2024 Acura Integra 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 a more conventional look, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The rear angles of the hatchback curved up around the rear window and doors, creating a clean and forward-thinking aesthetic. Inside, the cabin continued this theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant design. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The climate controls were straightforward, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S stood out with its widebody appearance and aggressive detailing. It shared many components with the Honda Civic Type R, including a turbocharged engine and performance modifications. The redesigned front end featured a substantial increase in front track width, 19-inch alloy wheels, and aerodynamic aids. The rear track was also wider, with a lower body kit and rear fender flares. The interior was similar to the Integra A-Spec, with Type S emblems and Ultrasuede seat inserts. However, the quality of materials was not always up to expectations for a vehicle of its price.

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. A 2.5-litre engine was available, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with AWD as an option. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine in the GT Turbo trim produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a responsive transmission. The handling was precise and refined, providing a balanced and agile ride.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S shared its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with the Honda Civic Type R, producing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It featured a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev matching and a limited-slip differential. The suspension was tuned for a more compliant ride, and the car sat on 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The driving experience was thrilling, with minimal torque steer and excellent grip. However, the car was loud, and the steering could have been more responsive. The fuel economy was rated at 9.9 L/100 km, with a real-world range of around 435 km.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 569 litres. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decent centre console and ergonomic design.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured front sport seats with aggressive bolsters and a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The rear seats offered decent legroom but lacked thigh support and storage options. The sportback body style provided a 688-litre cargo area, which could be expanded by folding the rear seats.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a rotary dial. The system was not user-friendly, with a steep learning curve and confusing menu navigation. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S was equipped with a 10.2-inch digital display and a 9-inch infotainment screen. The system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen interface and physical controls. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the wireless charging pad was unreliable, and the audio quality was affected by the car's noise levels.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The car received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S came with AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The car had ten airbags and parking sensors but lacked some features due to its manual transmission. The standard Integra received high safety ratings, which boded well for the Type S.