2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, continued to impress with its seventh-generation model, which received a mid-cycle refresh. The lineup included the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design changes were subtle yet sporty, maintaining the narrow kidney grille and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches added to its dynamic appearance. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys, with an optional 19-inch upgrade, completed the look. Inside, the 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard design.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its swooping lines and scalloped bodywork made it comparable to luxury vehicles. The front featured squinting headlights with LED turn signals and stylish round lighting elements, adding to its dramatic design. Available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the hatchback was favored for its better looks and increased storage space. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, priced at $38,210, impressed with its material quality and value compared to luxury brands. The interior boasted red leather upholstery, soft leather trimmings, and a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, creating a beautifully designed and furnished cabin.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years, offering a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and xDrive all-wheel drive available. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its electric motor, offered 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and providing up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly across trims, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, while all-wheel drive was included on higher trims. A six-speed manual transmission was available on the Hatchback S Premium with FWD. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, with its turbo engine, provided a delightful driving experience. Fuel economy varied, with the turbocharged powertrain achieving 23 mpg city, 32 highway, and 27 combined for the sedan. The Mazda3 excelled on back roads, with tight and precise steering and minimal body roll, offering a satisfying performance for enthusiastic drivers.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the front, and 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom in the rear. Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats provided support, though the seat bottom cushion was noted to be stiff. The interior featured good ergonomics, with the intuitive iDrive controller knob. Cargo capacity was 17 cubic feet, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40-split for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, with options for heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and keyless entry.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, while beautiful, was less practical in terms of space. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with some rivals, but rear passenger space was limited. Rear-seat legroom was tight, and headroom was also constrained. The sedan provided only 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The hatchback's design created a significant blind spot at the C-pillar, and rearward visibility was poor due to the small rear window and rear lip spoiler.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced iDrive 8 system with a curved display, combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Optional features included wireless charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 utilized a rotary controller for its infotainment system, which some found safer than a touchscreen. The system included an 8.8-inch display on most trims, with a new 10.25-inch screen on top trims. The larger screen offered touchscreen functionality only with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Standard features included CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless options on higher trims. A wireless charging pad and Mazda Connect system with Wi-Fi, remote services, and navigation were available. The Bose stereo in higher trims was noted for its quality.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, and Active Guard. Additional safety features were available in packages, including active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go was standard, with the Turbo Premium Plus trim adding Cruising and Traffic Support for enhanced traffic assistance.