2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from the traditional two-door coupe design, adopting a four-door layout with a sloping roofline. This model shared its platform with the BMW X1 and X2, as well as the Mini Clubman and Countryman, resulting in a front-wheel-drive bias. The front end of the 2 Series Gran Coupe echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with swooping headlights and an angular twin-kidney grille. However, the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic of the two-door coupe, with evident pillars and awkward window trim. Inside, the Gran Coupe featured a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though it lacked the elegance of Mercedes-Benz interiors. The 2 Series lineup offered various model designations, with the Gran Coupe available in 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive forms. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe came with standard features like power-folding heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control, while optional packages added amenities such as a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, after its 2019 redesign, was celebrated for its dramatic and sophisticated design, winning the World Car Design of the Year for 2020. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured all-wheel drive and came in standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior of the Mazda3 Turbo was lined with Nappa leather, offering a luxurious feel, though it lacked some premium features like front seat ventilation and rear-seat amenities. The cabin was driver-focused, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment. Trunk space in the sedan measured 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series 228i Gran Coupe was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or xDrive all-wheel drive. While the engine was refined, it suffered from turbo lag, making acceleration from a standstill less exciting. The Drive Mode selector offered Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode providing a more engaging experience. The M235i variant offered more power with 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp and responsive, but its front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible. The car's suspension struggled to absorb road imperfections, making it less suitable for areas with poor road conditions.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel. With 87-octane gas, the output was slightly reduced to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, which improved corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight to the car, yet significantly enhanced performance. The Mazda3 Turbo's driving experience was smooth and predictable, with Sport mode adjusting the transmission and G-Vectoring Control Plus for improved cornering. The car's steering feel and response were enhanced, and the suspension was tuned to handle the added weight. Despite lacking summer tires, the Mazda3 Turbo was calibrated for maximum driving pleasure. During testing, the car averaged 20.4 mpg, falling short of the EPA estimate of 27 mpg, though this was attributed to the driving style during the test.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series offered supportive and comfortable front seats, with ample legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, this came at the expense of rear-seat legroom, making the second row suitable only for occasional use. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls. The cupholders and center console were small, limiting storage options. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible offered slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible's capacity further reduced when the top was lowered.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with Nappa leather, offering a luxurious feel, though it lacked some premium features like front seat ventilation and rear-seat amenities. The cabin was driver-focused, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment. In-cabin storage was adequate, but the optional wireless smartphone charging location reduced center console storage capacity. The sedan's trunk space measured 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch iDrive touchscreen, offering touch functionality and Android Auto. It also featured wireless Apple CarPlay, providing convenience for smartphone users. The test model included a fully-digital instrument panel, with customizable navigation display and a head-up display. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and center console buttons for easy navigation.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, combining an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. A WiFi hotspot was available, and the MyMazda smartphone app allowed remote operation of the car's features. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, and the voice-recognition technology was subpar. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, offering good audio quality, though satellite radio performance was lacking. The car also featured an Active Driving Display, providing useful information to the driver.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a backup camera. Available features included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable, enhancing safety without being distracting.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped with the i-ActiveSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems, designed to support the driver and prevent collisions. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.