2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its dramatic yet sophisticated styling. Its bodywork exuded a sense of daring refinement, which earned it accolades such as the World Car Design of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year awards for 2020. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback variant. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo sedan, with its Premium Package and Machine Gray Metallic paint, provided a visually appealing experience, complemented by a high-contrast two-tone interior featuring white leather. This interior design, along with the attention to detail and quality materials, supported Mazda's push into the premium segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class showcased a cohesive design that borrowed elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a stylish sedan recognizable from any angle. The cab-rearward proportions emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, distinguishing it from the front-wheel-drive CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights, with the option to upgrade to the Mercedes Digital Light system, added to its allure. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, ambient lighting, and intricate speaker grilles. Despite its luxury billing, the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was a reminder of its price range, though Nappa leather seats were available.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. This 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, including stiffer front suspension springs and dampers, provided a sporty ride, while the G-Vectoring Control Plus software improved cornering. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 maintained a balance of driving pleasure and practicality, though its fuel consumption during testing was higher than estimated.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup allowed for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.0 seconds. The C300's nine-speed automatic transmission, while generally quick, exhibited some turbo lag and rough shifts. The ride quality was luxurious, with muted impacts over bumps, though it lacked the finesse of more sophisticated air-suspension systems. On twisty roads, the C-Class demonstrated good body control and precise steering, but required a more deliberate approach to cornering compared to the best sports sedans.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuded a luxury feel. However, it lacked certain premium features, such as power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, and storage space was adequate but not exceptional. The sedan offered 374 litres of trunk space, while the hatchback variant provided more utility with 569 litres behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, longer and wider than its predecessor, offered increased interior space, with improved headroom and rear-seat legroom. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was less competitive. The seats were comfortable, with enough bolstering for spirited driving, and the trunk offered 455 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench allowed for longer items, though Mercedes did not provide a cargo-space figure with the seats folded.

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 premium audio system, which delivered good sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Premium Package included an Active Driving Display, which remained visible with polarized sunglasses, providing useful information such as speed and safety technology status.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted an infotainment setup inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the MBUX infotainment system with a "Zero Layer" setup for easy access to functions. The voice recognition system was among the best, and the optional augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance with overlaid arrows on a front-camera feed. Touch controls on the steering wheel were intuitive, grouped by function on four spokes.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace the driver. The Premium Package added features like a high-definition surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in safety ratings, earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not tested it at the time of publication. The C-Class came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe features. Optional features included lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera system, and Car-to-X communication, which provided advance warnings based on shared information between vehicles.