2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI presented a familiar yet subtly refreshed design. Despite Volkswagen's claim of all-new body panels, the differences from the previous generation were not immediately apparent to the casual observer. The car was longer and lower, maintaining its 103.6-inch wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness characteristic of the GTI. The front end featured a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, with a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Optional features like a light bar added drama to the front, especially at night. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with 18-inch wheels on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Color options ranged from classic shades to more vibrant choices like Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard on the S and SE trims, with leather available on higher trims, and retained the iconic golf-ball shifter knob for manual models.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 showcased a bold design with rakish headlights and a large grille, available in both sedan and hatchback forms. The sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring, futuristic design with curving rear angles. Inside, the Mazda3 continued the clean, futuristic theme with a simple yet stylish cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The climate controls were straightforward, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design. Trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, each adding features like alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and leather upholstery as you moved up. The top trim, 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus, included advanced driver assistance features and a more powerful engine, making it a compelling choice for those seeking performance and luxury.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management. The GTI's power was sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual, slightly improving with the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension and various drive modes, allowing for a customizable driving experience. The Autobahn trim offered an adaptive damping system for even more precise handling.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission was available on FWD Premium models. The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, paired with AWD and an automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. Sport mode enhanced the driving dynamics, making the steering heavier and the transmission more responsive. The Mazda3 excelled in cornering precision and ride comfort, offering a balanced and agile performance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance with practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward 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 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet. 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 center console with a sliding lid and ergonomic cupholders, though the console lid's design 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 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch screen with navigation on higher trims, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system was easy to navigate, though the touch-capacitive controls were less user-friendly. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, such as remote access and WiFi capability.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a center console dial, which was not a touchscreen. The system's menu navigation was clumsy, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control, with available upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered advanced driver assistance systems through IQ.Drive, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and more. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 included standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera. The hatchback's design created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction risk.