2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2019 BMW 3 Series

The 2019 BMW 3 Series showcased BMW's evolutionary design philosophy, avoiding major transformations and maintaining a timeless appeal. The car was slightly longer and wider than its predecessors but retained a compact footprint, making it easy to park and maneuver. The most noticeable design change was the removal of the Hoffmeister kink on the rear doors, replaced by a piece of black trim. The front of the car was instantly recognizable with its signature kidney grilles and LED running lamps, while the tail featured simplified and squashed-down LED lights. Inside, the 3 Series kept a familiar layout with a driver-focused dash, digital instrument panel, and high-quality materials, though some surfaces felt coarse compared to previous models.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, stood out with its curvaceous and unique design, especially the hatchback. The sedan, aimed at competing with upmarket models, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a blacked-out mesh front grille. The side profile was sculpted without sharp lines, setting it apart from competitors. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with a cockpit-style feel and high-quality materials. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, while the rear seats offered decent space despite a tight legroom. The trunk space was modest, with 13.2 cubic feet in the sedan and 20.1 cubic feet in the hatchback.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series, particularly the 330i xDrive, was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was praised for its smoothness and power, though it had some turbo lag at low speeds. The M340i model, with a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine, offered near-M3 performance with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 330i featured an 8-speed automatic transmission with perfect shifts and intuitive programming. The M Sport package added a lower and firmer suspension, variable-ratio steering, and a widened body kit, enhancing the car's handling. Fuel economy for the 330i xDrive was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a predictable performance but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. Mazda announced a turbocharged version for 2021. The Mazda3's handling was precise, though the torsion beam rear suspension, a cost-cutting measure, resulted in a less sophisticated ride compared to multi-link suspensions. The car was available with a six-speed manual transmission, but only in the FWD hatchback model with higher trim levels. Most models came with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series offered a spacious interior with good visibility and supportive seats. The backseat provided ample legroom, and the trunk had a capacity of 17 cubic feet. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a touchscreen that supported various gestures, and the climate controls were easy to use. USB-C ports were available for connectivity.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was 175.6 inches long. The interior provided plenty of room for the driver, with supportive front seats and soft materials. The backseat was tight on legroom, but the front seatbacks were soft. The trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space in the sedan and 20.1 cubic feet in the hatchback, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series featured an extensive array of technology, though many required subscription fees. The iDrive system was customizable and updated over the air, with features like gesture control and a personal assistant. The car offered a digital key option and remote start via the BMW Connected App. The Driving Assistance Professional Package provided advanced driver assistance features, including automatic steering around curves.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display positioned high on the dashboard, controlled via a rotary dial. The system eliminated touch functionality, which Mazda argued was safer. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM were included. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top ratings in all crash tests and for its optional laser headlights and standard forward emergency braking. Pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Traffic Jam Assist were available.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 also earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support.