2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a new addition to the established 2 Series lineup, which had been known for its true two-door coupe and convertible models since 2014. These models were celebrated for their simplicity and compact design, reminiscent of the classic 3 Series from two decades ago. The Gran Coupe, however, was built on a different platform, sharing its architecture with the BMW X1 and X2, as well as the Mini Clubman and Countryman. This front-wheel-drive bias platform contrasted with the rear-wheel-drive bias of the traditional 2 Series Coupe and Convertible. The Gran Coupe's front end echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with swooping headlights and an angular twin-kidney grille, but the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic of the two-door coupe. Inside, the Gran Coupe featured a modern cockpit layout with solid fit-and-finish, although it lacked the elegance of Mercedes-Benz interiors. The 2 Series offered various model designations, with the Gran Coupe available in the 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive forms.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out for its unique curves and silhouette. Despite the sedan's more traditional appeal, the Mazda3's design was special in any form. Our test vehicle, a Mazda3 sedan with the Premium Package and all-wheel drive, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a stunning blacked-out mesh front grille. The side profile was sculpted without being angular, unlike competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The rear design of the sedan felt slightly out of proportion, but the hatchback's rounded shape eliminated this issue. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and a cockpit-style feel. The materials were soft and well-padded, although not quite up to luxury sedan standards. The Mazda3's design was complemented by a solid construction, although the sheet metal felt less substantial than expected.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series 228i Gran Coupe was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or xDrive all-wheel drive. While the engine was refined and provided solid power for city and backroad driving, there was noticeable turbo lag, making acceleration from a standstill less exciting. The Drive Mode selector offered Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode adding liveliness to the driving experience. For those seeking more power, the M235i variant offered 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp and responsive, but the front-wheel-drive layout lacked the organic feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible. Body roll was minimal, but the car struggled to absorb road imperfections, making it less suitable for areas with poor road conditions.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous generation, which offered a 2.0-liter engine with 155 horsepower. The Mazda3's engine was predictable but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged engines. Mazda announced a turbocharged version for 2021, using the 2.5-liter turbocharged unit from the CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs. The Mazda3's steering was precise, with minimal body roll through corners, but the torsion beam rear suspension, a cost-cutting decision, affected ride quality over rough roads. Enthusiasts might miss the previous generation's multi-link suspension, but everyday drivers might not notice the difference. The Mazda3 offered a six-speed manual transmission, but only with the front-wheel-drive hatchback model and higher trim levels. Most models, including our test vehicle, came with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series offered supportive and comfortable front seats, with ample legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, this came at the expense of rear-seat legroom, making the second row suitable only for occasional use. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls. The cupholders and center console were small, requiring larger water bottles to be placed in the in-door cupholders. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible offered 13.1 and 11.8 cubic feet of trunk space, respectively, with the Convertible's space reduced to 8.8 cubic feet with the top down.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length on a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. Despite its dimensions, the Mazda3 offered plenty of room for the driver, with ample headroom and supportive front seats. The rear seat was tight on legroom, but the soft front seatbacks mitigated discomfort. The materials held up well, even with over 10,000 miles on the odometer. The Mazda3's interior was marred by a large transmission hump ahead of the rear middle seat, affecting passenger comfort. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible came standard with a 6.5-inch iDrive display controlled via a dial in the center console. The Gran Coupe featured a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Our test model included a fully-digital instrument panel with customizable navigation display and a head-up display. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and helpful center console buttons for quick menu navigation.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's interior design placed the 8.8-inch infotainment display high on the dashboard, blending seamlessly into the design. Mazda eliminated touch functionality, opting for a rotary dial controller between the front seats. Dedicated buttons and an enhanced volume knob complemented the system, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The infotainment software was faster than previous versions, with sharp graphics and thin fonts. The head-up display now reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, a backup camera, rain-sensing wipers, and a full array of airbags. Available features included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable via a central dashboard button.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, receiving a Good rating in all crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Premium Package's LED headlights received a Good rating, while lower trims scored Acceptable. Mazda offered advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support. These features were increasingly common in mass-market vehicles but often optional in luxury segments.