2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out due to its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, however, was more aligned with the upmarket competition, especially in the U.S. market where sedans were preferred. The Mazda3 sedan with the Premium Package and AWD featured 18-inch alloy wheels that complemented its design. The front grille and round running lamps added to its aesthetic appeal, although the rear design of the sedan felt somewhat disproportionate. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and a cockpit-style feel. While the materials were padded and leather-clad, they didn't quite match the luxury standards of more expensive sedans. The construction felt less sturdy, with a light and hollow sound when closing the trunk or doors.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, marked BMW's first U.S. car with standard FWD. It was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive AWD optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2 Series Gran Coupe's design included visual tricks to balance its proportions, such as large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, it adhered to BMW's modern design with geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and the optional leather was appealing. Despite being an entry-level BMW, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, when equipped with features like the M Sport Package, felt sophisticated and well-appointed.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine. The Mazda3's handling was precise, with minimal roll through corners, although the torsion beam rear suspension was a cost-cutting measure that affected ride quality over rough roads. The engine was predictable but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. A six-speed manual transmission was available only with the FWD hatchback model, while most models, including the test vehicle, came with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive model, was powered by a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It featured an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and AWD, with performance-enhancing technology like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The 228i xDrive accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, offering a lively driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The M Sport Package enhanced the driving dynamics with M Sport steering, providing a sharp and direct feel. The suspension was firm but kept the car glued to the road, although the all-season run-flat tires squealed at the limit of adhesion.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. The interior offered ample room for the driver, with supportive front seats and soft surfaces. However, rear legroom was tight, and the large transmission hump in the rear middle seat was a drawback. The sedan's trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for two passengers, with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats. However, rear seat access was challenging, and space was limited, with hard plastic front seatbacks causing discomfort. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment under the load floor, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility. Despite its fast roofline, the Gran Coupe lacked the cargo versatility of a sportback design.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, controlled via a rotary dial instead of a touchscreen. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The graphics were sharp, and the head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges, or Live Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch digital display. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The system was responsive and easy to use, with multiple control options, including voice recognition. The premium sound system had ten speakers, and Gesture Control was available for stereo adjustments.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with Good ratings in all crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more, often standard in mass-market vehicles.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered the Active Driving Assistant package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick due to Poor or Marginal headlight ratings and a less-than-perfect vehicle-to-pedestrian test result.