2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the legacy of its predecessors by offering a design that was both familiar and polarizing. Over the years, Honda had introduced segment-defining models, and the 10th-generation Civic was no exception. It was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-oriented Type R. The 2021 model year saw the discontinuation of the two-door coupe and a temporary hiatus for the Civic Si. The Civic sedan, available in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, started at an MSRP of $23,400 Canadian, with the Touring trim reaching $31,331, including fees. The Cosmic Blue Metallic paint added a touch of elegance to the Touring trim, although opinions on the overall styling varied depending on the angle and lighting.

Inside, the Civic's interior, once considered daring, showed signs of aging, particularly with its 7-inch infotainment screen. However, it still boasted quality materials and thoughtful design elements. The cabin was spacious, offering midsize car-like interior and trunk space, which was a significant advantage in the compact car segment. The Civic's styling, while divisive, had become a familiar sight on the roads, with over a million units sold. The Touring trim's 18-inch wheels and Cosmic Blue paint added to its appeal, but the design could be polarizing depending on the viewer's perspective.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i xDrive, offered a blend of performance and luxury. The model lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with prices ranging from $44,990 to $93,500, excluding destination charges. The M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission, coupled with BMW's xDrive AWD system, provided a seamless driving experience. The M340i's exterior design, with its exclusive grille, bumper designs, and 19-inch wheels, exuded a sporty yet refined look.

Inside, the M340i's interior was a testament to BMW's commitment to quality and driving enjoyment. The power-adjustable front sport seats offered excellent support, while the rear seats provided adequate legroom for four passengers. The three-zone automatic climate control system ensured comfort, although the absence of ventilated front seats was notable. The 481-litre trunk and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats added practicality to the sporty sedan. The M340i's interior design focused on technical precision rather than opulence, aligning with BMW's emphasis on driving dynamics.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine delivering 174 horsepower. The latter, standard on the Touring trim, provided ample power and torque, making the Civic a spirited drive. The sophisticated suspension and steering systems contributed to its composed handling, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, as it lacked the engagement of a manual or dual-clutch transmission. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a 225-kilometre loop, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i, boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission, equipped with a Sport mode and paddle shifters, delivered power seamlessly to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i's performance was impressive, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds. The car's handling was exceptional, thanks to the M Sport suspension and variable sport steering. The optional Adaptive M Suspension further enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The M340i's fuel consumption was commendable, averaging 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan offered a spacious interior, comparable to a midsize car from a decade ago. The low seating position required some effort to enter and exit, but once inside, the seats were comfortable. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats provided excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle, although the absence of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The centre console offered ample storage space, and the trunk, with a capacity of 428 litres (416 litres for the Touring trim), was generous for the class.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i, combined driving satisfaction with passenger comfort and practicality. The power-adjustable front sport seats provided excellent support, and the driving position was ideal. Rear seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, although the centre rear seating position was less practical. The three-zone automatic climate control system ensured comfort, and the 481-litre trunk offered ample cargo space. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seats added versatility, although a sports wagon variant would have been even more practical.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was showing its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited infotainment features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation, but the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, providing a more user-friendly interface. The premium sound system was a nice addition, but the eight-speaker setup was adequate for most users.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series featured the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the lack of traditional analog gauges was missed, the iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive and easy to use. The car came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system available. The Connected Package Pro technology included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which offered conversational voice recognition. The optional head-up display and Advanced Driver Assistance Package added to the car's technological appeal.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also featured LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, although it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered Active Guard, a package of safety features that included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The available Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant added to the car's safety credentials. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.