2017 Mazda 3 vs Volkswagen Golf

What's the difference?

For over a decade, the Mazda3 has been part of a three-way battle for supremacy in the Australian small car market. The 2004 original threw the felines among the flying rats when launched, transforming the then-dowdy 323 into a stylish, well-equipped, and well-priced contender for Toyota's segment-dominating Corolla, and later, Hyundai's value-packed i30.

In 2017, the battle is still raging. Late 2016 saw a mild update to Mazda's flagship hatch and sedan range to add a few bits and bobs to the its already finely-judged specification. The Corolla stayed pretty much the same, and just this month Hyundai dropped what is now an annual tradition, an absolute cracker of a new car. This time, the all-new i30.

As you can see, Mazda has never had it easy, and it's a testament to the 3's quality, style and ever-growing reputation that it continues to hold its own in the top three.

While Australia’s passionate SUV love affair continues unabated, Europeans maintain a more stable and mature relationship with the wagon. And who can blame them?

With a lower centre of gravity for more nimble dynamics, a good wagon combines the practicality of an SUV with the driving pleasure of a conventional hatch or sedan.

In fact, the compact performance wagon is something Euro carmakers do extremely well. And happily, the Volkswagen Golf R, is returning to Australia in wagon form from January next year.

The Golf R wagon was sold in Australia in limited numbers in 2015, but this time around it will sit alongside its hatch sibling as a permanent addition to the local VW line-up.

Volkswagen Australia invited us to a preview drive of the latest ‘Mk7.5’ version of the car, in its home environment.