramped conditions without air conditioning vents or USB ports. Trunk space was competitive at 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback version offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI's hatchback design provided excellent utility, with 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 24.8 cubic feet with them folded flat. The GTI's compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, aided by sharp steering and a tight turning circle. Inside, the GTI offered clever storage solutions, including large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders. The mechanical handbrake, though a bit of a throwback, added to the car's sporty feel. The GTI's interior was comfortable for taller drivers in the front, while the rear seats were adequate for average-sized adults.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which offered good sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was a useful feature, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI's technology included the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch screen in S models and an 8-inch screen with navigation in SE and Autobahn models. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with gesture controls and capacitive-touch sensors. Volkswagen Car-Net offered remote access, safe and secure features, and a hotspot portal. The GTI also came with standard LED lighting, keyless access, rain-sensing wipers, and heated exterior mirrors.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) aimed to support rather than replace the driver. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 earned top five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash-test categories, with "Acceptable" ratings for small overlap front passenger-side and LED headlights. The GTI's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control. The GTI's sharp handling also contributed to its safety by potentially avoiding collisions.