2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Honda Civic

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 curves around the rear window and doors gave it a forward-thinking appearance, though this design had its drawbacks. Inside, the cabin continued the theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant layout. 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 Honda Civic Si maintained a stealth-mode styling reminiscent of early pocket rockets. It featured LED headlights, fog lights, and a gloss-black lip spoiler, with discreet "Si" badges adding to its subtle appeal. The interior was more expressive, with red seat and door panel inserts and matching accents throughout the cabin. The metal mesh strip of trim hid the dashboard air vents, and the cabin employed gloss black surfaces and polished metal detailing. The Civic Si's interior was both sporty and functional, with metal pedal covers and an aluminum shift knob adding to its high-quality feel.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four was optional on the GS and standard on the GT, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, available on the GT Turbo trim, produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a fantastic engine sound. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering a perfect blend of precision and refinement.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si was equipped with a high-output version of the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It featured a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with a downshift rev-matching feature. The Civic Si's drivetrain included a single-mass lightweight flywheel and a helical limited-slip differential, enhancing its performance. The car was fun to drive, with a smooth engine and excellent steering. However, the braking system showed signs of overheating during hot testing weather, which was a concern. The Civic Si's fuel economy was rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an average of 8.0 L/100 km during testing.

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. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decently sized centre console compartment and helpful ergonomics.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si balanced practicality with performance. It featured sport-bolstered front seats and a manual transmission, with a roomy back seat offering generous legroom. The Civic Si's cargo space was commendable at 408 litres, with the ability to stow full-size suitcases on their sides. The car also had a 60/40-split folding back seat for carrying longer items.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. The system was not user-friendly, with a steep learning curve and confusing menu navigation. The car included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. The test model featured upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si was equipped with a 9-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system. The system was user-friendly, with easy pairing and intuitive controls. The Civic Si's interior technology was simple yet satisfying.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning, while the GT grade included adaptive headlights and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si came with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, some features were irksome, and the adaptive cruise control was not very responsive. The Civic Si earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.