Fri | Mar 29, 2024

Integra vs Mazda 3

Published:Sunday | November 27, 2022 | 12:05 AMBy KRISTIN SHAW - -
Mazda 3.
Mazda 3.
Acura Integra.
Acura Integra.
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Acura has brought the enthusiast favourite Integra nameplate back to the market after a two-decade hiatus. It now takes the form of a hatchback sedan rather than the hatchback coupe most people might remember. It offers roomy seating, standard turbocharged power, and many helpful driver-assistance features.

The 2023 Mazda 3 hatchback, with its optional turbocharged engin,e brings up similar fuzzy memories of the late 2000s Mazdaspeed 3, albeit with a more refined demeanour. Both cars promise driving fun at a somewhat reasonable price.

INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY

The Integra’s interior might give you déjà vu if you are familiar with the latest Honda Civic. There is a clear familial resemblance to the Honda Civic Si, with which it shares a number of its parts. The honeycomb vents are similar as is the protruding screen rising above the dash. That is not necessarily a bad thing since the Civic is one of the best in its class. The Integra is packed with standard features such as interior ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, and more. Opting for the A-Spec trim adds more features and gives you the option for a manual transmission.

On the inside, there isn’t much to distinguish the Mazda 3 Turbo from a basic Mazda 3. Still, the materials look and feel upscale, and the design is a master class in simplicity and intuitiveness. The controls are easy to use and find, helping you keep your eyes on the road. Technology features are similarly abundant, too. As a hatchback, however, the Mazda 3 Turbo goes for style more than versatility. It trails the Integra in cargo space, and second-row passengers may feel a bit cramped in the Mazda.

Winner: Integra

POWER AND PERFORMANCE

The Integra shares not only its look with its fun-loving cousin, the Honda Civic Si, but also its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard. In Edmunds’ testing, the 2023 Integra with the available manual transmission accelerated from 0 to 60mph in an unremarkable 7.8 seconds. The Integra feels sharp around turns, but you’ll want to opt for summer-rated tires to make the most of its available grip.

The Mazda is noticeably snappier in a straight line. It did the same sprint in 6.1 seconds, leaving the Acura in the dust. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine puts out 227 horsepower and 310lb-ft, or 250 horsepower and 320lb-ft if you use premium 93 octane gas. Mazda also fits it with all-wheel drive, which is a nice bonus during wintery conditions. The Mazda 3′s handling isn’t quite as satisfying as the Integra’s, but otherwise, it is an easy win here.

Winner: Mazda 3 Turbo

FUEL EFFICIENCY

In Edmunds’ real-world testing, the manual-transmission Integra returned 30.2mpg, which is slightly higher than the EPA-estimated 30mpg combined. When the Integra is equipped with the continuously variable transmission, or CVT, the combined EPA rating pops up to 33mpg.

Fuel economy isn’t the Mazda 3 Turbo’s strong suit as it has an EPA-estimated 26mpg in mixed driving. Edmunds hasn’t tested the fuel economy on this engine, but owners are reporting a slightly better average of 27.5mpg.

Winner: Integra

FEATURES AND VALUE

Starting at US $31,895 with destination, even base Integras are flush with features such as imitation leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats. However, if you want the more engaging manual transmission, it is only available on the top trim, which costs US $36,895. And perhaps the Integra’s biggest value issue is that if you are willing to trade off a bit of cargo space, the Honda Civic Si gets you 80% of that experience for about US $7,000 less.

The Mazda 3 Turbo has a higher starting price of US $33,515. But you are getting a few more features than what the base Integra has, including all-wheel drive and a premium sound system. The Mazda 3 Turbo is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission, which our editors prefer to the Integra’s CVT. It tops out at US $36,960 but includes a 360-degree camera and a few cosmetic exterior items to make it stand out from other Mazda 3s. You get more for your money in the Mazda 3 Turbo, which ultimately gives it the win.

Winner: Mazda 3 Turbo

It was a close race between both vehicles, and while the Integra is fun to drive, it doesn’t quite distinguish itself over vehicles in this price range. The Mazda 3 Turbo, on the other hand, punches above its weight and wins out with its pleasing performance and value.