Mazda3 SP25 GT vs BMW 116i

The SP25 GT auto hatch is high up the new Mazda3 model range. Standard features include head-up display, reversing camera, Bose sound system, touch screen media system with satnav, Bluetooth and built-in apps, leather seats (electric in the front and heated for the driver), dual-zone climate control, shifting paddles, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive headlights and a space-saver spare tyre. Sedan is the same money.

Despite the 116i being the most affordable BMW and even though its price was dropped by about four grand last year, value isn't its strong point. Standard stuff includes 16-inch alloys wheels with run-flat tyres, 6.5-inch screen, Bluetooth and rear parking sensor. Satnav costs $1200. The $1100 Sport Line pack brings sports seats and a gloss black grille.

The Mazda3's 2.5-litre 138kW/250Nm naturally aspirated engine is mated to a six-speed auto transmission, with the front wheels doing the driving. It's a bigger more powerful engine than the turbo four pot in the 116i, yet the claimed figure of 6.1L/100km fuel economy is excellent.

The 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo four cylinder is a great powerplant and in this tune makes 100kW/220Nm which is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission. The 116i has expensive tastes, preferring to drink 95 RON, but fuel economy is a good 5.8L/100km.

Following the CX-5 and Mazda6, the Mazda3 takes on the company's goodlooking 'kodo' styling with the deep grille, the muscular front and rear guards and aggressive stance. The cabin is less conservative than the BMW with a large tacho dominating the instrument cluster. At 4460mm the Mazda is 136mm longer than the BMW and while rear legroom is better than in the 116i, there's less cargo space at 308L.

The 1 Series looks great from the front, good from the back and awkward from the side because of that high, flat roofline extending to the hatch. Inside is Spartan and functional like most BMWs, while the layout of controls and driver's seating position is spot-on although sitting behind it is not really on. Boot capacity is 360L.

The new Mazda3 has a five-star crash test rating. Apart from six airbags there are safety features which work towards the prevention of accidents. A safety pack for $1300 brings with it blind spot and rear traffic warning, plus-crash sensing braking which uses an infra-red sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car.

While it has a five-star crash rating, six airbags, vented front brakes and a body shell with side impact protection, the 116i lacks a rearview camera. It's an option only on the top of the range M135i. There's no option either to have blind spot warning or emergency braking installed. And, of course, no spare wheel.

As with BMW, Mazda says the driving experience is a core part of its ethos and much work has gone into making this car enjoyable to pilot. The seating position is excellent with the hips placed low, the electric steering communicates well, the engine is powerful enough. Yes, it's front-wheeldrive; and no, the suspension is not BMW-firm; but the Mazda3 is a fun thing to drive.

This is the 116i's best aspect thanks to near even balance with rear-wheel drive, a grunty engine and a great transmission. The steering feels natural and precise, the suspension is firm and the car is rigid through corners, while grip from the 205 R16 tyres is good and the brakes have ample feel. It's a rewarding drive.