2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its distinctive design, reminiscent of the original MINI models, while incorporating modern updates. Despite its growth over the years, the MINI retained its playful character, especially in the Cooper S and JCW variants. The 2022 refresh brought restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, enhancing its quirky appeal. However, the new grille design accentuated the car's awkward proportions, particularly in lighter colours. Inside, the MINI Convertible offered a retro-modern feel with a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The convertible top added a unique open-air experience, though the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its sleek and mature appearance, appealing to those who appreciated understated elegance. The hatchback's sculpted design, while not universally loved, showcased a certain artistry. Inside, the Mazda3 offered a refined and sophisticated environment with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. The interior was snug yet comfortable, with excellent support and user-friendly controls. However, the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the lack of rear air vents and USB ports was a drawback. The hatchback provided decent storage space, with a cargo capacity of 569 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,334 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant featured a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, delivered a lively driving experience, though it lacked the go-kart handling of earlier models. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.1 L/100 km, but the test car averaged 8.7 L/100 km. The JCW models offered even more power with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, but the MINI's steering and brake feel were less precise than expected.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 provided a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with a consumption of 7.6 L/100 km. The popular non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivered 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption ranging from 7.8 to 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with standard AWD, offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel, with a consumption of 8.8 to 8.9 L/100 km. The Mazda3 Turbo provided a smooth and exhilarating driving experience, with gradual power delivery and excellent handling. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during spirited driving, and the fuel tank's limited capacity required frequent refuelling.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly unusable rear seats. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more practicality could opt for other MINI models with better passenger and cargo space.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position and small door openings made entry and exit challenging, but the interior was well-designed for the driver. The front seats offered excellent support, and the controls were user-friendly, except for the infotainment system. The back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the lack of rear air vents and USB ports was a drawback. The hatchback provided adequate storage space, with a cargo capacity of 569 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,334 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, offering Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The system was based on BMW's iDrive technology and included a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display and a Harman Kardon sound system were available. The system's screens performed well, even in convertible models, and the sound system impressed with its quality.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display with Bluetooth, controlled via a centre console knob. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for connectivity. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions, and a Bose sound system was available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, enhancing safety.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible's increased size contributed to improved safety, but crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard Driving Assistant technology included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was not available, impacting visibility with the top raised.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with top ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while other features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. The GT trim offered advanced features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera. The driver-assist systems performed reliably, enhancing trust in the technology.