2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its dramatic yet sophisticated bodywork. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a conservative yet eye-catching design, while the hatchback variant was noted for its aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with the Premium Plus trim adding luxurious touches like Nappa leather. Despite some use of hard plastics, the interior was well-designed, focusing on the driver and exuding a premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper maintained its iconic design while incorporating modern updates. The refreshed model featured new bumpers, a redesigned grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior combined retro charm with modern technology, including a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system. The Convertible model, tested in the Cooper S specification, offered a unique open-air experience, though it struggled with awkward proportions and limited rear-seat space. The Sidewalk Edition package added exclusive features, pushing the price close to $40,000.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel. With 87-octane, it delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, the car offered smooth and predictable performance. The Turbo model featured stiffer front suspension springs and dampers, enhancing its sporty character. Despite its power, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Cooper S model, tested with a manual transmission, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 189 hp and 206 lb-ft. The JCW model offered even more power with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft. The Cooper S provided a fun driving experience, though it lacked the precision of a true sports car. The test car averaged 27.1 mpg, slightly better than the EPA estimate of 26 mpg.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior featured Nappa leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, creating a luxurious feel. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback variant provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly unusable rear seats. The trunk measured just 5.2 cubic feet, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, and the infotainment controls were hard to reach. For those needing more space, other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman were better options.

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 poor voice-recognition technology were significant drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which offered good sound quality but struggled with satellite radio. The car also included a useful head-up display.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa integration. The system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, included a digital instrument cluster and optional head-up display. The available Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive audio quality, even with the top down. The infotainment system's LED lighting and on-screen graphics added a modern touch.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace the driver. The Premium Plus trim added exclusive features like a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The car came with newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was available, but blind-spot monitoring was not, which was a drawback given the car's visibility challenges.