2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle transformation, featuring an updated engine, minor exterior styling tweaks, and enhanced infotainment. The Jetta Highline trim, which was the focus of this review, showcased these changes. The exterior updates were so understated that they required a keen eye to notice. The front fascia, bumper, and grille received a chrome makeover, aligning with the standard LED headlights and daytime running lights. The rear maintained its taillight housing but introduced standard LED lighting. New wheel designs and metallic colours, such as Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue, were added to the palette. Inside, the Jetta's updates were equally subtle, with new cloth seat patterns and contrast stitching across all interiors. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather option and a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard, with the Highline featuring a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 presented a striking design with rakish headlights and a large grille, available in both sedan and hatchback styles. The hatchback, in particular, boasted a daring and futuristic design, though it had some practical drawbacks. Inside, the cabin continued the clean, futuristic theme, with a conventional shifter and easy-to-use climate controls. The steering wheel, while elegant, was cluttered with controls. Canadian trims included GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with varying transmission and drivetrain options. The base GX featured 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display. The GS added dual-zone climate control and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, while the GT included 18-inch wheels, paddle shifters, and leather upholstery. The GT Turbo hatchback offered a more powerful engine, making it the top trim for 2023.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four, offering a slight increase in horsepower. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, with the latter standard on the Highline trim. The Jetta was exclusively front-wheel drive. Fuel economy was impressive, with the manual version rated at 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined, while the automatic achieved 7.7 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 6.8 combined. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. The ride was comfortable, though the cabin wasn't the quietest. The powertrain had some drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag. Drive modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom, but the steering feedback was detached, and acceleration in stop-and-go traffic was jumpy.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-litre engine, producing 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, was optional on the GS and standard on the GT. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available on the GT trim, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD were standard with this engine. The driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a satisfying turbo engine sound. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering precision and refinement. Sport mode enhanced steering feedback and gear shifts, while the brakes provided a sports car-like feel. The Mazda3's handling was agile and balanced, absorbing road bumps with ease. The tap-shift function mirrored race-car sequential shifters, adding to the performance driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The front seats provided comfort, though the inclined edge of the bottom cushion might not suit shorter individuals. The cabin was driver-centric, with easily accessible buttons for climate control, audio, and seat controls. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, which was unusual but not problematic.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 569 litres. However, rear seat legroom was limited, especially with taller front-seat occupants, and the sloping roofline reduced headroom. The front seating area featured a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid's sliding mechanism was frustrating. Ergonomics were well thought out, with sizable cupholders.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster across all models. The Comfortline and Highline trims included an 8-inch infotainment system, with the Highline offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The system allowed for customization, such as displaying navigation in the instrument cluster. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch MIB2 system with capacitive-touch capabilities. Standard features included App-Connect, Bluetooth, two USB-C ports, and an SD card interface. Comfortline models and above added a charge-only port. The test vehicle included premium Beats Audio and remote start.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via a centre console dial. The system's menu navigation was clumsy, and the lack of touchscreen functionality was a drawback. The dial scrolling was unintuitive, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control. Upgrades in the test model included navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta in Canada came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Comfortline trim, along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist monitored driver attentiveness. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable side crash test score and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 included standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing wipers. The GT trim offered adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera. The Mazda3 hatchback's design posed a safety issue with a large blind spot due to the massive C-pillar. The IIHS rated the Mazda3 as a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA awarded it five stars in front crash and rollover tests.