The top alternative to the Volkswagen Golf is definitely the Ford Focus.
which is offered in a very flamboyant, Euro-influenced hatchback and also influenced technology, features, and driving enjoyment—the latter perhaps a bit more in the Focus than the standard Golf.
The Mazda 3 is another top rival, and from the driver's seat it's one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars.
The newest Mini Cooper, which has a novel three-cylinder turbo and lots of performance extenders, is smaller and perhaps less versatile than the Golf, but it's zippy and great for city streets.
And a sporty hatchback version of the Honda Civic returns for 2016, so competition for the Golf will surely escalate.
And yet another model to consider, for those especially budget-conscious, is the new Scion iM—essentially a sporty hatchback version of the Toyota Corolla.
Keep in mind that none of these rivals can match the Golf's wide range of powertrain choices, from base-model gasoline to eGolf electrics and high-performance GTI and Golf R models.
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 2016 Volkswagen GolfBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2016 MINI CooperBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Scion iABrowse Used Listings |  2015 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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Between base, e-Golf electric, and high-performance GTI and Golf R versions, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf lineup doesn't forget about the space-and-versatility fundamentals of hatchback—or SportWagen—ownership. |
From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, the 2016 Ford Focus remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market. |
The 2016 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving and best-looking small cars, with a more premium feel than its (now even lower) price might suggest. |
The 2016 Mini Cooper is as cheeky as its retro style implies—and its three-cylinder engine is a charming surprise. |
The 2016 Scion iA isn't fast or particularly roomy, but it delivers a great blend of features and performance for a remarkable subcompact price. |
The 2015 Honda Civic is refined, comfortable, and offers top-notch safety ratings and features. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $18,495 | $17,225 | $17,845 | $20,700 | $15,700 | $18,290 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 45 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 31 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 47 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-3 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 2-Door HB Manual TSI | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual i Sport | 2-Door HB | 4-Door Sedan Manual (GS) | 2-Door Manual LX |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan | Coupe |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2016 Ford Focus | 2016 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2016 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2016 MINI Cooper | 2016 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2016 Scion iA | 2016 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2015 Honda Civic | |
