• 2022 Civic FE is cheaper, more spacious and offers more performance
• Mazda 3 is still the master of craftsmanship and design
• Driving experience is closer than ever

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you would know by now that the Honda Civic has returned – and in a big way. The 2022 Honda Civic is more elegant and grown-up in design, whilst improvements under its skin have made it sharper to drive and safer than ever.

And that’s before we get to the sublime interior and top-notch ergonomics.

But of course, those improvements have come at a cost – with prices ranging between RM 126k to RM 144k, the 2022 Civic FE is priced tantalizingly close to the Mazda 3 – the ‘up till now’ benchmark for driver involvement and design, albeit at a higher price point.

But which is best suited for you? Let’s take a closer look

Starting with the price and variants, how do they compare?

The Honda Civic is offered in three variants. The following table summarises the highlight features of each variant:

The Mazda 3 is offered in five variants across two body styles – sedan and hatchback –  and two engine choices.

Prices of the hatchback are parallel to the sedan, depending on the variant.

The locally-assembled 2022 Civic FE holds a clear price advantage over the (CBU from Japan) Mazda 3, with all three variants costing less spec-for-spec than the Mazda 3. 

Also read: ASEAN's most powerful, 2022 Honda Civic (FE) launched in Malaysia: priced from RM 126k

Note that the cheapest Mazda 3 is powered by the smaller 120 PS / 153 Nm 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. 

How do they measure up?

The 2022 Civic FE is longer and wider than the Civic FC it replaces.

In addition to a sleeker and more grown-up design language, the 2022 Civic FE also boasts a more spacious interior. 

Entry and egress from the cabin are now made easier, whilst rear seats crucially offer a better seating position than before. 

The Mazda 3 has tauter proportions. Passenger space at the front is great, with damn near perfect ergonomics, but the rear seats are not as spacious as the 2022 Civic FE.

Round the back, Honda has also paid attention to the functionality of its boot for added convenience.

Also read: The 2022 Honda Civic FE has a uniquely expensive boot lid

Power and performance - the Civic wins again

All variants of the locally-assembled (CKD Pegoh, Melaka) 2022 Civic FE now get the 1.5-litre turbocharged DOHC VTEC mill, the previous generation's 141 PS/ 174 Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder isn't offered anymore.

Codenamed L15B7, the turbo four-banger outputs 182 PS and 240 Nm from 1,700 - 4,500 rpm.

That’s a 9 PS / 20 Nm bump from the Civic FC, and also makes our 2022 Civic FE the most powerful Civic sold in the ASEAN region.

By comparison - the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine in the Mazda 3 outputs 164 PS and 213 Nm. 

Also read: Malaysia’s 2022 Honda Civic FE gets more power than Thailand's, here’s why

Although the SkyActiv-G engine is known for its punchy and broad powerband, on paper, the Civic once again takes the cake.

Besides generating 18 PS more power, the turbocharged Civic gets all of its 240 Nm of torque as low as 1,700 rpm and sustains it to 4,500 rpm, whereas the Mazda 3 only gets its peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

One area where we'd give the Mazda 3 a win is its transmission. The SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic is a superb transmission that offers superb response and intuitive gearshifts in virtually any driving situation. 

With that said, the 2022 Civic FE's transmission has received new software calibration, hardware improvements, as well as a new step-shift program that has greatly improved throttle response, acceleration and driver involvement.

Though we suspect the two will be very close in terms of the overall performance they deliver, the six-speed automatic would still have the edge in terms of predictability and quickness.

Also read: No more S or ECON mode in the all-new 2022 Honda Civic’s CVT? It’s still there, here’s how to find it

Ride and handling, how do they steer? 

The Mazda 3 has been the longstanding benchmark in terms of driving performance and enjoyment within the C-Segment. 

Also read: Pros and Cons: Mazda 3 – Premium inside out but are you willing to pay for it?

However, the 2022 Civic FE has substantially closed the gap with the Mazda 3. 

The 2022 Civic FE most noticeably offers superb balance and mechanical grip at the rear axle now. Additionally, the front axle is more planted and the steering feels better weighted in the corners. 

All things considered, we'll tip our hat for the Mazda 3 which still edges the 2022 Civic in terms of overall sharpness, body control, and intuitiveness - but the Civic isn't far behind.

We also like the 2022 Civic FE's suspension tuning which offers a good balance of comfort versus handling and thus will be easier to live with for the casual driver. 

However, if you're the type that enjoys a spirited weekend drive, then the Mazda 3 will ultimately put the widest smile on your face. 

Also read: Mazda CX-30 vs Mazda 3 – Should you trade higher seating position for better handling?

Safety equipment - ADAS is the name of the game

Both the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 offer a comprehensive suite of ADAS functions.

However, the Mazda 3 additionally offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert and has a higher airbag count, with 7 airbags (inclusive of a knee airbag), versus the 2022 Civic's 6 airbags. 

Also read: 2022 Honda Civic FE: Three variants - E, V, RS, we pick the best

Convenience features - Close but the Mazda takes it

The Honda Civic and Mazda 3 both offer good levels of convenience and connectivity features which should make them easy to live with. 

Here's a shortlist of how the top-spec of each model measures up: 

The 2022 Civic FE offers a slightly larger infotainment screen but the Mazda 3 edges it in the convenience category due to dual-zone climate control. 

Also note that the Mazda 3 offers a sunroof, Head-Up Display and 10-way adjustable driver's seat (versus the 2022 Civic's 8-way adjustment).

Fuel consumption - Naturally aspirated versus turbo, who wins? 

In a previous test, the Mazda 3 returned a calculated fuel consumption figure of 7.6-litre/100 km.

For comparison, the previous generation Civic FC returned 7.9-litre/100 km in our tests.

Though we can expect the new 2022 Civic FE to improve on those numbers, we'll have reserve judgement until internal tests are concluded.

Also read: All-new 2022 Honda Civic FE – RM 3.7k to service over 5 years/100k km, RM 320 more than FC

Wapcar's opinion

There are two key takeaways from this comparison. 

The Mazda 3 stirs emotion and exudes class and craftsmanship but it lacks space and practicality the 2022 Civic FE offers in spades. 

Whilst the Mazda 3 was the benchmark in driving performance, the 2022 Civic FE now delivers 80 to 90 percent of its ability but with a lot more practicality, and, at a lower price range. 

It's also more powerful.

Hence, it's a case of logic versus emotion - and which floats your boat better. 

There's no question which of the two will sell in greater numbers, but, count on the Mazda 3 to appeal to a smaller subset of buyers that will love how this car looks, feels and drives.

Also read: Sedan vs SUV: Should you buy the all-new 2022 Honda Civic today or wait for the upcoming HR-V?