2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback emerged as a beacon of opportunity amidst the declining popularity of hatchbacks in North America. As other automakers phased out this body style, Honda seized the moment with a redesigned model, aiming to capture a significant share of the remaining market. Manufactured in Indiana, the Civic Hatchback was one of the few compact cars still produced in North America, alongside its sedan counterpart built in Canada. The new design was expected to lay the groundwork for the 2023 Acura Integra, potentially sparking a hatchback revival. The Civic Hatchback's appeal was evident during a week-long test drive, although it was noted that there was room for improvement.

The Civic Hatchback shared its front-end design with the Civic sedan, featuring a distinct grille pattern and unique wheel designs. However, from the front doors to the rear, it was a different vehicle. The design cleverly addressed the common issue of hatchbacks appearing front-heavy, although the Civic still exhibited a somewhat stubby rear. Inside, the Civic Hatchback mirrored the sedan's interior, with the Sport Touring trim offering advanced digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. The overall sophistication was slightly marred by the CVT shifter operation, but the interior's high-quality feel was otherwise commendable.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, received a mid-cycle refresh for the model year. The seventh-generation model, which debuted in 2019, continued to offer the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design updates were subtle yet sporty, maintaining the narrow kidney grille and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights with a slimmed-down silhouette. The lower air intakes and character lines led to flared rear-wheel arches, creating an impactful first impression. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys, with an optional 19-inch upgrade, completed the look.

Inside, the 3 Series underwent significant design changes, featuring the new BMW iDrive 8 system powered by the automaker's most advanced operating system. The BMW Curved Display, a 27.2-inch continuous high-definition screen, dominated the cabin, offering a driver-centric cockpit. The minimalist dashboard design resulted in fewer buttons, enhancing the overall aesthetic. The 3 Series interior was both functional and stylish, with the iDrive controller knob remaining a hallmark of BMW's intuitive design.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The latter, available in Sport and Sport Touring trims, delivered peak torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, making it accessible for most driving conditions. The Civic Hatchback was front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive option. The CVT worked well with the turbocharged engine, offering a smooth driving experience, while the six-speed manual transmission was praised for its short throws and fluid gear engagement. The suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, although the brakes were not suited for repeated hard use. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with real-world testing nearly matching official estimates.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous model years, featuring a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six for the M340i. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 330e, with its eDrive electric motor, offered a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with up to 35 km of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Fuel economy was competitive across the trims, with the 330i xDrive achieving 8.6 L/100 km combined. The 3 Series offered a balanced driving experience, with precise steering and a comfortable suspension, although the turbo-four engine note was somewhat muted.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, offering a generous 693 litres of trunk space and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, although the load floor was not flat. Seating was comfortable, with the Sport Touring trim providing an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front and rear seats. The interior featured a mix of fabric, synthetic leather, and leather upholstery, with automatic climate control standard across trims. However, the lack of rear air conditioning vents was noted as a drawback.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a compact yet comfortable interior, with ample headroom and legroom for average-sized adults. The standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered good support, although the seat bottom cushion was on the stiff side. The leather steering wheel provided excellent grip, and the iDrive controller knob was intuitive to use. Cargo space measured 481 litres, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat design for added versatility. Standard features included a power moonroof, heated front seats, and remote start, with additional options available for enhanced comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen display in LX and Sport trims, and a 9-inch display in Sport Touring. The top-tier system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Physical knobs for sound system controls addressed previous criticisms, and the voice recognition system worked effectively. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display panel in the Sport Touring trim.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the iDrive 8 system, featuring a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a 10-speaker audio system. Optional upgrades included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following capability and Traffic Jam Assist, although these were only available with the CVT. The Civic Hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and new frontal-impact airbags.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, although the PHEV model was not rated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, missing the "Plus" distinction due to headlight performance. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. Additional safety systems were available in packages, offering features like active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.