
For enthusiasts, the Golf range lines up best against the Mazda 3.
They're both a hoot to drive, with the 3 taking crown unless you opt for the well-priced Golf GTI.
Mini's Cooper feels more special inside and out than the Golf, but it gets expensive fast and is something of a polarizing choice for many.
If you're looking to stay mainstream, pair the Golf against the Honda Civic and Chevrolet Cruze; they're both offered as compelling hatchbacks.
The Civic range now includes Si and Type R models that give VW's sportier offerings a real run for their money, while the Cruze is available as a diesel.
VW once offered diesels...
until they got caught repeatedly cheating American emissions standards.
And the recently redesigned Subaru Impreza is also worth a look with its standard all-wheel drive and high-tech interior.
The Impreza begets the Crosstrek, which the Alltrack is doing its best to emulate.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | |||||
There's a VW Golf for everyone, and they're even better for 2018 thanks to a big tech upgrade inside. |
The 2018 Chevy Cruze offers lots of compelling reasons to select it, but we’d like to see more safety tech on its standard equipment roster. |
The 2018 Honda Civic is a good car made better by plenty of options and value at nearly every stop. |
The 2018 Mazda 3 adds standard active safety features to an already compelling value. Among compact cars, this is one to consider. |
The 2018 Subaru Impreza offers all-wheel drive for all of us in a comfortable, refined, tech-savvy package. |
The 2018 Mini Cooper is an icon made better by nimble handling and infinite customization. |
MSRP From | |||||
$20,910 | $16,975 | $18,940 | $18,095 | Coming Soon | $21,600 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
21 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | N/A | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-3 |
EPA Class | |||||
Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | N/A | Subcompact Cars |
Style Name | |||||
1.8T S Manual | 4-Door Sedan 1.4L L w/1SM | LX Manual | Sport Manual | N/A | Oxford Edition FWD |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | N/A | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | N/A | 4 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | N/A | Hatchback |
Transmission | |||||
Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | N/A | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2018 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2018 Chevrolet Cruze | 2018 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2018 Honda Civic | 2018 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2018 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2018 Subaru Impreza | 2018 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2018 MINI Cooper |