2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. Its bodywork was a blend of drama and sophistication, offering a daring yet refined appearance. The sedan version, which was tested, provided a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, came with all-wheel drive and offered a range of trims, including the Premium Plus. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus trim, featured high-quality materials like Nappa leather, and the design focused on the driver, with a clear and legible set of gauges and a well-integrated infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a new model the previous year, marked BMW's first foray into front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, it was a four-door sedan with a traditional trunk, offering a more affordable entry into the BMW brand. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with the option of xDrive all-wheel drive. The design aimed to balance the car's proportions, using visual elements like large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, the car adhered to BMW's modern design language, with a digital instrumentation display and upscale materials, providing a sophisticated feel despite its entry-level status.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a standout in terms of performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When fueled with 93-octane gas, it delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while 87-octane gas resulted in slightly lower figures. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, which enhanced corner-exit capability. The car's performance was transformative, offering smooth and predictable power delivery. The Mazda3 Turbo's dynamic tuning, including stiffer front suspension springs and dampers, contributed to its sporty character. Despite its performance focus, the car managed to maintain a balance between driving pleasure and practicality, although fuel economy during testing fell short of EPA estimates.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive model, offered a different kind of driving experience. With a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, it provided a quick and engaging drive. The car's performance was enhanced by features like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. In Sport mode, the 2 Series Gran Coupe delivered lively acceleration and a more involving exhaust note. The M Sport Package added to the driving enjoyment with its sharp and direct steering. While the suspension was firm, it contributed to the car's glued-to-the-road feel. The 2 Series Gran Coupe managed to exceed its EPA fuel economy estimate during testing, highlighting its efficiency.

The interior of the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was lined with Nappa leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, giving it a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat ventilation. The cabin was driver-focused, with adequate storage for personal items. The sedan offered 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback version provided more utility with up to 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, designed primarily for two passengers, offered sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats that were snug yet comfortable. The rear seats, while accessible through two extra doors, were cramped, with limited headroom and legroom. The trunk, however, was spacious at 15.2 cubic feet, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility. Despite its fast roofline, the Gran Coupe did not offer the same cargo flexibility as BMW's larger Gran Coupe models.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which delivered good audio quality, especially with FLAC files. The car also included a head-up display that remained visible with polarized sunglasses.

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 fully digital 10.25-inch display in the Premium Package. The infotainment system, using iDrive 7.0 technology, included an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and excellent voice recognition. The car also offered a premium sound system and an optional head-up display, although it was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace the driver. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a range of ADAS under the Active Driving Assistant umbrella, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The lane-keeping system was effective but could be aggressive. The car missed a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to headlight performance and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results, but it received top ratings for crash protection.