2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design, capturing the World Car Design of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year awards for 2020. Its styling was a blend of drama and sophistication, offering a refined yet daring appearance. The sedan version, which was tested, provided a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo sedan, with its Premium Package and Machine Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $36,881 Canadian, showcasing a high-contrast two-tone interior with white leather that elevated its premium appeal. Despite some use of hard plastics, the interior design was driver-focused, with a seamless integration of the Mazda Connect infotainment system into the dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic, known for its segment-defining models every decade, maintained its reputation with the 10th-generation model. The Civic sedan, available in various trims, was priced from $23,400 to $31,331 Canadian, with the Touring trim in Cosmic Blue Metallic paint being tested. The Civic's design, once polarizing, had become familiar on the roads, with its styling either loved or hated. The interior, though not as dramatic as when first introduced, still offered quality materials and thoughtful detailing. The Civic's cabin was spacious, akin to a midsize car from a decade ago, providing comfort for passengers, though lacking rear air conditioning vents.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a standout in performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. When fueled with 93-octane gas, it delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while 87-octane gas resulted in 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software provided improved handling, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, reflecting spirited driving rather than powertrain inefficiency.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 174 hp and 162 lb-ft. The latter, standard in the Touring trim, provided ample power for the Civic. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering offered excellent ride and handling qualities, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning nature and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated front seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The trunk offered 374 litres of space, while the hatchback variant provided more utility with 569 litres behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, though low to the ground, offered a spacious interior comparable to a midsize car. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Leather upholstery was standard only in the Touring trim. The rear seats provided excellent thigh support and comfort, though rear air vents were absent. The Civic's centre console offered remarkable storage space, and the trunk measured 428 litres, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering good sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Premium Package included a head-up display, visible with polarized sunglasses, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was showing its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation. The voice recognition system required specific prompts, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and voice commands. The premium sound system was a nice addition, but the standard eight-speaker setup was adequate.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Package added features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. LaneWatch, available from the EX trim, provided a live video feed of the right lane but had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.