3 II (BL) vs Jetta VI: which is better?
Mazda 3 II (BL) (2009–2013) vs Volkswagen Jetta VI (2010–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Mazda 3 II (BL)
Volkswagen Jetta VISpecifications
| Mazda 3 II (BL) | Volkswagen Jetta VI | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2009–2013 | 2010–2019 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 105 hp | 105 hp |
| Torque, up to | 145 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 580 mm | 4 659 mm |
| Width | 1 755 mm | 1 778 mm |
| Height | 1 470 mm | 1 482 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 640 mm | 2 651 mm |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Mazda 3 II (BL)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Mazda Z6 / LF / FS engine: oil consumption at high mileage
Engine (Mazda Z6 / LF / FS): oil consumption at higher mileage; carbon buildup and ring coking.
Volkswagen Jetta VI
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW 1.6 MPI (CFNA, CWVA): cold piston slap
- Gearbox Aisin 09G (VW 6-speed automatic): harsh 2–3 and 3–4 shifts
Engine (VW 1.6 MPI (CFNA, CWVA)): piston slap when cold; oil consumption on early engines.
Gearbox (Aisin 09G (VW 6-speed automatic)): shocks on 2–3 and 3–4 shifts; valve body and solenoid wear.
Which one to choose
- Jetta VI — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 3 II (BL) or Jetta VI?
3 II (BL): up to 105 hp, Jetta VI: up to 105 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 3 II (BL) — about 13 675 ₸, Jetta VI — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.