With a budget of just over RM 100k, you can drive home a brand new, range-topping Honda City RS (RM 105,950). But, for similar money, you can snag a fully-loaded, used 2018 Mazda 3 BM High sedan, which is from a segment above. Used vs new, which one is better value for your money?

For this comparison, we will look at the major aspects that you - the shopper - will consider. Be it practicality, driving experience, maintenance costs and the likes, we attempt to break down how each car fares. Let's go. 

Variants

When the BM-generation Mazda 3 was first launched here in 2014, it was only in one variant (Mid sedan) and CBU format. Soon, CKD models followed in 2015 and came with more variants (which included a hatchback) and equipment. Then, in 2017, the BM Mazda 3 received a facelift, and was finally replaced with an all-new model in 2019. 

Regardless of facelift or not, the CKD models came in GL and High variants for the sedan, and a Mid variant for the sole hatchback variant. Regardless, all variants are powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine (164 PS, 210 Nm) paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

The all-new GN-generation Honda City line-up today is more straightforward. Four variants are available - 3 with regular 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (121 PS, 145 Nm) and CVT transmission, 1 with a hybrid poweplant (109 PS, 253 Nm) and a e-CVT transmission - as detailed in this table below. 

Using the price range of the new Honda City as a guide, you could land yourself a full-spec, pre-facelift 2016 Mazda 3 High sedan, which starts around RM 70,000 all the way to RM 96,000 for a 2018 facelift sedan, which is also a range-topper.

Inside job

The interior is where all your time will be spent as an owner, therefore the importance of the cabin cannot be overstated. Starting with the Mazda 3, you can see that the interior and build quality are a cut above. It feels snug, intimate, and perfect for drivers.

Problem is, if you're not the driver, you probably won't fancy the Mazda 3's cabin as much. Why? Did I mention it's kinda snug? There's enough space for four adults, but you'll hardly call it expansive. Boot space is also not the great, coming in at 408 litres.

Nothing at all wrong with the Honda City's interior, it just lacks the final bit of polish that the Mazda 3 has. Counterpoint to that is a brilliantly-packaged interior (typical of modern Hondas). It aces all the nitty-gritty stuff: space, storage, practicality.

For non-RS variants, the bootspace of the Honda City absolutely annihilates the Mazda 3 at 519 litres (RS comes in at 409 litres)! It can even boast of having rear AC vents, something the Mazda lacks. Remember, the Mazda 3 is one segment size up. Once again, Honda's packaging prowess is abundantly obvious.

Verdict: The Mazda for a sense of occasion, the Honda City for sheer practicality.

Living with one

All else being equal, I would say with a degree of certainty that the Mazda 3 will cost more to run than the Honda City. Why do I say that? Well, based on the available facts, and comparing apple to apple, you can have a look at the table below. 

Being the one that has the larger 2.0-litre engine, the Mazda 3 commands more road tax annually compared to the Honda City. Furthermore, the tyre replacement costs for the Mazda 3 will be higher, because it is running 18-inch tyres (215/45 R18), compared to the 15 (185/60 R15) and 16-inchers (185/55 R16) on the Honda City. 

The Mazda 3 also cost more in terms of regular servicing compared to the Honda City. More to that, when you buy a brand new Honda City, you're entitled to 5 rounds of free labour charges when servicing your car (within 100,00 km or 5 years). 

When purchasing a used Mazda 3, well they came new with a 3-year/60,000 km free service package (now, Mazda offers 5-year/100,000 km package on its new cars). If you buy a used example that's out of this range, well, you're pretty much on your own. 

Verdict: The Honda City is better for your wallet.

The Fancy Feature count

Be honest, we all want the most car for our money, stuffed to the gills with features we probably don't need. But, still nice to have bragging rights eh?

Being the used option, you'd expect the Mazda 3 to have less toys than Honda's new kid on the block, right? Well, not quite. Let's do a count on that end for both models. Of course, with kit count, we compare both the range-topping models.

One thing to note is that while the Mazda 3 doesn't come with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay as standard, you could pay a fee to upgrade it. 

Despite being the older car, the Mazda 3 is still quite competitive in terms of kit count. No doubt, the Honda City has more, but it is actually much closer than most people think. 

Verdict: The Mazda 3 loses out slightly, but not by much.

Smiles per mile?

Just as Honda has an enduring reputation for its clever interior packaging, Mazda is renowned for infusing superb driving dynamics into its cars. The Mazda 3, despite its age, still shines nova-bright in this aspect. In fact, it's close to peerless.

From the steering response (full of feedback), driving position (perfect) down to the pedal calibration (responsive), the Mazda 3's driving experience is coated with honey. The engine and transmission works in such a synchronised manner that you'd think it's telepathic.

Suspension tuning wise, yes it does ride firmly (remember, its running 18-inch wheels) but it's a small trade-off for something that handles this well. Overall, there's a harmony to how everything gels to make this car a satisfying steer. 

Cherry on top of the cake? This facelifted model comes with G-Vectoring Control GVC, a system that works subtly to help the car handle better, feel more natural, and give passengers a more comfortable ride. 

Don't get me wrong, the Honda City is not terrible in this department by any means. It rides better than the Mazda, and has pretty nippy handling (due to it's smaller size). Power delivery is also less direct, due to the CVT transmission. The RS model fares better because its hybrid powertrain delivers grunt pretty much instantaneously.

Taken in isolation, this generation of Honda City is indeed the best in terms of driving experience. While it doesn't sparkle the way the Mazda does round your favourite bit of road, it gives a great account of itself nonetheless. 

Verdict: Mazda 3 for the drivers, Honda City is the better all-rounder.

Conclusion

Well, even for myself, picking a winner here is a tough call, because I rate both cars very highly. As a one-car purchase to do it all, both the Mazda 3 and Honda City make perfect sense. With the City, you get the security of a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage, and that is a big appeal.

On the other hand, a 2018 Mazda 3 will still have 2 or more years left in its warranty, though mileage is capped at 100,000 km. Still, if you are the type who lives for moments of brilliance from a car's chassis and dynamics, then the Mazda 3 is perfect, and also my choice.

But, should you prioritise space, comfort and practicality over the occasional adrenalin rush, by all means, go for the Honda City. Best part is, you can have a high-tech hybrid powertrain if you go for the RS variant.