I wish more car comparison videos were like this one. Short, to the point, justified comments, identifies main features, cost/value comparison& recommendation. Great job guys. Thumbs up. All that's missing is a matrix/grid spreadsheet-like comparison of all your main points so we can visually see the summary.
+Heartagram GTI and Golf R are not regular Golf. Those are the sporty versions, not the regular versions. Many compact cars have different engine choices within the regular, non sporty trims. Just like the new Civic, it has 2.0 and 1.5 turbo for the regular Civic. We are not comparing them with Civic Si or Civic Type R, which are complete different level of cars. +Dhme Janbi Next time you should say this instead: The "regular" mazda 3 also available with 2.5L which it can compete the Hyundai elentra gt in the horse power and the VW gulf.
Very important facts: When getting oil changes Mazda's and Hyundai's run about $30.00 but on the VW its $100.00+...LOL. And when things break down (which is just a matter of time) any local mechanic can fix a Mazda or Hyundai...but NOT the VW. A $250.00 repair on a Mazda or Hyundai costs $500.00+ on VW's and you have to hunt down someone who actually knows how to repair VW's. Point being, VW's SUCK! I have owned a Passat and Jetta and both just drain your bank account like crazy when it comes to maintenence + repairs.
Great review AG! I've noticed both Sami and Mike become more relaxed and confident on camera, kudos to you guys! One thing you didn't really cover was seats-down cargo space, which is close between the Golf and Elantra (the latter a bit better) and both light-years ahead of the 3 Hatch.
sic22l Sky-Active translates to direct injection engines. Which in winter there are 0 problems. I currently own one and it drives perfectly fine even in -45C weather. Rust has been an issue with Mazda, but on all new models they started to use galvanized steel which prevents that, they also bumped up the warranty on all rust related issues.
sic22l Any car will start to develop rust on it no matter what. even a brand new car standing at a dealership will develop a form of rust, this rust usually happens to be by the brakes and other mechanical area underneath the car, but this is standard for every single brand of cars. The issue that got solved is that the new steel protects areas that are more common on the frame of the car. With my current mazda i have no rust issues anywhere on the car regarding the body, even if somehow there was a manufacturing defect and steel wasn't fully protected Mazda offers warranty on it to be repaired for free.
goldenwingk Any car will rust eventually bud Mazdas rust much quicker than others and problem haven't been solved yet because current Mazda 3 rusts as well and salt makes it much quicker.
Boom Mazda wins again. My previous two vehicles, both new, were Hyundai's. I jumped on the value and warranty bandwagon but soon realized its not a great value when the cars aren't at all fun to drive, and when Hyundai refuses warranty coverage for the dumbest reasons. Plus I found a Mazda dealer that offered lifetime powertrain coverage, so if youre that concerned about warranty then just do research to find what you want. Mazda's truly are amazing driving machines.
i saw that Mazda in real life . even that it wasn't the fully loaded trim . but yet it is pretty attractive car that i would recommend . can't go wrong with this Year Mazda style
East17A You can - it rusts too easily and it' very loud on the highway - at 70 and above you have the impression the one of the windiws isn't fully closed.
These videos were part of a playoff style bracket segment running on the website. Not to worry, this was the final video. No more shiny Elantra for a while. ;)
I'm currently driving a 2011 Mazda 3 brand new when I bought it. I got married so I will give the mazda to my wife. I'm looking to buy another car for myself. I test drove a 2016 Elantra GT today. I didn't feel connected with the steering wheel and the road. It felt boring. I will test drive a Golf maybe this weekend. But I have to say the mazda is probably the best car i've driven so far and I had owned brand new toyota, nissan, honda in the past.
As I always say, "Every car is good when new and time will test em all. Do you see Elantras on the road that are more than 10 years old? Rarely. They are flimsy and cheaply built vehicles, How do I know? We owned one and never again Hyundai. Would I buy a VW in N.A? Highly unlikely, Not only because they are made in Mexico, but they are also high maintenance. Would You buy a car that's fun to drive, Reliable, good on gas, uses a timing chain and made in Japan? Absolutely, So the Mazda 3 wins here, hands down. it's not a brainer. The interior of the late model Mazda 3 are on par if not better than those in a Benz or BMW. Love my Zoom zoom
I love my mazda 3. While I have the smaller engine, i can get really 40mpg hwy as stated in EPA. I thought EPA was never accurate, but I really achieve it in real life. I drives around 70-75 mph most of the time too.
Good review. I am long time volks wagen golf owner of previous generations and a big mazda 3 fan but for my money I will buy the Elantrs GT and I just did last week. The car serves my purpose. I guess you can't go wrong with any of these cars. Thanks
I noticed that some of the roads you guys are driving on are in York Region. Where exactly are those curvier back roads (ie at 3:05)? Not a lot of those in the area.
Does anyone else notice in EVERY video about the Elantra GT they say it has a heated steering wheel when in actually it doesn't! Can you guys please get it right?!
Haha holy shit I’m here looking at my possible future cars and I notice that you guys are driving in an area that looks too familiar. Leslie and Elgin Mills. Right in my back yard.
+Heartagram Again, GTI and Golf R are not regular Golf. Those are the sporty versions, not the regular versions. Many compact cars have different engine choices within the regular, non sporty trims. Just like the new Civic, it has 2.0 and 1.5 turbo for the regular Civic. We are not comparing them with Civic Si or Civic Type R, which are complete different level of cars.
vader11111 I see your point. Class vs class. That's your point. Two basic models being compared without the use of their sportier brothers. A basic Mazda with the better engine would beat the basic Golf. In that comparison, you are correct. My point is that in the VW Golf family, there exists sportier models that would destroy any hatch currently made by Mazda. Simply put, I'm arguing at a Mazda vs Volkswagen viewpoint, not a specific model vs specific model standpoint. I hope that clears things up.
i hv driden all 3. Golf is wayyyy better. For Comfort and driving dynamic golf wins hands down. However if you care about long term reliability then go with the mazda. Mazda has on of the best center console among them. If you carry around family on the back then golf is your best option.
Didn't the Golf beat the 3 in your head to head comparison? Granted that was the 3 GT hatchback with the 2.5L. Loaded Golf vs Loaded 3 hatchback which would you choose?
WHY is it more expensive to make a good looking car? When they are basically made from the same materials, why are cheap cars so ugly and very expensive ones so much better looking? I've never understood why. To draw a good looking product is no more expensive than to draw an ugly one - and most cars are ugly. I can't think of any other industrial design product thats less aesthetic in average than cars. 8 of 10 are down right ugly! I've seen some pretty nice prototypes of cars from all manufacturers, but when they hit the factory they all end up looking way less exiting. That Golf is a best seller and they have tons of money to further its design, yet it looks so incredible boring. Perhaps thats what people want, cause it sells well as is. Would be nice to see what they could come up with if some designer received carte blanche on that one.
sic22l But in this case it makes a decent difference because of the Refreshed grille, WAY better infotainment update, and the heated rear and ventilated front seats, etc...
I do agree the Mazda is the best, but in a previous comparo just pitting the Mazda3 vs. the Golf...the Golf won. Exact year of cars and even trim, but this time the Mazda wins? What gives?
+Brandon Friesen The Mazda 3 is a champ when it comes to value. The Elantra is cheaper, but the Mazda 3 is head, neck, and shoulders above it on driving dynamics. The Golf is a better car, all things considered, but it's also more expensive for less kit. You have to balance value vs. performance, and the Mazda 3 seems to slot into that spot perfectly.
Most VW cars break down in the short/long term and they don't honor their warranty. I don't give a damn that it drives better during the test as it will be be broken soon.
Mazda 3 S Grand Turing with Technology Package would make a tremendous gap with these two. The top trip Mazda 3 should be compared with Audi A3, Benz A Class and BMW 1 series and I bet it will kill them all as well. Would you please make this comparison between highest trims? - Mazda 3 S Grand Turring with Technology Package - Audi S3 top trim - Benz A class or CLA250 - BMW 1 Series Please
sic22l are you sure? I got an Audi A3 2015 1 month ago and I still have it. The quality of Mazda is equal to A3. The only difference I see is that My Mazda 3 S Grand Turing has much more technology than my Audi A3.
***** You're comparing the highest trim of a regular car with the lower one of a premium car. Audi has much better materials even in places where driver won't reach much often, it has more refined suspension settings (Mazda is light and sporty but not exactly comfy, at least with bigger wheels) and most of all - Mazda is very loud on the highway at 70 mph or more. It sounds driving with one of the windows opened.
sic22l i agree because everyday I am driving both and both are 2015 models. However Mazda deserves respect and it not comparable with Toyota, Nissan and Honda anymore. My Audi is 45k and my mazda is 33k so it is obvious that Audi must offer something more than Mazda. However I don't see much of a difference. In a nut shell, I am trying to say that Mazda is growing crazy and Audi, Benz and similar cars can't claim that they are the best because companies like Mazda are reaching them
I have a 2012 GTI in a 2015 Elantra obviously besides the horsepower differences the Elantra seems to be better for long runs and tech wise the golf is better everywhere else
sic22l Mazda also has much better fuel economy and more technology features. It's also more reliable, it's the only car in this group that is an IIHS Top safety pick, and more subjectively but I'm sure most people would agree, the Mazda 3 is a much better looking car. But I do agree with some other comments in here that not long ago AutoGuide did a comparison just between the Golf and the Mazda 3 S Grand Touring and the Golf won that comparison so I'm not sure what gives or why that changed all of a sudden.
blane237 Real world fuel consumption is pretty similar, Golf's engine feels much stronger because it pulls nicely from low revs. More technology features? Not really. If you live in northern states you'll appreciate the fact that Golf has much better anti corrosion protection. Golf won this comparison as well in basically every aspect except the price. So it is a better car, just more expensive.
sic22l 33.6 > 31 > 30.1 mpg. The real world consumption of the Golf is more similar to the Elantra than it is to the Mazda 3. And Yes, more technology features. I'm not just saying that to say it. They said it in this very video we are commenting on. (see: 3:40) "It comes with features not offered in the Golf like Adaptive Cruise Control, Head Up Display, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and REAL leather seats.
blane237 Some of thee features are not available just in the US where VW simplified Golf's electrical system. And some of them are not soo good for example Mazda's Head Up Display is very annoying.
Elantra is the oldest of the bunch here. I'd get it if it doesn't have electric steering. Don’t worry, the next gen hyundais are tested on nürburgring and drivability sure'd be improved!
K guys, I've heard it one too many times, the y in Hyundai isn't silent, it's pronounced Hyun-Die. (English pronunciation of die, not German) Had to say it
Dan The Doge When doing a video for Hyundai we were instructed to pronounce it to rhyme with Sunday, I don't know where you're getting your pronunciation from.
rockinguys I'm getting my pronunciation from Korea, I also double checked with some of my Korean friends, it's possible that some people in Korea pronounce it differently to each other but I'd doubt it.
To summarize this review: Elantra is the biggest value, but boring to drive. The Mazda 3 is okay at driving, okay value, but it's a weak performer. The VW Golf drives the best, feels the most expensive, most room inside, back seats are amazing, and despite having 170hp and 199 lb-ft torque, which makes it the better performer of the other two cars, it only gets 2 mpg less than the Mazda's leading 33mpg. And yet..the winner is the Mazda 3.. Fail.
I'm curious, that "10 year power train warranty" does it actually mean anything, or when you take it in when say, a CV joint is flogged out do they just say "Oh, that's normal wear, you aren't covered for that, only manufacturing defects" - rendering the whole thing just a bullshit marketing exercise? I suspect the latter.
There is nothing Volkswagen has in their line-up that i would want to by because they have completely gone to turbo charging for all their engines & i keep my cars longer than the warranty on a new car provides. Turbo Charging is just 1 more thing to fail and add complexity to the process. Not for me.
Mazda has a great styling, good precise stearing and pretty descent inside IF you chose optimum. But the downside, resale value is bad, the interior quality is poor, its all plastic. I thought the driving was to stiff and loud, if you hit 60mph the car sounds like a train. To much noise and totaly unacceptable! Also the overview is terrible. All those little things! The GOLF...Its not even fair to compare it to these cars, more like bmw 120 and mercedes A class. The golf 1.4 tsi 150hp with the R interior & exterior is just right! The opening and closing the doors, the hydraualic opening of engine. The seats are ergonomic and good, the LED headlights and interior lightning, the cabin is all high quality, from the gearbox, to the multifunctional soft leather wheel, the touchpanel infotaiment system. The stearing feel and noise levels inside the car even at high speeds. Everything is just right and easy to understand. My favorite is the suspension and overall clean design feel, attention to detail. The soundsystem is also very good, I just can't find anything bad to say, maybe 200hp, and 400torque would be good :D but hey, nobody is perfect! I hope it helped with the choise and it's an easy one! Golf wins! easy!
VW Golf and Mazda 3 are selling fair slowly due to their poor reliability (or the perception of...). So this type of comparison is almost meaningless. Buyers in this market will happily buy Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic over these cars any day.
Im so sorry to say this but it is boring for me . They keep talking about the GOLF or Mazda 3 so many time. Why don't they do anything else different? I was a big fan autoguide, but I don't think i am right now
Mazda is the best.
Eki Rasevic Yes.
I wish more car comparison videos were like this one. Short, to the point, justified comments, identifies main features, cost/value comparison& recommendation. Great job guys. Thumbs up. All that's missing is a matrix/grid spreadsheet-like comparison of all your main points so we can visually see the summary.
So the VW won the head to head against the Mazda but is second to the Mazda when the Hyundai is thrown in? Get your shit together AG.
+thatdannyboy ikr
Did you actually listen to what they said? It seems not.
The mazda 3 also available with 2.5L which it can compete the Hyundai elentra gt in the horse power and the VW gulf.
Dhme Janbi Indeed. It is the most powerful car out of the 3. (185hp)
+vader11111 *Golf Gti or Golf R steps in*
+Heartagram GTI and Golf R are not regular Golf. Those are the sporty versions, not the regular versions. Many compact cars have different engine choices within the regular, non sporty trims. Just like the new Civic, it has 2.0 and 1.5 turbo for the regular Civic. We are not comparing them with Civic Si or Civic Type R, which are complete different level of cars.
+Dhme Janbi Next time you should say this instead: The "regular" mazda 3 also available with 2.5L which it can compete the Hyundai elentra gt in the horse power and the VW gulf.
Very important facts: When getting oil changes Mazda's and Hyundai's run about $30.00 but on the VW its $100.00+...LOL. And when things break down (which is just a matter of time) any local mechanic can fix a Mazda or Hyundai...but NOT the VW. A $250.00 repair on a Mazda or Hyundai costs $500.00+ on VW's and you have to hunt down someone who actually knows how to repair VW's. Point being, VW's SUCK! I have owned a Passat and Jetta and both just drain your bank account like crazy when it comes to maintenence + repairs.
Great review AG! I've noticed both Sami and Mike become more relaxed and confident on camera, kudos to you guys!
One thing you didn't really cover was seats-down cargo space, which is close between the Golf and Elantra (the latter a bit better) and both light-years ahead of the 3 Hatch.
And it's reliable with low cost to own Mazda all the way
juan tafoya Unless you don't live in the area with regular winter where Sky-Active engines have problems starting and it rusts like crazy.
sic22l Sky-Active translates to direct injection engines. Which in winter there are 0 problems. I currently own one and it drives perfectly fine even in -45C weather. Rust has been an issue with Mazda, but on all new models they started to use galvanized steel which prevents that, they also bumped up the warranty on all rust related issues.
goldenwingk Well, galvanized steel doesn't seem to work because new 3 starts to rust after 2 winters...
sic22l Any car will start to develop rust on it no matter what. even a brand new car standing at a dealership will develop a form of rust, this rust usually happens to be by the brakes and other mechanical area underneath the car, but this is standard for every single brand of cars. The issue that got solved is that the new steel protects areas that are more common on the frame of the car. With my current mazda i have no rust issues anywhere on the car regarding the body, even if somehow there was a manufacturing defect and steel wasn't fully protected Mazda offers warranty on it to be repaired for free.
goldenwingk Any car will rust eventually bud Mazdas rust much quicker than others and problem haven't been solved yet because current Mazda 3 rusts as well and salt makes it much quicker.
Boom Mazda wins again. My previous two vehicles, both new, were Hyundai's. I jumped on the value and warranty bandwagon but soon realized its not a great value when the cars aren't at all fun to drive, and when Hyundai refuses warranty coverage for the dumbest reasons. Plus I found a Mazda dealer that offered lifetime powertrain coverage, so if youre that concerned about warranty then just do research to find what you want. Mazda's truly are amazing driving machines.
Mazda has been killin it lately. And the new Mazda Miata looks sweet. Can't wait to see what people have to say about it
i saw that Mazda in real life . even that it wasn't the fully loaded trim . but yet it is pretty attractive car that i would recommend . can't go wrong with this Year Mazda style
East17A You can - it rusts too easily and it' very loud on the highway - at 70 and above you have the impression the one of the windiws isn't fully closed.
R u guys running out of press cars? This is the third vid with the shitty elantra!
These videos were part of a playoff style bracket segment running on the website. Not to worry, this was the final video. No more shiny Elantra for a while. ;)
I'm currently driving a 2011 Mazda 3 brand new when I bought it. I got married so I will give the mazda to my wife. I'm looking to buy another car for myself. I test drove a 2016 Elantra GT today. I didn't feel connected with the steering wheel and the road. It felt boring.
I will test drive a Golf maybe this weekend. But I have to say the mazda is probably the best car i've driven so far and I had owned brand new toyota, nissan, honda in the past.
TukTuk Syko Not to mention that the new 3rd Generation Mazda 3's are leaps and bounds better than the 2009 to 2013 Mazda 3's
As I always say, "Every car is good when new and time will test em all. Do you see Elantras on the road that are more than 10 years old? Rarely. They are flimsy and cheaply built vehicles, How do I know? We owned one and never again Hyundai. Would I buy a VW in N.A? Highly unlikely, Not only because they are made in Mexico, but they are also high maintenance. Would You buy a car that's fun to drive, Reliable, good on gas, uses a timing chain and made in Japan? Absolutely, So the Mazda 3 wins here, hands down. it's not a brainer. The interior of the late model Mazda 3 are on par if not better than those in a Benz or BMW. Love my Zoom zoom
Lmao get out of the 2000s. Hyundia joined the big boys
I love my mazda 3. While I have the smaller engine, i can get really 40mpg hwy as stated in EPA. I thought EPA was never accurate, but I really achieve it in real life. I drives around 70-75 mph most of the time too.
I've driven both the 2015 Mazda 3 and VW Golf. While the 3 is good it doesn't have the same quality or ride compared to the Golf in my opinion.
Good review. I am long time volks wagen golf owner of previous generations and a big mazda 3 fan but for my money I will buy the Elantrs GT and I just did last week. The car serves my purpose. I guess you can't go wrong with any of these cars. Thanks
I noticed that some of the roads you guys are driving on are in York Region. Where exactly are those curvier back roads (ie at 3:05)? Not a lot of those in the area.
Can you guys do a video review on the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL V6 vs 2016 Honda Pilot Elite
why not the mazda3 hatch?
The Golf is the ugliest in my opinion, immediately making it the worst option. I would never buy a car I can't stand to look at.
The Amurikin ikr?!? Tf is that thing
I enjoy the "VS" concept for videos and you guys do it well. But WHY do you ALWAYS compare and contrast Sedans vs hatchbacks??????????
2:17 Leslie Street in Richmond Hill, Ontario. I thought I knew the geography. Great area to test handling.
Does anyone else notice in EVERY video about the Elantra GT they say it has a heated steering wheel when in actually it doesn't! Can you guys please get it right?!
How do you all determine who reviews each car? I always see mike and Sami doing the comparisons.
Haha holy shit I’m here looking at my possible future cars and I notice that you guys are driving in an area that looks too familiar. Leslie and Elgin Mills. Right in my back yard.
Canadian review. You can see Leslie Street in Richmond Hill, Ontario, between Bloomington Sideroad and Stouffville Sideroad at 1:51.
The M3 comes with a 2.5L engine and 18" Dunlop SS tires. It would absolutely destroy the Golf had they gone with the other engine option.
Stacy Mitchell Agree.
+Stacy Mitchell Maybe the base Golf, but what about the Golf Gti or Golf R lol. Didn't think so.
+Heartagram Again, GTI and Golf R are not regular Golf. Those are the sporty versions, not the regular versions. Many compact cars have different engine choices within the regular, non sporty trims. Just like the new Civic, it has 2.0 and 1.5 turbo for the regular Civic. We are not comparing them with Civic Si or Civic Type R, which are complete different level of cars.
vader11111 I see your point. Class vs class. That's your point. Two basic models being compared without the use of their sportier brothers. A basic Mazda with the better engine would beat the basic Golf. In that comparison, you are correct. My point is that in the VW Golf family, there exists sportier models that would destroy any hatch currently made by Mazda. Simply put, I'm arguing at a Mazda vs Volkswagen viewpoint, not a specific model vs specific model standpoint. I hope that clears things up.
Heartagram The Speed3 would absolutely destroy both GTI and Golf R. I hope that clears things up.
I would like to see these cars compared with the Kia Forte5, Subaru Impreza hatchback and Scion iM.
i hv driden all 3. Golf is wayyyy better. For Comfort and driving dynamic golf wins hands down. However if you care about long term reliability then go with the mazda. Mazda has on of the best center console among them. If you carry around family on the back then golf is your best option.
Didn't the Golf beat the 3 in your head to head comparison? Granted that was the 3 GT hatchback with the 2.5L. Loaded Golf vs Loaded 3 hatchback which would you choose?
They review a base 2.0 Mazda to compete against top trim elantra and golf why not Mazda 2.5 with 185 hp
Funny how the VW needs a turbo to make that much power while the Mazda doesn't.
WHY is it more expensive to make a good looking car? When they are basically made from the same materials, why are cheap cars so ugly and very expensive ones so much better looking? I've never understood why. To draw a good looking product is no more expensive than to draw an ugly one - and most cars are ugly. I can't think of any other industrial design product thats less aesthetic in average than cars. 8 of 10 are down right ugly! I've seen some pretty nice prototypes of cars from all manufacturers, but when they hit the factory they all end up looking way less exiting. That Golf is a best seller and they have tons of money to further its design, yet it looks so incredible boring. Perhaps thats what people want, cause it sells well as is. Would be nice to see what they could come up with if some designer received carte blanche on that one.
a Not surprising result - even though I am biased - but what was the incentive to use a 2016 Hyundai against 2015 versions of the other two?
Mr. Mazda One model year usually makes no significant difference.
sic22l But in this case it makes a decent difference because of the Refreshed grille, WAY better infotainment update, and the heated rear and ventilated front seats, etc...
People who enjoy driving would never consider the Hyundai. Both the Mazda and VW are excellent product that should not be compared with the Elantra.
As a huge fan of the Golf I respect this review as I would agree that dollar for dollar the Mazda is the best deal.
I like how he mentioned the Mazda3 had some features that audi has. If anything I’m pretty sure the Golf has a numerous list of audi features.
I do agree the Mazda is the best, but in a previous comparo just pitting the Mazda3 vs. the Golf...the Golf won. Exact year of cars and even trim, but this time the Mazda wins? What gives?
Haha so true. I believe that Mazda should have won the previous review as well.
Brandon Friesen Mazda isn't the best. Golf won in almost every category. Mazda is worse but cheaper.
+Brandon Friesen The Mazda 3 is a champ when it comes to value. The Elantra is cheaper, but the Mazda 3 is head, neck, and shoulders above it on driving dynamics. The Golf is a better car, all things considered, but it's also more expensive for less kit. You have to balance value vs. performance, and the Mazda 3 seems to slot into that spot perfectly.
Most VW cars break down in the short/long term and they don't honor their warranty. I don't give a damn that it drives better during the test as it will be be broken soon.
Just bought used 2014 GT. Great price. Solid acceleration. Gr8 mpg. Got a super price as Elantras have poor resale
Elaaantra! that is so grating when he says that.
Mazda 3 S Grand Turing with Technology Package would make a tremendous gap with these two. The top trip Mazda 3 should be compared with Audi A3, Benz A Class and BMW 1 series and I bet it will kill them all as well. Would you please make this comparison between highest trims?
- Mazda 3 S Grand Turring with Technology Package
- Audi S3 top trim
- Benz A class or CLA250
- BMW 1 Series
Please
***** A3 is much higher quality vehicle than Mazda 3.
sic22l are you sure? I got an Audi A3 2015 1 month ago and I still have it. The quality of Mazda is equal to A3. The only difference I see is that My Mazda 3 S Grand Turing has much more technology than my Audi A3.
***** You're comparing the highest trim of a regular car with the lower one of a premium car. Audi has much better materials even in places where driver won't reach much often, it has more refined suspension settings (Mazda is light and sporty but not exactly comfy, at least with bigger wheels) and most of all - Mazda is very loud on the highway at 70 mph or more. It sounds driving with one of the windows opened.
sic22l i agree because everyday I am driving both and both are 2015 models. However Mazda deserves respect and it not comparable with Toyota, Nissan and Honda anymore. My Audi is 45k and my mazda is 33k so it is obvious that Audi must offer something more than Mazda. However I don't see much of a difference. In a nut shell, I am trying to say that Mazda is growing crazy and Audi, Benz and similar cars can't claim that they are the best because companies like Mazda are reaching them
Golf r and gti would be on that list if you're comparing it to an s3 because it is based on the MQB platform
I have a 2012 GTI in a 2015 Elantra obviously besides the horsepower differences the Elantra seems to be better for long runs and tech wise the golf is better everywhere else
different body style ?
Just 8 months ago the same dude in a head to head comparison gave the win to the VW Golf over the Mazda. Come on guys!
Mazda wins
Epicness X3 Another comment that sums it up: The Mazda was picked as the best after the Golf cleaned up in every category except price. Go figure.
sic22l Mazda also has much better fuel economy and more technology features. It's also more reliable, it's the only car in this group that is an IIHS Top safety pick, and more subjectively but I'm sure most people would agree, the Mazda 3 is a much better looking car.
But I do agree with some other comments in here that not long ago AutoGuide did a comparison just between the Golf and the Mazda 3 S Grand Touring and the Golf won that comparison so I'm not sure what gives or why that changed all of a sudden.
blane237 Real world fuel consumption is pretty similar, Golf's engine feels much stronger because it pulls nicely from low revs. More technology features? Not really. If you live in northern states you'll appreciate the fact that Golf has much better anti corrosion protection.
Golf won this comparison as well in basically every aspect except the price. So it is a better car, just more expensive.
sic22l 33.6 > 31 > 30.1 mpg. The real world consumption of the Golf is more similar to the Elantra than it is to the Mazda 3. And Yes, more technology features.
I'm not just saying that to say it. They said it in this very video we are commenting on. (see: 3:40) "It comes with features not offered in the Golf like Adaptive Cruise Control, Head Up Display, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and REAL leather seats.
blane237 Some of thee features are not available just in the US where VW simplified Golf's electrical system. And some of them are not soo good for example Mazda's Head Up Display is very annoying.
Hyundai and Mazda best!No CrapWagen!
didn't watch the vid..:D
my bet is the mazda wins!!!
how did i do?
You lost
Mister mood you got a cookie
Ara J THX... :D
Awesome buddy
Joe Antonio He lost. They said that Mazda is the best. It's the best because it's worse than the Golf... but slightly cheaper.
elantra is that a i20 or i30 ?
Hannes Lúðvíksson i30.
sic22l ty
The Mazda was picked as the best after the Golf cleaned up in every category except price. Go figure.
Elantra is the oldest of the bunch here. I'd get it if it doesn't have electric steering. Don’t worry, the next gen hyundais are tested on nürburgring and drivability sure'd be improved!
Yup!
I was very disappointed with my mazda. Rusts too much. I wonder if they fixed this problem......
K guys, I've heard it one too many times, the y in Hyundai isn't silent, it's pronounced Hyun-Die.
(English pronunciation of die, not German)
Had to say it
It's not the only thing they can't get right...😂😂
Dan The Doge When doing a video for Hyundai we were instructed to pronounce it to rhyme with Sunday, I don't know where you're getting your pronunciation from.
rockinguys I'm getting my pronunciation from Korea, I also double checked with some of my Korean friends, it's possible that some people in Korea pronounce it differently to each other but I'd doubt it.
It's possible some people in Korea pronounce it differently but the company pronounces it "Hunday".
hee-yuhn-deh but say faster hyuhn-deeh 현대 !!!!
i like mazda 3 its great but can't beat vw Golf
You guys had a video of the golf vs Mazda . and the golf won. You guys don't make any sense.
Mazda 3 win no question
Sorry guys but prius beats all. Fuel economy, sexy, and reliable.
To summarize this review:
Elantra is the biggest value, but boring to drive.
The Mazda 3 is okay at driving, okay value, but it's a weak performer.
The VW Golf drives the best, feels the most expensive, most room inside, back seats are amazing, and despite having 170hp and 199 lb-ft torque, which makes it the better performer of the other two cars, it only gets 2 mpg less than the Mazda's leading 33mpg.
And yet..the winner is the Mazda 3.. Fail.
***** Looks are subjective. I prefer the look of the Golf.
Had no problems with Hyundai so on the "Elantra's" team.
I'm curious, that "10 year power train warranty" does it actually mean anything, or when you take it in when say, a CV joint is flogged out do they just say "Oh, that's normal wear, you aren't covered for that, only manufacturing defects" - rendering the whole thing just a bullshit marketing exercise? I suspect the latter.
Um, this is so crazy but I have to go with the Subaru Cross Trek
There is nothing Volkswagen has in their line-up that i would want to by because they have completely gone to turbo charging for all their engines & i keep my cars longer than the warranty on a new car provides. Turbo Charging is just 1 more thing to fail and add complexity to the process. Not for me.
I'd go for the Mazda.
Mazda is the best
Mazda 3 ist love!
i agree with the Mazda 3, but I will personally get the hacthback fully loaded but "used" so i don't pay that ridiculous amount of cash
i think VW jetta will fit in this comparison better than the golf
Mazda any day.
Elantra (i30) is the best!
Mazda looks boring, while Golf looks like it's from 90s!
Got one. Love it.
Where's the chevy cruze?! ... it is one of the best
Mohammed Bakri Hell no..
Mazda has a great styling, good precise stearing and pretty descent inside IF you chose optimum. But the downside, resale value is bad, the interior quality is poor, its all plastic. I thought the driving was to stiff and loud, if you hit 60mph the car sounds like a train. To much noise and totaly unacceptable! Also the overview is terrible. All those little things!
The GOLF...Its not even fair to compare it to these cars, more like bmw 120 and mercedes A class. The golf 1.4 tsi 150hp with the R interior & exterior is just right! The opening and closing the doors, the hydraualic opening of engine. The seats are ergonomic and good, the LED headlights and interior lightning, the cabin is all high quality, from the gearbox, to the multifunctional soft leather wheel, the touchpanel infotaiment system. The stearing feel and noise levels inside the car even at high speeds. Everything is just right and easy to understand. My favorite is the suspension and overall clean design feel, attention to detail. The soundsystem is also very good, I just can't find anything bad to say, maybe 200hp, and 400torque would be good :D but hey, nobody is perfect! I hope it helped with the choise and it's an easy one! Golf wins! easy!
VW Golf and Mazda 3 are selling fair slowly due to their poor reliability (or the perception of...). So this type of comparison is almost meaningless.
Buyers in this market will happily buy Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic over these cars any day.
Sounds like if you want a car to actually perform the vw wins
Im so sorry to say this but it is boring for me . They keep talking about the GOLF or Mazda 3 so many time. Why don't they do anything else different? I was a big fan autoguide, but I don't think i am right now
Get that VW checked out...
im going to have mazda 3
Ha-ha Mazda took it
Next time instead of comparing the Mazda3, Golf, & Elantra how about the Focus, Golf, & Mazda3. Or better yet the Elantra, Golf, & the Elantra.
Ivan Vojt Probably they only has those three cars at the moment
sic22l This is the slow seasons for auto reviews.
des ils hyundai i30
mans lisp
My GF says his lisp is sexy...
TheSuperMotoHooligan Whatth tho thexthy about having a lithp?
Golf turbo probably requires premium fuel. Booooo!
mid grade
elantra...
Niki Bains
I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat
Vw!
golf......gas auto
Volkswagen wins
Vw is the best mazada is cheap plastic