Which has more space, the Axela or the Santana?

[PiperLee]

The Axela offers more space. Basic introduction to the Axela: The Mazda3 Axela is a car produced by Changan Mazda, featuring the third-generation model with the new "Skyactiv" technology and the "Kodo" design theme. This model prioritizes driving safety with an advanced human-machine interface and introduces the MZD Connect system for the first time, embodying a high-tech and user-friendly driving experience in every aspect. Basic introduction to the Santana: The Santana is a German car model. Since 1985, after more than 20 years of production, the classic Santana became ubiquitous across China. In October 2012, Shanghai Volkswagen announced the discontinuation of the old Santana (Santana 87) with a "Farewell, Santana" advertisement, marking the end of an era. The new Santana embarked on a new journey from Wolfsburg, Germany, to Beijing, symbolizing a fresh start.

[StKaylee]

I've driven the Mazda 3 Axela and Santana several times, and the Santana clearly offers more space. The Axela is a sports model with a compact design—it's agile in the front but has cramped legroom in the back. Fitting three people in the rear is quite tight, and loading large bags into the trunk is a hassle. The Santana, as Volkswagen's budget-friendly option, features a boxy interior layout. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate four tall adults, and the trunk can fit a large suitcase along with miscellaneous items—ideal for family road trips. My advice is to consider your daily needs when choosing a car. If you frequently carry passengers or lots of cargo, the Santana is more practical. If driving pleasure is your priority, the Axela delivers but falls short on space. Regularly clearing out clutter can also help maximize interior efficiency.

[MaciLee]

My family is large, and when traveling with kids, after experiencing both cars, the Santana definitely has the upper hand in space. The Mazda3's back seat is mostly taken up by a child safety seat, leaving adults squeezed uncomfortably beside it; the Santana's rear is much more spacious, allowing kids to jump and play, and the trunk has ample room for strollers, toys, and shopping bags. Large space isn't just about dimensions—it affects comfort and happiness. Long drives in the Santana don't leave you with backaches, and there's even space for umbrellas and wet items on rainy days. In practical use, the Mazda3 suits young couples, but the Santana is the true family car choice.

[Edmund]

From a young person's perspective on space, I test-drove the Mazda 3 Axela and the Santana, with the Santana coming out on top. The Axela has a stylish exterior but cramped rear legroom, making it uncomfortable for friends on outings; even fitting skateboards and luggage in the trunk was a squeeze. The Santana's design may be plain but it's more practical, with a backseat that comfortably seats three and a trunk spacious enough for camping gear and large items. When choosing a car, don't just focus on looks—space directly impacts daily convenience.

[VonDakota]

As a car enthusiast, I compared the data and found that the Santana usually offers more space. The Axela has a shorter wheelbase, resulting in a more compact interior with a trunk capacity of approximately 400 liters; in contrast, the Santana has a longer wheelbase, a well-designed cabin layout, more spacious rear seats, and a trunk exceeding 500 liters, providing stronger cargo capacity. The design philosophies differ—Mazda prioritizes handling at the expense of space, while Volkswagen pursues practicality and comfort, delivering greater volume. I recommend personally testing the rear seats to experience the difference, as this can significantly impact daily satisfaction.