Mazda3 SP20 Luxury and Honda Civic VTi-L Hatch go head to head in this comparative review.
VALUE from $30, 990 |
VALUE from $29,990 |
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The six-speed auto-only SP20 hatch is priced from $27,990 - that buys features including a trip computer, satnav, cruise, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, 16-inch alloys and fogs. Go up to the Luxury for xenons, leather trim and Bose 10-speaker sound. |
The Civic VTi-L has auto halogen headlights with LED day running lights, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, cruise control with speed limiter, three 12V outlets, heated front pews, split-fold rear seat, 17-inch alloys, seven-speaker sound and Bluetooth. |
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TECHNOLOGY |
 TECHNOLOGY |
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The high-compression 2.0L Skyactiv powerplant produces 122kW/194Nm. The clever i-stop fuel-saver system helps keep the thirst to a claimed 6.1L/100km on 91RON fuel. The six-speed auto has a useful lock-up clutch to give the SP20's transmission a more direct feel. |
Gets Honda's long-serving i-VTEC 1.8-litre engine, with 104kW/174Nm. Fuel claim is 6.5L/100km on 95RON premium due in part to the two cam profiles, activated according to driving conditions. The five-speed auto has a Sport mode and paddleshifts (it will hold a gear, too). |
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DESIGN |
DESIGN |
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This variant gets a blue metallic engine cover and a tweak to the headlight trim, which has an additional transparent blue inner ring. The Luxury model's upgraded sound system reduces boot space to 276 litres, well down on the Civic. |
The British-built hatch is anything but bland. Vision is ample through the large windscreen, the rear end gives a slippery aero package, the extra window improves the view aft but rear three-quarter isn't as good - there is a camera but no sensors. Flexible and ample cargo space. |
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SAFETY |
SAFETY |
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Five ANCAP stars. Stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes (with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist), active front head restraints, dual front, front-side and curtain airbags and front-seat belts with pre-tensioners and load-limiters. |
Honda makes them tough and the Civic gets five stars from NCAP. Features include dual front, front-side and full-length curtain airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and tyre deflation warning. |
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DRIVING |
DRIVING |
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Even when driven with scant regard for economy and mostly around the city, its numbers are decent. It's a flexible powertrain that has a direct feel and, when shoved, it responds. The steering is light and accurate but the car is let down a little in the ride department. |
The Civic is more vegan than carnivore. The ride is firm, transmitting small, sharp bumps more than expected but general compliance on the larger ruts and bumps is acceptable. The Bluetooth and some of the other menus seem overly complex. |
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VERDICT
As kid-carters, both are capable but the Mazda is a nicer conveyance for the driver - a touch harsher on the road but doesn't feel as lethargic as the Honda.
