2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked a sense of awe similar to the majestic humpback whales the reviewer encountered during his time as a deckhand. The car's design, with its lidded headlights, bulging curved hood, wide lower air intakes, and oversize grille, gave it an aquatic appearance. Despite its high price, starting at $40,750 and rising to $56,000 for the M340i with xDrive, the 3 Series was praised for its driving experience, especially the M340i trim. The interior, featuring off-white Ivory leather and Tanzanite Blue exterior paint, was noted for its quality and personalization options.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, which won the World Car Design of the Year for 2020, was lauded for its dramatic and sophisticated bodywork. The sedan version, tested in Premium Plus trim with extra-cost Machine Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $33,890. The interior, lined with white Nappa leather, exuded a premium feel, although it lacked some features like rear-seat air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The Mazda3's design focused on the driver, with a high-contrast two-tone interior and attention to detail, making it a legitimate entry-luxury car.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series addressed previous criticisms of its driving dynamics with significant structural and suspension changes. The M340i trim, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offered a thrilling driving experience. The car's variable sport steering, rear M Sport differential, and M Sport brakes contributed to its handling prowess. Despite the standard 8-speed automatic transmission, the M340i xDrive's performance, including a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, was impressive, making it a joy to drive even in daily conditions.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel. The car's six-speed automatic transmission, paired with the i-Activ AWD system, provided smooth and predictable performance. The Mazda3 Turbo's Sport mode enhanced driving dynamics, while the G-Vectoring Control Plus software improved cornering. Despite its torsion beam rear axle suspension, the car's handling was finely tuned for maximum driving pleasure. However, the test drive resulted in an average of 20.4 mpg, falling short of the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered simple and supportive front seats, equipped with high-quality leather, heaters, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat entry and exit were awkward, but once inside, the seats provided excellent support. The car's controls were somewhat cryptic, but the widescreen infotainment system and iDrive were well-integrated. Storage space was generous, with a trunk capacity of 17 cubic feet, although it appeared narrow.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo featured Nappa leather seats and a heated steering wheel, but lacked front seat ventilation and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. In-cabin storage was adequate, but the optional wireless smartphone charger reduced center console bin capacity. The sedan's trunk space measured 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback version offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series' iDrive infotainment system had evolved significantly, featuring a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive menu pathways and an excellent voice recognition system. The head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system included an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were major drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed well with high-quality audio files. The head-up display was useful, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required two Driving Assistance option packages for full ADAS features. While the systems were accurate, they lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist system was abrupt, reminding drivers to stay engaged. The car earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, adaptive front lighting, and exclusive features like low-speed reverse automatic braking and Traffic Jam Assist. The ADAS operated smoothly, encouraging use. The Mazda3 earned top five-star ratings in NHTSA testing, although the IIHS had not yet carried over its Top Safety Pick+ rating from 2020.