Hatchback car comparison

Volkswagen GOLF vs Nissan TIIDA

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

Volkswagen GOLF 46,669 on NZ roads
VS
Nissan TIIDA 37,101 on NZ roads
$8/week cheaper to fuel — Nissan TIIDA at $45/wk vs $53/wk
23.400000000000006 kW more power — Volkswagen GOLF at 117.4 kW
Volkswagen GOLF 46,669 in NZ
Nissan TIIDA 37,101 in NZ
Registered in NZ
46,669
37,101
Fuel Economy
6.7 L/100km
5.7 L/100km
Power
117.4 kW
94 kW
Weight
1,714.1 kg
1,418.7 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Body Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Seats
5
5
Year Range
1963–2026
2004–2017
Imported New
36%
9%

NZ Registrations Over Time

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

Regional Popularity

Region Volkswagen GOLF Nissan TIIDA
AUCKLAND 18,731 12,558
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 4,537 3,093
HAMILTON CITY 1,809 1,789
TAURANGA CITY 1,764 1,762
WELLINGTON CITY 2,468 1,025
DUNEDIN CITY 1,195 890
LOWER HUTT CITY 976 862
SELWYN DISTRICT 700

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Volkswagen GOLF or Nissan TIIDA?

The Volkswagen GOLF is more common with 46,669 registered in New Zealand compared to 37,101 for the Nissan TIIDA. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Volkswagen GOLF or Nissan TIIDA?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Nissan TIIDA uses less fuel at 5.7 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 Volkswagen GOLF and Nissan TIIDA the same body type?

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

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

36% of Volkswagen GOLF models were imported new to NZ, while 63% came as used imports. For the Nissan TIIDA, 9% were new and 89% 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.