Honda Civic vs Mazda 3: A specsheet comparison of two popular beauties

If you’re in the market for a compact sedan for sale right now but are still unsure which model to choose, then you’re in luck, because we’ll be pitting the Honda Civic vs Mazda 3.

For purposes of simplicity, we’ll be comparing their top variants: the Honda Civic RS Turbo and the Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv Premium. Let's get our Honda Civic vs Mazda 3 comparison started with Philkotse.com

2019 Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo - Full Review

A quick glance at both models suggest that the Civic RS Turbo has the more superior dimensions over the Mazda 3, but it's actually the other way around. The Mazda is 27 mm longer end to end, sits 24 mm higher, and has a wheelbase that's 25 mm longer. The Honda Civic though is wider by 4 mm.

Honda's modern designs tend to be on the more youthful side of things

In terms of styling, the Mazda 3’s fluid and elegant design make it pop out, especially compared to other compact sedans in the market. The Kodo design language really did a lot of good with the model’s aesthetics, resulting in a very premium-looking exterior sculpted with intersecting lines.

Meanwhile, the Civic RS Turbo now has a more grown-up appearance than its bigger Type R brother. But compared with the overall shape and fluid design of the Mazda 3, the Civic seems a bit less evolved, even sporting a couple of faux air vents that some may not be too crazy about.

In comparison, the 2020 Mazda 3 is sleeker and is more mature-looking

Nevertheless, the tenth-generation Civic is by no means an ugly car, and we do appreciate the increased rake on the roofline, as well as the stance. Otherwise, it’s a far cry from the look of earlier Civics like the fifth-generation machines of the 90s, the FD, the seventh-generation “Dimension” and the eight-generation FD.

>>> Suggested car comparison for your further reference:  Auto brawl 101: Mazda 6 vs Honda Civic in the Philippines

When it comes to interior features, the Mazda 3 and the Civic RS areas both well-equipped. Front-seat ergonomics are top-notch, with the sensible placement of the necessary controls making them easier to find.

In terms of comfort and cargo space, both the Mazda 3 and the Honda Civic RS Turbo are competent sedans that perform well as daily drivers. On the Mazda 3 however, a good amount of engine noise penetrates the cabin. While some passengers might find it objectionable, many drivers rather appreciate it in a car; after all, the Mazda 3 was engineered for both sportiness and practicality.

As for the Civic, it seems that Honda has designed the car to cater to a more general crowd. We say that because there isn’t much engine noise permeating the cabin, save for some compressor noise when you transition from full throttle too hard braking.

The cockpit on the Mazda 3...

And the one aboard the Honda Civic RS Turbo

>>> Full-scale review of these two models can be found at:

• Mazda 3 Philippines Expert Review
• Honda Civic Philippines Expert Review

Both the Mazda 3 and the Honda Civic RS Turbo make use of a front-wheel-drive layout. Under the Mazda 3’s hood is a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter Skyactive-G inline-4 gasoline engine that makes 152 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque which, while respectable, falls a bit short when compared to the 171 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque on the 1.5-liter turbo VTEC. 

In terms of handling, the Mazda 3 2020 benefits from the G-Vectoring Control Plus which keeps it planted on corners. We also appreciate the 3's proprietary SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission with paddle shifters, as it exhibits infinitely better responsiveness than the sluggish CVT aboard the Civic RS Turbo.

SkyActiv Engine under the hood of the Mazda 3

The Honda comports itself quite well to make for a good daily driver on wide-open roads, but the Mazda 3 can outmaneuver the Civic in stop-and-go traffic and on twisty roads. We feel that the CVT is a waste of the Civic RS Turbo's abilities, and we're crossing our fingers that Honda brings in the manual variant. 

For fuel consumption, the Honda Civic 2020 manages 9.5 km/l while the Mazda 3 is marginally better at around 10.5 km/L.

If we have to compare these two against other similarly-priced compact sedans, both the Civic RS Turbo and the Mazda 3 can blow the Toyota Altis out of the water in terms of performance; the latter, after all, was designed for more comfort instead of sportiness.

Type R engine of the Civic 2020

>>> Keep updated with the latest Honda Civic price list with monthly payment details

>>> View full Mazda 3 price list and estimated monthly payment

In terms of pricing and variants, the Honda Civic presents more options for a wider range of budgets. It also brings affordability to the table, with the mid-range Civic 1.8 S being Php180,000 cheaper than the base-model Mazda 3 Elite.

For the top-spec variants though, the RS Turbo Civic is priced a little higher than the Mazda 3 premium, with the disparity attributable to the Civic’s beefier turbocharged engine.

Interestingly, the Sportback variants of the Mazda 3 retail for PhP1.3 million to PhP1.5 million, still below the Civic’s range-topper. For now, the Philippine-spec Civic doesn’t have a hatchback variant, although this might change sometime in the future.

The CVT on the RS Turbo aside, we think that the Civic is still a pretty solid car overall. It’s a bit pricey though, the Mazda 3 likely offers better value for money on account of its suite of on-board tech, not to mention the Mazda 3 is more fun to drive thanks to its brilliant G-Vectoring technology and the SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission.

One thing Honda has going for it though is a cemented reputation when it comes to aftermarket parts; little wonder why Honda has been the darling of custom tuners for years. Mechanics and technicians have gained enough experience with Hondas to come up with some really insane (and awesome) builds.

 In the American market, Honda has managed to be on top of the customer satisfaction study by J.D. Power for two years now, so it looks like they've stumbled upon a successful formula on how to keep their customers happy.

In the end, the choice is still up to the buyer