Volkswagen Golf GTD vs Mazda 3 2.2, a close game.
To begin with, we can say that there is no similarity between the charismatic Mazda3 aesthetics of 4.49 cm in length (Line Sport version is three inches longer due to a different bumper) and the square design and golf, of only 4.21 cm.
More centimeters, but less space
The fact that most of the Mazda centimeters may turn out to be, Star Trek Gold, useless is something that both opponents show us to access them. Golf (28 cm shorter) is the most site that offers the best feeling of space, the boot bigger and more appropriate compartments. This point is what the house wins VW.
The thing is equated as the equipment of both concerns. The Mazda3 is good finishes and materials are chosen, fallen earth chips, largely at the level one would expect in a vehicle of 30,000 euros. This is the price that would be released in both cases by the most powerful diesel engine in the series.
However, the small details that make the difference (in price) that is reflected in the final bill. While the Golf has LED technology as standard on the, tera gold, rear lights and brake lights, Mazda also has this technology in the taillights, but not the third brake light, which is what is most important in capturing the attention of other vehicles. This is illuminated by an incandescent filament considerably later than the two outer brake lights.
The ergonomics of the cockpit of the Mazda is good, the setting options of the steering wheel and seats are quite acceptable and only the small space between the windshield and driver and passenger heads is something we have to get used first. However, the overall arrangement is not even close to perfection objective inside the Golf GTD. GTI seats are perfect and the adjustment range of the huge steering wheel.
On asphalt
Already in testing earlier warned about the configuration bit harmonic Mazda chassis. On the one hand, it is too hard and irregularities of the floor is transmitted directly to the vehicle occupants. On the other hand, has a tendency to understeer at any time before the ESP (partially disabled) becomes operational.
In the case of Golf, equipped for the test with the DCC adaptive chassis of 955 euros, the tendency to understeer less. The suspension, even in Comfort mode is hard but better than in the case of Japanese. Furthermore, it is amazing how the GTD trace the curves of the highway at top speed, transmitting at all times the driver a feeling of calm and poise. Impressive, accurate and secure three adjectives would qualify well its drawn. It is in these moments when the Mazda is noted somewhat loose their direction, forcing the driver to correct the driving line on several occasions.
In an emergency, your brakes slow steady progress quickly and safely. After the tenth attempt, the Mazda (with Bridgestone Turanza tires) should be 37.8 meters to stop, while the Golf (with tires Dunlop SP Sport01 two inches larger) stopped 60 inches before. However, it is noteworthy that over the subsequent km to the realization of this test discs 300 mmMazda gave symptoms of fatigue. Unlike the 312 mm discs of Golf, which remained unchanged.
Powerful Diesel Engines
Who brakes too fast often accelerates eagerly. This is very important for both diesel sports. The GTD is equipped with common rail TDI two liters and 170 hp in the other group models have nothing to do with sportsmanship. A torque of 350 Nm seems to provide the necessary impetus, paying tribute to the acronym GTD. To the chagrin of those who run many kilometers, the VW engineers have joined the Golf with the most powerful diesel engine the moment a growl and a roar artificial bringing to an end mad and that at 160 km / h shows the combustion noise.
The Mazda diesel engine is lighter and smoother and works more decent, almost soundless. The 2.2-liter engine develops 185 hp and a torque of 400 Nm. While the Mazda was unable to translate its surplus of power and higher torque at a competitive advantage during the acceleration test 0-100 km / h (with 7.6 seconds the Golf is even half a second faster than indicating the manufacturer), this picture changes dramatically on the highway.
There, where the Golf GTD DSG equipped with continuous busy finding the right gear, Mazda pushed forward and left lying in sixth Golf effortlessly. Even at 190 km / h is still feeling the power of this Nippon. At higher speeds also conceals the existing turbo effect, evident in lower gears. The Golf hides any possible dct with the help of 6-speed automatic change.
The Mazda is faster
The maximum speed of the Mazda is truly amazing. Apparently, the Mazda3 should reach 213 km / h, while the Golf would reach 220 km / h, and this in spite of having 15 hp less. However, our measurements show a completely different scenario. According to the GPS, Mazda reaches 225 km / h, while the Golf lags behind with 219 km / h. Maybe Mazda should bring home a little more their numbers.
? And consumption? While the Golf GTD consumes 7.0 liters of fuel per 100 km / h, in the case of the Mazda engine, more powerful and bigger, its consumption is higher than 0.4 liters. The weight are almost identical. VW GTD weight figure with DSG in 1430 kilos, while the Mazda3 MZR-CD reaches 1,470 kilos.
The price does not seem to be an area where they can get to agree. The four-door Golf GTD costs 28 875 euros and the Mazda3 Sport Line is priced at 27,890 euros. However, in all standard Mazda least have the browser? Inadvisable?, Leather seats and metallic paint. If we equate the Golf in the same way, the final price would be around 32,000 euros, although in this case he would lack the control system of blind spots, that also comes standard with Mazda. Nevertheless, and to safeguard the honor of Golf, we believe it necessary to point out that many of the extras that make driving more enjoyable, but often not necessary.
Conclusion
If we were bad we would say that the Golf GTD with the Mazda engine would be the perfect combination. The engine of Japan's House has convinced us with its smooth style, his overwhelming powerand low consumption. Although the fuel consumption of GTD is too tight for its power, its engine is extremely competitive terms, and therefore noisy.
For the rest, the Golf is convincing thanks to all its virtues known: the finished picture, the economy of space and the frame. In these last two points are where the Mazda lost more points. At least the chassis could change any time soon. In 2011 this provided the first revision of the Mazda3. Would be nice if the Japanese are thinking of introducing a chassis with two settings: Comfort and Sport.
* Important Note: Versions and prices reflected in the text correspond to the German market.