2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded a sense of elegance and power reminiscent of majestic marine life. Its design elements, such as the lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille, gave it an aquatic appearance. Despite its high pricing, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials and a focus on improved quality, making the premium price more palatable.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic continued its legacy of setting benchmarks in the compact car segment. Available in sedan, hatchback, and Type R formats, the Civic was known for its polarizing design that had become familiar over time. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, presented a stylish appearance. The interior, though not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design, maintaining its role as a trendsetter.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i trim, was a powerhouse with its 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a rear-biased xDrive AWD drivetrain, M Sport differential, and massive M Sport brakes, making it a joy for driving enthusiasts. The 8-speed automatic transmission, though a departure from manual options, offered a launch-controlled acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, making it a practical choice for city driving.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with 174 horsepower. The latter, standard in the Touring trim, provided ample power and was paired with a CVT. While the CVT contributed to excellent fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, it was criticized for its droning nature. The Civic's independent suspension and steering offered a composed and gratifying driving experience, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured supportive front seats with high-quality leather and heating options, though it lacked ventilated seats. Rear-seat entry was awkward, but once inside, passengers enjoyed comfort and support. The infotainment system was well-integrated, and the trunk offered 479 litres of space, though its narrow design limited cargo capacity.

The 2021 Honda Civic, with its low seating position, required some effort to enter and exit. The interior was spacious, comparable to a decade-old midsize car, with excellent rear-seat comfort. The centre console provided ample storage, and the trunk offered 428 litres of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series boasted an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen, natural voice recognition, and optional gesture control. The system was intuitive, and the head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses. The voice recognition system was particularly praised for its effectiveness.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was showing its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited voice recognition capabilities. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation, but the voice recognition required specific prompts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were recommended for a better interface.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required the Advanced Driver Assistance package for the latest safety features, though the lane-keeping assist was noted for its abruptness. The car received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2021 Honda Civic came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. LaneWatch was available from the EX trim, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.