Hatchback car comparison

Mazda DEMIO vs Volkswagen GOLF

Both are hatchback vehicles on New Zealand roads. Based on NZTA fleet data.

Mazda DEMIO 50,553 on NZ roads
VS
Volkswagen GOLF 46,669 on NZ roads
$15/week cheaper to fuel — Mazda DEMIO at $38/wk vs $53/wk
53.400000000000006 kW more power — Volkswagen GOLF at 117.4 kW
Mazda DEMIO 50,553 in NZ Wins 3 of 4
Volkswagen GOLF 46,669 in NZ
Registered in NZ
50,553
46,669
Fuel Economy
4.8 L/100km
6.7 L/100km
Power
64 kW
117.4 kW
Weight
1,304 kg
1,714.1 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Body Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Seats
5
5
Year Range
1996–2022
1963–2026
Imported New
1%
36%

NZ Registrations Over Time

Registration trend for Mazda DEMIO vs Volkswagen GOLF: comparing annual new registrations in NZ from 2020 onwards. Mazda DEMIO has more total registrations.

Regional Popularity

Region Mazda DEMIO Volkswagen GOLF
AUCKLAND 18,300 18,731
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 5,459 4,537
WELLINGTON CITY 2,051 2,468
HAMILTON CITY 2,066 1,809
TAURANGA CITY 1,571 1,764
LOWER HUTT CITY 1,378 976
DUNEDIN CITY 1,095 1,195
WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICT 829 686

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Mazda DEMIO or Volkswagen GOLF?

The Mazda DEMIO is more common with 50,553 registered in New Zealand compared to 46,669 for the Volkswagen GOLF. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Mazda DEMIO or Volkswagen GOLF?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Mazda DEMIO uses less fuel at 4.8 L/100km compared to 6.7 L/100km. At current fuel prices of approximately $2.80/L, that difference adds up over a year of typical driving.

Are Mazda DEMIO and Volkswagen GOLF the same body type?

Both are classified as Hatchback vehicles in the NZTA fleet data. The Mazda DEMIO is primarily a petrol vehicle while the Volkswagen GOLF runs on petrol.

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

1% of Mazda DEMIO models were imported new to NZ, while 97% came as used imports. For the Volkswagen GOLF, 36% were new and 63% were used imports.

Where does this data come from?

All figures are sourced from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Motor Vehicle Register, current as of 31 March 2026. This covers 3,678,722 registered passenger vehicles in New Zealand.

Data sourced from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Motor Vehicle Register, current as of 31 March 2026.