2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 MINI Cooper

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, was a standout in terms of design. The hatchback, in particular, boasted a unique silhouette with flowing curves that set it apart from other vehicles on the road. The sedan, while more traditional, still offered a premium look that aimed to compete with luxury brands. The test vehicle, a sedan with the Premium Package and all-wheel drive, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a striking blacked-out mesh front grille. The interior design leaned towards minimalism, with a focus on simplicity and premium materials, although it fell short of true luxury standards. Despite its stylish appearance, the Mazda3's sheet metal felt somewhat insubstantial, lacking the solid construction found in higher-end vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 MINI Cooper was instantly recognizable with its iconic rounded shape and compact dimensions. The car offered a wide range of customization options, including various exterior colors and roof graphics like the Union Jack flag. Inside, the MINI continued its unique design language with circular elements throughout the cabin, including the infotainment touchscreen and air vents. While the interior quality was generally high, space was limited, particularly in the rear seats, which were more suitable for cargo than passengers. The front seats provided adequate comfort, but taller drivers might have found the dash design intrusive.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's performance was somewhat compromised by its torsion beam rear suspension, a cost-cutting measure that replaced the previous multi-link setup. While this change might not have been noticeable to everyday drivers, enthusiasts likely missed the more sophisticated handling of the earlier model. The car was powered by a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged alternatives. A six-speed manual transmission was available, but only in specific configurations, making the six-speed automatic the more common choice.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower. The Cooper S featured a 189-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) and JCW GP models offered 228 hp and 301 hp, respectively. All models came with front-wheel drive, and transmission options included a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic, with the JCW GP featuring an eight-speed automatic. The MINI's small size contributed to its lively performance, though the ride could be stiff and twitchy at higher speeds. Fuel economy varied significantly depending on the model, with the most efficient being the Convertible at 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

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. Despite its size, the interior offered ample space for the driver, with supportive front seats and high-quality materials. However, rear legroom was limited, and the transmission hump in the back 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 MINI Cooper's interior was more suited for cargo than passengers, with the rear seats best used for storage. The front seats were comfortable, but the overall space was tight, especially for taller drivers. Interior storage was limited, with small center console and door pockets. The Cooper Hatchback offered decent cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the Convertible had minimal storage under the folding top compartment.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, controlled via a rotary dial rather than touch. This design choice aimed to reduce distractions while driving. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with faster software and sharp graphics. A head-up display projected onto the windshield added to the premium feel.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's base model came with a 6.5-inch screen, with an optional 8.8-inch unit offering additional features like SiriusXM and Apple CarPlay. The MINI's infotainment system, borrowed from BMW, included a physical iDrive controller, though its placement made it difficult to use. Android Auto was notably absent, leaving many users reliant on Bluetooth.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, among others.

The 2021 MINI Cooper did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with mixed ratings for headlights and crash prevention systems. The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional features available as options.