VW Golf vs Mazda 3 vs Ford Focus 2019 comparison review 

Good comparison vid (is there a longer more detailed written version with HD photos? - edit, I just saw the link to the site but not directly to the article, at the bottom of the video description), but I wish there were more premium cars in this to compete with the luxurious 3 - Why? Let me explain in "detail".. The top spec 3 mild-hybrid 2.5 or the X, is the car I'm waiting for now. After long-term ownership disappointments with ze Germans (VW, Audi and BMW mainly, and Mercs slightly), I've come to learn of the joy that Japanese higher quality offerings can offer, both personally and through trusted friends, family and motoring contacts. The better handling and practical (newer) Lexus models and higher end Mazda models/trims, are now the cars we look to get or already own. I even look more favourably to Hyundai/KIA and some Volvo(Geely) models now compared to ze Germans and their "add-on scams" - yes Volvo can do this too, but at least in my country they are more transparent about it. Thoughts per section: Intro - Just kept thinking, how more interesting it would be to me, if there was also a BMW or Audi competitor in this. Hope there will be a more premium comparison like this next year from you, but with the totally outclassed Focus left out. VW Interiors (and exteriors) - Simple and premium, but it doesn't stand out and look luxurious and unique to many buyers now. Starting from now with the 3 and onwards with their all-new luxurious models, even Mazda will be considered more premium that VW - laugh now, but let's look back 10 years from now. Other point of course - OMGawd!.. The interior of my VWs is where I often received the warning lights or first started to realize that there were serious (and later expensive to fix) problems with the car. Seared into my/our brains! So getting into a interior with the same design language, only brings all of it back. Hope you can understand/emphatize with us who have been through this many times. True, Ford's have given me/us issues too (not really gearbox, as ours were dual-clutch wet and never early batches), but not to the extend and price tag of VWs. I would still consider testing and possibly buying a Ford now, but never again for Nazi founded and many crimes in the past VW, and especially so after dieselgate - I'm a fan of clean Mazda diesels naturally, and I just hope a updated 2.2L Mazda 3 and CX-30 comes in later to my/some markets. Focus Interior - Even though we all love these compact Ford's for Euro markets, the long-term build quality of Ford's are not good. After heavy milleage or many years, everything else might still be running or going fine with the car (with your careful care given to it) but the Interior will start falling apart and making a lot of noise and creaks. A lot more noise from outside wil creep in too, and that wasn't very good to begin with It definitely will not be as good long term as the better built rivals in its class. I speak from personal experiences here too, and not just from contacts. I'm fearful for Ford now in the future actually, especially once the 2020 D-MAX/BT-50 comes out in the market where the Ranger competes. They may have helped out Mazda during their difficult times, but "not" working together with them on cars and SUVs/trucks, will be bad for Ford in the long run (out of the US), especially now that the two main alliances have formed: - Toyota/Daihatsu, Suzuki, Mazda (with Isuzu), Subaru, - Nissan, Renault, Mitsubishi Mazda 3 Interior - weird that you say that about the seats. Almost all other reviews from respected publications have said they are among the best in class, even if you bring in ze Germans :) I find the Focus and Golf here too firm, especially if you drive long-distance. I'll just add that back row seats or boot space is not a priority for my upcoming purchase in this compact segment car (3) and CUV/SUV (CX-30), and their rivals, including the Lexus UX which is on my shortlist of cars/crossovers to test before deciding. Mazda 3 Driving - A lot of us with certain backgrounds on cars, do not like turbos. We also appreciate the simplicity/directness (there is always a lag despite what some say) of feel and control/precision, in what Mazda does here. The long-term reliability and maintenance costs are also factored in, along with long distance and highway milleage. Quite simply, this is how it goes... "2.5L in a compact C-segment car curently! Shut up and take my money!” :) And LOL the same time at a small cc turbo petrols. Come on guys, just rev it harder and drive in sports or manual mode. Come to think of it Tom, drive faster in more videos man! haha. Also to add, the 2.5L turbo and 2.2L turbodiesel Skyactiv engine could fit in this 3 and CX-30 too.

Chasing Cars where’s the corolla bro?

It would be here if Toyota sent us the European-spec hybrid - the rather average Australian spec 1.8-litre hybrid just doesn’t cut it in this competition.

Not all heroes wear capes

Nice video and organisation i followed

Yeah, but because it has such and expressive design, it is gonna look old really quick compared to for example golf which still looks great because the design is more conservative.

@@elukok I get your point but I don't quite agree. For me the one that looks older and it looked so as it came out 7 years ago is the VW. Even the renders for the new generation VW look a little bit old to me. I don't know why but the design of the mazdas makes me like even the old generation Mazda 3, even now. But hey, each person has its own preferences and opinions and that's why each brand has its own design and style too.

elukok you’re talking from your fanboy heart. VW’s clearly looks the older and uglier, plus the current generation is thrash.

@@LuisGonzalez-sb9lx Have you just watched the same video as me?

@@William_Lewis I also like the look of this Mazda, more than golf, but i hated the old one, that car was really ugly. I prefer the look of mazda 3, but I know that in a few years, I might not like it that much while I know that if I kind of like how the golf looks right know, i will probably like it trough out my whole ownership.

It's hardly sporty It's weak

It’s a good car.

And the color is amazing

Fear the rust.

Taoma H rust problems are long gone

@@Haldexify their design with color is amazing

Crosshead1 I totally agree with you. The 3 is great style, full of techs and reliability as it’s accompanied by a 5 year unlimited km warranty

I think this is a pretty fair summary, Crosshead. They have that many practical cars they can sell - 6, 6 wagon, CX-5, forthcoming CX-30 - that I believe Mazda think they can make the 3 more expressive, placing less priority on boot space and rear seat space. Honestly, that might be okay. To me, it is, because in Australia these sorts of cars aren't used as family cars.

Chasing Cars and all the more reason to drop the 2.5 turbo into the 3 with AWD. All it needs is a bit more low down, effortless grunt. They’d sell as many as they can make.

We think so too - at the moment.

Lol.

thats a nice combination. Congrats!

We’re the multiple recalls annoying? Did you also have issues with the weak A/C?

@@XQoozMii I’ve only had the first two sorted in the first 6mths. Had it now 20mths with no issues ac is icy cold

@@XQoozMii Mazda have good customer service unlike some other brands....

Ford Focus handles just as well as the Mazda and is just as reliable. Stop speaking out of your ass

@@MrSamwiseable the Mk2 Focus was utterly bulletproof. I covered 410,000km in mine, with only a coil pack and alternator replaced, before it was written off by a learner driver. At that stage the only sign of its miles was slight wear on the steering wheel. It was better to drive than just about anything south of a sports car and had copious amounts of space for its size. It was car of the previous decade for a good reason. The Mk3 wasn't half the car the Mk2 was and, while the Mk4 seems a step in the right direction, its reliability remains to be demonstrated.

@@MrSamwiseable have had a lot of problems with my 2015 ford focus

Sam RN I'm not speaking out my ass but to one. I had 4 Focus' and all died within 110,000 miles. All had AC and suspension issues. One had tyranny issues. None handled as well as my Mazda 3.

Matt S lemme guess... transmission problems?

Thanks, Maxim!

Nah the Mazda hatch is ugly as fuck.

Thank you, Dave. Trying my best! Agreed - can’t wait to have a steer of the new Focus ST.

Thanks! Hope all is well!

Great car. Best looking as well. I prefer the Soul Red one. About the rear view blind spots for trafic or bicycles any difficulties? Like when changing lanes?

Beat me to it. Stay the course, your videos are very well done and don't feel like ads at all.

Thank you both. I really appreciate that.

Exactly. Very refreshing.

Ditto - many of us appreciate your efforts and the high production values.

Thanks for subscribing!

I like the Mazda too, but I think each of these cars is quite attractive

Laich F so the Golf looks nice to you? 🤣🤣🤣

Thanks! Welcome.

Well said. And don't even mention about all the VW's scandals. Golf boring handling car as well too. Boring at all the way.

Thanks, Rory. Glad you’re enjoying them. We like making them.

Thanks for watching.

Well, as it happens, it isn't too bad… in fact, it's a very talented car! But that rear end is compromised for looks - no doubt about it.

Given the ID.3 won't be coming to Australia (at least for a couple of years) I really doubt VW are giving up on the Golf. Watch this space for the Mk 8!

Greg Wallace I have a Focus Titanium and had to deal with Ford Customer Support in Melbourne. They were fantastic and exceeded my expectations. I think the company has addressed concerns from the past.

Greg Wallace I’ve heard some horror stories about VW customer services as well. So you’re not wrong.

Ford focus owner at one time. COMPLETE rubbish , i liked the car but that gearbox was just atrocious. The ford service was decent. The product on the otherhand. Surprising they can still sell any with there reputation of unreliable heaps

@@diamondd2778 but better than any dieselgate vw

That would be fun!

you can hold the button up and its the same

A car I’d definitely like to drive. I’ll look into it with Kia.

Well, they are comparative in some aspects - hence this video! But I agree with you about the Mazda's expressive styling. It's something else.

The other two drive better lol

Mazda interior is FIRST Class.. Mazda Looks...NO Comparison the other two looks 20 years old. MAZDA Fit and Finish and Performance, again #1 Mazda is in a class of it's own.

The Golf has aged incredibly well. Hope they don’t drop the ball on the Mk 8.

@@chasingcars aaaand guess what happened.. sadly VW did. Golf 7 is the best Golf of them all.

Thanks, Bob. Hard to say, but my personal opinion is that sharper creases and edges tend to age better than round shapes.

@@chasingcars i beg to disagree.. look at porsches🤔 curvy

@@chasingcars I'm a sucker for curvy rear ends.

Good example, Dornier.

@@dornierserctajon8094 & one or two Alfas.

Sadly they stopped selling the golf in the states, so we've only got Mazda civic, or corolla.

Yeah, it looks like what a modern Giulietta should look like.

At the end of the day, we review new cars, with consideration of their new car warranty. Each car here is covered under a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Under that term you'll be looked after. What happens after five years isn't really our domain. When you consider how complicated modern cars are, keeping them beyond five years is always going to be something of a risk. I know that is a rather unpleasant reality, but it is a reality nonetheless.

True.

michal the European and Asia markets get better equipment. I have a 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback preferred and I don't have heated side mirrors like my old 2018 Mazda 3 touring but the euro and Asia markets do. It's weird

Not in Australia. Only one engine

Exciting proposition - though we don’t think it will be built until mid 2020

@@chasingcars it is built and out here in Europe

With the Skyactiv-X engine!?

@@chasingcars yeah some of the euro reviewers already test driving it a couple of days ago. So time to pack those black Chasing Cars suitcases to go back to Europe :D

If you are thinking to buy one , just buy cx30 2.5 lt . You won’t regret. Style ,space , power and comfort it got everything!! With 5 years unlimited kms warranty

I have a 2019 Mazda 3 and I’m considering replacing it with a golf R lol. If you care about performance at all then I think you should reconsider. The Mazda is a great luxury car but it doesn’t have anywhere near the power that an enthusiast would want.

@@noahhauptman1756 Turbo 3 coming out... 320 lb-ft of torque..

Interesting. In Australia, the Focus is rated at 341L while the Golf is rated at 380L.

@@chasingcars Well something near 340L has my MK2 Ford Focus which is 2 generations behind the new MK4. Also I think you said something about 290L about the Mazda 3, which is impossible to me, considering it is a big hatchback EVEN with it's curvy and beautiful design.. My sister's MK7 Ford Fiesta has 286L which is way smaller than what you can fit in the 3 in this video..

Yes, I wish they would too. That's a real Mazda strength in Australia - manuals on every 2 and 3 trim.

Even the ST line with 184 hp is only as automatic available here in Germany. That sucks.

Yeah. Mazda sells very well in Australia, so our market has a disproportionately large say in what product is sent to us.

Now in Europe 2ltr 122HP and a 2ltr 180HP version available.

Wow, such different cars! Good luck with the search.

Thanks for sharing your views - and for subscribing. Welcome.

I wonder if prices have changed that much in Europe, but when I bought my Mazda 3 last year, at the same options level as a Focus and Golf it was the cheapest option by a a few thousand Euro! As I'm single the rear seats are for occasional use only and of no interest to me. The longer warranty and cheaper standard checkups costs, looking the best and thankfully no turbo were also very welcome. I don't understand the love for turbo's. My previous gasoline guzzlers had turbo's and while I see what people might like pulling away with a Turbo it kills your milage and they still feel worse at high speeds than the Mazda.

Love Soul Red Crystal - but at what point will it be overused? That’s what I’m wondering.

Yea tom I guess

Good jeans and quality analysis, that’s the goal

It’s a good question. I fear that the huge cost of dieselgate fines will start to bite and maybe the Mk 8 won’t be a particularly noteworthy jump. Hopefully, those fears are wrong.

Chasing Cars and glad to see you using the Golfs adjustable centre console arm rear. More cars should have this feature !!

Given that T-Cross and Polo have upped their use of hard plastic, I'm nervous Golf 8 may be a step in the wrong direction. We'll find out in a few weeks when it's revealed.

@@chasingcars I think the cost of the dieselgate fine is already being seen across the entirety of VAG. For example new Lambos have the same infotainment as Audi which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but even the chimes are the exact same. To me it's perfidious paying hundreds of thousands to get an Audi infotainment. The way the exhaust looks like in the new S6 also screams of cost cutting. You have a fully fake 4-tipped exhaust while the real exhaust is hidden under the bumper pointed down. I'm not concerned about the MK8 however, VAG has a lot of tech they can transplant from their premium brands into the MK8 to make it decent. They can keep making the same thing with better tech and revised interior styling and people will buy.

Atlantic Blue is a great VW colour.

Not quite as small as an espresso, but not designed for a Venti mocha Frappuccino

Yes, Mazda punch well above their weight here in Australia.

Because Australians choose qualities above brand image. Can't blaim them 🙂. Like the Toyota Land Cruiser for his reliability and for offroading.

Julius Bello I’ve tried both the 1,5 gasoline Focus and the 122 hp gasoline Mazda 3, both cars twice. Below highway speed I find the Mazda very quiet. At highway speed you still cannot really hear the engine much, but you do get wind noise. I’d say similar to in a Kia Ceed. I found myself turning up for the audio system (which is a very nice system). In the Focus, when you accelerate at any speed, you clearly hear the 3 cylinder engine. However, when you cruise at a constant speed, it’s very quiet, also at highway speeds. So one you hear during acceleration and the other when driving at highway speeds.

Julius Bello I think the most quiet car in the segment is the Golf followed by Hyundai elantra which I’m surprised how this is coming from Hyundai.... btw Test drove the new 3 and the Hyundai and i own a Golf and I found my 5 year old golf is more isolated 🤷🏾‍♂️, was looking to buy a new car but I will wait for the mk8 golf

A 2.5T + AWD would be quite something.

All 3 are good cars, although they excel in different aspects so it's just a matter of what you think is more important. If you drive alone or with a single passenger most of the time, then the cramped rear of the Mazda is less of a problem. If you do carry more passengers often or need a more practical trunk, then either the Golf or Focus would be the better pick. But then again, all 3 cars are great choices if you're looking for something in this segment.

Fair point. The cars were, in fact, all tested on a variety of roads, but not with a photographer present. The filming was done last, in one place, but the evaluation driving that went into it was thorough.

@@chasingcars makes sense. Thanks for the reply.

We’re a small team so need to be discerning about the number of cars involved. The Focus beat out the i30 for a spot. We like the i30 and the N-Line is a really good offer, though. Expect to see content on it soon!

Abir karmakar great value for money. Plastic low tent interiors.

Hyundai and Kia are full of hard cheap shit plastic inside

the links lizard alright we got it.. u have a focus

@@aleksandarnikolov2331 i don't mate i have a vw golf

If only!

Yeah, it’s a surprise when they are side by side, isn’t it.

Nice option! Wish they offered it here in Australia.

@@v60adv Wireless charging is just a wasteful old technology that has ridiculous efficiency and its really slow. Just plug in the damn thing.

It isn’t offered in Australia

For the Mazda?

Thanks!