2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with prices starting at $44,990 and reaching up to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured a distinct powertrain, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The M3 and M3 Competition were the high-performance options. The M340i xDrive test vehicle, priced at nearly $80,000, featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, and several packages, including the Advanced Driver Assistance and Premium Enhanced packages. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, resulting in a stylish and performance-oriented appearance. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided an upscale look, with quality materials and a design focused on driving enjoyment.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to be available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, with three trim levels and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Canadian buyers could opt for a six-speed manual transmission in both sedan and hatch configurations. Prices ranged from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrade costs and a $1,750 destination charge. The test car was a top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, priced at $38,981. While the Mazda3's appearance wasn't universally appealing, it exuded a mature and serious vibe. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale atmosphere. The Mazda3 Turbo's stealthy nature, combined with its quality and affordability, made it an attractive choice for those seeking more value than an entry-level luxury car.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. It achieved a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The M340i's eight-speed automatic transmission, with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, provided seamless power delivery to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The xDrive AWD system was standard, except for the M3 and plug-in hybrid models. The M340i featured M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with an optional Adaptive M Suspension for enhanced driving dynamics. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, and the car's performance was exhilarating, with precise handling and a strong connection to the driver.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel consumption of 7.6 L/100 km. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption between 7.8 and 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with a six-speed automatic and AWD, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, with fuel consumption of 8.8 L/100 km for the sedan and 8.9 L/100 km for the hatchback. The Mazda3 Turbo's performance was engaging, with a smooth power delivery and a fun-to-drive nature. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during spirited driving, and the ride exhibited hints of float on uneven roads. Despite these minor issues, the Mazda3 Turbo was a brilliant car with exceptional quality and style.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, with its traditional four-door sedan design, offered a balance of driving satisfaction and passenger comfort. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support, a perfect driving position, and a well-shaped steering wheel. Rear seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, making the 3 Series suitable for four tall occupants. The back seat provided good thigh support, but the centre rear seating position was less practical. The car came with a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, with optional heated rear seats. Interior storage was decent, and the 481-litre trunk offered ample cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, sitting low to the ground, posed challenges for entry and exit, with small door openings. However, once inside, the car offered a snug and comfortable fit, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The interior featured leather upholstery, user-friendly controls, and excellent thigh and side bolster support. The back seat, while decent for shorter passengers, lacked legroom for taller occupants and did not have rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,334 litres with the seat folded down, while the sedan provided 374 litres of trunk space.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. While the digital gauges lacked the charm of traditional analog ones, the infotainment technology package was user-friendly. BMW iDrive 7.0 provided intuitive controls, including a centre console knob, touchscreen display, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The car also featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering conversational voice recognition. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch static display, Bluetooth, and centre console controls. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, focusing on minimizing driver distraction. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system requiring specific commands posed challenges. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for music streaming and navigation. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for two years, offered remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. The car came with an eight-speaker audio system, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The available Traffic Jam Assistant combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for semi-autonomous driving. An Emergency Stop Assistant detected unresponsive drivers and initiated an SOS call. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety features, though most were not standard in Canada. Standard features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist available as options. GT grades added adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.