2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 MINI Cooper adhered to its classic design roots while incorporating modern elements, resulting in a car that exuded personality and was fun to drive, especially in Cooper S and JCW specifications. Over the years, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, and the cars themselves grew larger for utility and safety reasons. The 2022 model year brought refreshed styling, including restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and new paint colors. The interior saw updates like a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display.

Despite the updates, the 2022 MINI Convertible retained its quirky charm but struggled with awkward proportions, particularly with the new grille design. Inside, it maintained a retro feel with modern technology, offering a wide range of customization options. The convertible top could be dropped in about 18 seconds, providing an open-air experience unique to the MINI. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior. Pricing for the Convertible ranged from $27,900 to $38,900, with the John Cooper Works model topping $46,000.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a striking design with rakish headlights and a large grille, available in sedan and hatchback body styles. The hatchback, in particular, stood out with its clean and futuristic design, though it had some practical shortcomings. Inside, the clean and simple design continued, with an infotainment system that rose organically from the dash. The conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls added to the cabin's appeal, though the steering wheel was cluttered with controls.

Trim levels for the Mazda3 included the 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Standard features on the 2.5 S included 16-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, keyless entry, two USB ports, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, a moonroof, heated front seats, and more. The top trim, 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus, included advanced driver assistance features and a more powerful engine.

The 2022 MINI Cooper came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive. Driving modes included Green, Mid, and Sport.

Our Cooper S test car had the manual transmission, providing ample torque for a spirited drive. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, but we achieved 27.1 mpg. The JCW models offered a tuned version of the Cooper S engine with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the Cooper S was not a sports car but a sporting car, with a broad torque range and fluid gear shifts. However, the steering response and brake feel were disappointing, and the tires struggled with aggressive cornering.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's base engine was a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. A manual transmission was available on front-wheel drive Premium models. Our test model featured the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The automatic transmission and AWD were standard with this engine.

The turbo engine provided an engaging driving experience with a fantastic sound. The steering was well-weighted, and the car shone in second gear, especially in Sport mode. The transmission held gears longer, allowing the turbocharger to perform optimally. The brake feel was akin to a hardcore sports car, requiring precise control. The Mazda3's handling was its standout feature, offering a perfect blend of precision and refinement, with excellent balance and agility through corners.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly useless rear seats. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with controls placed in hard-to-reach areas. While the lack of space was expected in a MINI, other models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman offered more practicality.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet. However, rear seat legroom was minimal, and the sloping roofline reduced headroom. The front seating area had a decently sized center console compartment, though the lid was frustrating to use. The Mazda3's ergonomics and cupholders were helpful, but the rear seats were best used in a pinch.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colors, changing based on vehicle settings. It offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available. The system was based on BMW's iDrive technology and paired with a standard digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. The system was not a touchscreen, making menu navigation clumsy and unintuitive. The learning curve was steep, especially when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model had upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which offered great sound quality.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not available. The lane-departure warning system was effective, but the lack of other safety features was a drawback.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The C-pillar design created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a safety issue due to its distracting nature.