2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and forward-thinking aesthetics of the hatchback were among the most innovative in the market, excluding some electric vehicles. Inside, the Mazda3 continued its clean and futuristic theme with a simple yet elegant cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, maintained an elegant design. Trim levels in Canada included the GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with various features and drivetrain options available.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta had a more conservative appearance, typical of Volkswagen's design philosophy. While it lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations, the Jetta remained visually inoffensive. The interior of the Highline trim channeled a touch of luxury, with ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large sunroof. The Jetta's cabin felt upscale, offering emotional value at a competitive price. Despite its bland exterior, the Jetta's interior was well-appointed, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for its occupants.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, available on the GS and standard on the GT, delivered 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The highlight was the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine in the GT Turbo trim, producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The turbo engine provided moderate acceleration, shining in second gear and Sport mode. The car's handling was precise and refined, offering a perfect blend of agility and comfort.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, generating 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Trendline and Comfortline trims came with a six-speed manual transmission, while the Highline had an eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's driving experience was characterized by zippy acceleration and light, responsive steering. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a noticeable delay in acceleration, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. The Jetta's handling was predictable and accurate, with impressive all-season tires providing excellent grip. Despite its quirks, the Jetta offered a rewarding driving experience, especially on mountain roads.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 569 litres. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decently sized centre console and ergonomic design. The Mazda3 was best suited for front-seat use, with the rear seats reserved for occasional use.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, successfully straddled the compact and midsize sedan segments. It comfortably accommodated four adults, with the option to fit a fifth passenger for short trips. The interior storage space was generous, and the trunk offered 399 litres of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The Jetta's interior was well-appointed, with features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats were spacious, with ample legroom and supportive seat cushions.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. This system was a weak point, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were also confusing to use. The Mazda3 offered two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model featured upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline featured a 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included proximity-sensing, knobs for volume and menu functions, and shortcut tiles for main system menus. While the infotainment system had some quirks, such as requiring multiple inputs to change radio stations, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Car-Net connected services provided additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine starting. The Highline trim included a Beats Audio premium audio system, though it was not as satisfying as previous Fender systems.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GT grade offered adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, posing a safety concern. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta's standard safety features included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Comfortline trim added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Travel Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. The Jetta's driver-assistance suite was generally effective, though it occasionally issued inaccurate warnings. The Emergency Assist feature was a standout, capable of identifying an unresponsive driver and bringing the car to a safe stop. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta's safety as Poor in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test.