When it comes to mass-market European compact hatchbacks, few would disagree that the most established model in that segment is the Volkswagen Golf. The key to its success has been its “weaponry”, which includes great practicality, an advanced powertrain and German engineering. The seventh-generation model, which we test here in EQP specification, offers all of the above plus even more amenities.
But the Golf’s rivals haven’t been standing still. Keen to beat this Teutonic knight is Toyota’s UK-built samurai, the Auris. Effectively the hatchback version of the perpetually popular Corolla saloon, this car is armed with deadlier “weapons” such as a more powerful engine and a higher level of standard equipment vis-a-vis its notchback sibling.
The newest contender in this segment is the third-generation Mazda 3, the other samurai in this contest. Compared to its predecessor, the latest 3 has a roomier cabin, superior dynamics and prettier styling. With these improvements, the 3 hopes to “zoom-zoom” its way to victory by running circles around its two rivals here.
Which of these modern knights will emerge victorious in this three-way tournament? Let the duelling begin! 
The Mazda 3 will delight drivers with its sharp chassis and accurate steering, but its comparatively impractical interior means it lacks the “armaments” to kill its rivals in this story. However, its responsive drivetrain and competitive pricing ($1.9k and $7.3k lower than the Auris and the Golf respectively, at press time) will certainly attract buyers who love to drive.
With the Auris’ roominess, smooth drivetrain and generous equipment, it nearly defeats its two rivals. But the Toyota falls short on overall fit-and-finish, which we feel should have been on a par with that of the other two contenders.
Parrying the sword thrusts from the two samurais while successfully counter-attacking with its own blows is the Volkswagen Golf. Its relatively hefty price tag is justified by the peppy yet fuel-efficient turbo powertrain, quiet interior and nifty features. The VW Golf is the most complete hatchback in this story.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mazda 3 1.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1496cc
BORE X STROKE 74mm x 85.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 14:1
MAX POWER 120bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 150Nm at 4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 89.4bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 11.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 180km/h
CONSUMPTION 17.5km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 135g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Toyo NanoEnergy R38
SIZE 205/60 R16
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 4
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4460mm
WIDTH 1795mm
HEIGHT 1465mm
WHEELBASE 2700mm
KERB WEIGHT 1343kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $131,988
(after $10k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Sharpest handling, most precise steering, most attractive sticker price
– Average practicality, cumbersome infotainment, smallest boot capacity
* BEST OF THE THREE IN HANDLING
SPECIFICATIONS
Toyota Auris 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1598cc
BORE X STROKE 80.5mm x 78.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.7:1
MAX POWER 132bhp at 6400rpm
MAX TORQUE 160Nm at 4400rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 101.9bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT
with 7-speed override
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 11.1 seconds
TOP SPEED 190km/h
CONSUMPTION 17.5km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 134g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental ContiPremium Contact 2
SIZE 205/55 R16
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4275mm
WIDTH 1760mm
HEIGHT 1460mm
WHEELBASE 2600mm
KERB WEIGHT 1295kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.4m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $133,888
(after $10k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Roomiest rear seat, slickest drivetrain, highest horsepower
– Cheap cabin feel, weakest air-conditioning, overly light steering
* BEST OF THE THREE IN SPACIOUSNESS
SPECIFICATIONS
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
turbocharged
CAPACITY 1395cc
BORE X STROKE 74.5mm x 80mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1
MAX POWER 122bhp at 5000rpm
MAX TORQUE 200Nm at
1500-4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 97.7bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 203km/h
CONSUMPTION 20km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 116g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts
coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Pirelli PZero Nero
SIZE 225/40 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4255mm
WIDTH 1790mm
HEIGHT 1452mm
WHEELBASE 2637mm
KERB WEIGHT 1249kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.9m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $139,300
(after $15k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Nippiest performance, greatest refinement, largest cargo hold
– Styling is nothing special, pricing is on the high side
* BEST OF THE THREE IN COMFORT
