Volkswagen Golf vs Honda Jazz
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Golf

$38,690 - $71,990

2026 price

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Honda Jazz

$9,999 - $19,999

2018 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini 5D Hatch

Mini Cooper

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Golf

2018 Honda Jazz

By James Cleary

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

5.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Practicality

Capped-price servicing
Build quality
Huge interior space for its size

Dislikes

Value
Ownership costs
Average warranty

No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
VTi-S very pricey
Lack of advanced safety features

2026 Volkswagen Golf Summary

Eight generations over more than half a century qualifies the Volkswagen Golf as an automotive icon, standing on the shoulders of its original beetle-shaped ancestor.

It remains one of the world’s favourite cars and this 110TSI Life version is the entry-point to the local model line-up, the latest ‘8.5’ version of which arrived here just over 12 months ago.

It sits in a hotly contested small-car category, appealing to those with a preference for a conventional hatch and pure internal-combustion power.

In an automotive world now dominated by increasingly electrified SUVs, we spent a week behind the wheel to see how it shapes up as an urban specialist with occasional open road ability.

@carsguide.com.au 2026 VW Golf’s practicality perk revealed! The Volkswagen hatchback might not be as popular as rivals like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Mazda3 or Kia K4, but it wins when it comes to useful features like this neat centre console arm rest! #volkswagen #golf #hatchback #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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2018 Honda Jazz Summary

Honda's Jazz is like the little engine that could.

It occupies a shrinking part of the market but has seen off a bevy of once-were competitors (most notably the Hyundai i20) and continues to battle gamely with the Mazda2.

Honda gave the range a little tweak in late 2017 to hand us the MY18 Honda Jazz. Some features were lost, and a few gained in an effort to keep up with Mazda's finest.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Golf 2018 Honda Jazz

Verdict

Like the generations that preceded it, the current VW Golf 8.5 is a high-quality, comfortable and efficient small car. Add in good looks, space-efficiency, thoughtful practicality as well as class-competitive safety and you have the makings of a compelling package. The potential sticking point is this entry-level 110TSI Life’s value proposition in terms of included features relative to its purchase price and ongoing cost of ownership.

Verdict

The Honda Jazz is an extremely capable small car, with an ace card of virtually unbeatable interior space. While it's hardly an excitement machine, or the best looking or equipped in its class (it is missing out on some useful safety gear), the Jazz deserves its status as a well-loved hatchback.

The best in the range is probably the VTi. There isn't anything compelling further up the variants unless you're keen on bigger wheels or leather trim. Its entry-level offering is a good-value, sturdy car that is packed with its best qualities, no matter which one you buy.

Volkswagen Golf vs Honda Jazz What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Golf vs Honda Jazz
What's the difference?