Honda Civic vs. Mazda 3: Which budget-friendly sedan is right for you? - Christian Science Monitor
For decades, both Honda and Mazda have excelled at not just at making good, fuel-efficient subcompact sedans (and hatchbacks), but also nimble and fun to drive cars. Looking at the latest Mazda 3, this is true, more than ever. And as for the latest Civic, Honda still takes a more comfort- and amenities-focused approach than it used to with the Civic, but it appears to have bounced back gracefully from an ill-conceived redesign. to Honda's credit, it did retain much of the futuristic look and rakish roofline of the previous Civic versions, but with a somewhat careful, evolutionary look in front, combined with a more utilitarian look inside, Honda's clearly emphasized... Then a quick restyle for 2013 made the Civic much more handsome and chiseled from the front, and darker interior themes and more soft-touch materials made it feel more sophisticated inside. The Mazda3 is the winner here, and remains one of the most distinctive small-car picks--especially if you opt for the five-door hatchback (a layout not offered in the Civic). Inside, the Mazda3 is more inspiring, more aspirational and cockpit-like, and the upscale look and feel of the new cabin materials clearly trumps those in the Civic. Source: www.csmonitor.com
