Honda Civic vs Mazda 3

Honda Civic Sport vs Mazda 3 - header

The new Honda Civic Sport belies its entry-level status a, but is it a better buy than its Mazda 3 rival?

2016-10-15 12:00

Honda pulled the covers off its all-new 10th generation Civic last week at the Paris Motor Show, but that doesn’t mean it’s finished with the current car just yet. In an effort to send the family hatch out on a high, the brand has launched an eye-catchingly priced entry-level model. And this is no ordinary bargain basement buy.

Called the Sport, it gets a racy look inspired by the Type R flagship, plus there’s a kit list you’d expect on much pricier machines. Honda has also fitted the newcomer with its tried-and-tested 1.4-litre engine.

Best hatchbacks on sale right now

But it’s not the only sporty hatchback with a small-capacity petrol engine and wallet-friendly price tag. Like the Civic, the Mazda 3 is due to be upgraded, but even in its current form, it serves up plenty of style and driving fun for buyers on a budget.

So which of our contenders delivers a better mix of driving thrills, low bills and family friendly usability? 

Head-to-head 

Versatility 

Look beneath the Honda’s angular lines and you’ll discover a versatile family hatchback. Its vast boot packs a healthy 477-litre capacity, plus it gets the brand’s Magic Seats. The Mazda isn’t nearly as versatile, offering a smaller 364-litre boot. And while it’s as spacious inside, smaller windows make it feel claustrophobic. 

Engines

Both our contenders have ignored the current trend for downsized turbocharged units. While the Honda’s 1.4-litre engine is new to the Civic, it has been tried and tested in the Jazz supermini. The Mazda’s 1.5-litre engine is also used elsewhere, even appearing in the MX-5.

Infotainment 

The Mazda gets sat-nav as part of its MZD Connect system. There are also a number of apps to choose from, including DAB. Honda’s system does without nav, but the Mirrorlink function allows you to beam your phone display on to the touchscreen. 

Verdict 

First place: Honda Civic

A sporty makeover and a sprinkling of extras have helped inject some much-needed showroom appeal into the Honda Civic. It’s also spacious and attractively priced, plus it’s backed by some tempting finance deals. The 1.4-litre engine delivers leisurely performance, making the Sport a dependable, roomy and well equipped family hatchback for not much cash. 

Second place: Mazda 3

Sleek styling, a classy interior and engaging driving dynamics make the Mazda look and feel more expensive than its rival here. And while it’s not as well equipped or practical, it gets all the essentials plus the desirable addition of sat-nav. You should be able to negotiate a healthy discount as dealers look to clear stocks in the run- up to the facelifted model’s arrival.

Other options in this category...

Hyundai i30 1.4 SE Nav

Hyundai i30 - front

Price: £17,595
Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl,98bhp

Stylish and well equipped, the Hyundai follows the lead of these contenders by using a naturally aspirated petrol engine. Performance is leisurely, but the i30 is spacious and backed by a confidence-inspiring five-year warranty. 

Renault Megane 1.2 TCe Dynamique Nav

Renault Megane vs Vauxhall Astra vs SEAT Leon -

Price: £18,100
Engine: 1.2-litre 3cyl, 128bhp

The Renault gets sat-nav, but lacks much of the Honda’s desirable kit. However, the downsized turbo packs a bigger punch, and boasts greater efficiency, while supreme comfort makes up for lack of driver fun.

Figures

Honda Civic 1.4 Sport Mazda 3 1.5 SE Nav
On the road price/total as tested £18,360/£18,885 £17,695/£17,695
Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000) £8,629/47.0% £7,043/39.8%
Depreciation £9,731 £10,652
Annual tax liability std/higher rate £836/£1,672 £706/£1,411
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) £1,660/£2,767 £1,824/£3,039
Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost 7/£482/E/£130 13/£572/C/£30
Servicing costs £555 (5yrs) £499 (3yrs)
Length/wheelbase 4,370/2,595mm 4,565/2,700mm
Height/width 1,470/1,770mm 1,465/1,795mm
Engine 4cyl in-line/1,339cc 4cyl in-line/1,496cc
Peak power/revs  98/6,000 bhp/rpm 98/6,000 bhp/rpm
Peak torque/revs  127/4,800 Nm/rpm 150/4,000 Nm/rpm
Transmission  6-spd man/fwd 6-spd man/fwd
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel 50 litres/foam 51 litres/foam
Boot capacity (seats up/down) 477/1,378 litres 364/1,263 litres
Kerbweight/payload/towing weight 1,372/405/1,200kg 1,255/524/950kg
Turning circle 11.9 metres 11.3 metres
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery 3yrs (unltd)/3yrs 3yrs (60,000)/3yrs
Service intervals/UK dealers 12,500 miles (1yr)/196 12,500 miles (1yr)/154
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos. 20th/8th 9th/19th
NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars 94/83/69/86/5 (2012) 93/86/65/81/5 (2013)
0-60/30-70mph 11.4/11.6 secs 10.4/10.2 secs
30-50mph in 3rd/4th 7.1/9.6 secs 6.3/8.3 secs
50-70mph in 5th/6th 14.6/17.2 secs 11.9/18.5 secs
Top speed/rpm at 70mph  116mph/3,200rpm 113mph/2,500rpm
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph  48.1/33.5/8.3m 51.9/36.8/9.4m
Noise outside/idle/30/70mph 57/39/60/71dB 58/42/63/72dB
Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range 36.8/8.1/405 miles 33.5/7.4/376 miles
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined  42.2/58.9/51.4mpg 43.5/65.7/55.4mpg
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined  9.3/13.0/11.3mpl 9.6/14.5/12.2mpl
Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket 177/131g/km/23% 195/119g/km/20%
Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera Six/yes/yes/yes Six/yes/£161^/£252^
Auto box/stability/cruise ctrl/AEB* No/yes/yes/yes No/yes/no/yes
Climate control/leather/heated seats Yes/no/no No/no/no
Metallic paint/xenon lights/keyless go £525/no/no £550/no/no
Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth No/yes/yes/yes Yes/yes/yes/yes
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