2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class brought together design cues from other models in the Mercedes lineup, resulting in an exterior styling that was unmistakably Mercedes. The front end featured a drooping design reminiscent of the CLA-Class, while the squared-off rear end and thin taillights echoed the S-Class. The grille, adorned with the iconic large Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star logo surrounded by smaller versions, made it easily recognizable from any angle. The cab-rearward proportions, characterized by a long hood and short rear deck, emphasized its rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform, distinguishing it from the front-wheel drive (FWD) CLA-Class and A-Class.

Standard LED headlights and taillights were included in all trim levels, with the option to upgrade to the advanced Digital Light system. This system enabled the headlights to follow curves and project warning icons, such as lane markings and construction zone alerts, enhancing overall safety and visibility.

Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxurious feel of the S-Class. The freestanding touchscreen, instrument cluster, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles of the optional Burmester audio system all drew inspiration from the flagship sedan. The ambient lighting with 64 color options added to the premium atmosphere. Despite its luxury presentation, the C-Class came standard with MBTex synthetic leather upholstery, with Nappa leather seats available on higher trims.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3, on the other hand, featured rakish headlights and a menacing grille, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. While the sedan had more conventional proportions, the hatchback was daring and futuristic, with curves around the rear window and rear doors. This design, while forward-thinking, had some practical limitations in terms of rear visibility and interior space.

Inside, the Mazda3 boasted a clean and minimalist design. The infotainment system was organically integrated into the dash, although it lacked a touchscreen, which was operated via a dial in the center console. The cabin featured a conventional shifter design, easy-to-use climate controls, a pushbutton start, and an elegantly designed steering wheel, despite being cluttered with controls. Standard features varied by trim level, with higher trims adding more luxurious elements such as leather-wrapped steering wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, moonroofs, heated front seats, and genuine leather upholstery.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It worked with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup allowed for short bursts of additional power, contributing up to 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The C300 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 130 mph.

For those seeking more power, the sportier Mercedes-AMG C43 version featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the SL-Class sports car, producing 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This version improved the zero to 60 mph time to 4.6 seconds, with optional 19-inch or 20-inch wheels increasing the top speed to 165 mph.

Our test of the C300 4Matic revealed a mix of sufficient power with some drawbacks. Acceleration was not always smooth, with a noticeable delay, or turbo lag, between pressing the pedal and actual acceleration. The transmission provided quick but sometimes rough shifts and tended to hold onto gears longer. However, the ride quality met luxury-car standards, effectively muting impacts from bumps and potholes, despite some vibrations.

The C-Class performed well on twisty roads, displaying good body control and precise steering. However, it required more deliberate effort to maneuver compared to other sports sedans, akin to trying to break dance in a tuxedo.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, generating 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine came with a six-speed automatic transmission and could be paired with all-wheel drive (AWD). A manual transmission was available but only on front-wheel drive (FWD) Premium models.

Our test model featured the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, while premium fuel boosted these figures to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft. The turbo engine offered an engaging driving experience, with a fantastic sound and well-weighted steering. Off-the-line acceleration was moderate, but the car excelled once in second gear. Sport mode further enhanced performance by holding gears longer and providing more forceful steering feedback.

The Mazda3's handling stood out, striking a perfect balance between precision and refinement. It was agile, balanced through corners, and soaked up road bumps with ease. The brake feel was also impressive, resembling that of a hardcore sports car.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, unlike its predecessor, was available only as a sedan. The new model was longer and wider, translating to a bit more interior space. Headroom increased slightly by 0.1 inch in the front and 0.4 inch in the back, and rear-seat legroom improved by 0.8 inch. These changes meant the C-Class led its competitive set in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was near the bottom of the segment.

The C-Class featured comfortable seats with enough bolstering for spirited driving and excellent forward visibility. However, thick rear pillars created a blind spot, necessitating the use of driver aids. The trunk offered 17.9 cubic feet of space, which was larger than its rivals and had a wide opening for easy loading. The rear bench could be split 40/20/40 for accommodating longer items, although cargo-space figures with the seat folded were not provided.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than competitors like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Nissan Sentra. The hatchback variant offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, usable but still less than many new small SUVs. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom when the front seats were adjusted for taller adults. The sloping roofline further reduced headroom in both the sedan and hatchback.

The front seating area in the Mazda3 had a decently sized center console compartment, although the sliding lid could be frustrating. The center console provided helpful ergonomics and sizable cupholders.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an infotainment setup inspired by the S-Class, with a freestanding digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen angled towards the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The mid-tier C300 Premium added a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, while the top C300 Pinnacle included a head-up display and augmented-reality navigation system.

The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system allowed multiple items to be displayed on the screen at once using the "Zero Layer" setup from the Mercedes EQS electric car. The voice recognition system and touch controls on the steering wheel were user-friendly. The optional augmented-reality navigation system provided helpful visual cues for turns.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display that was not a touchscreen, operated via a dial in the center console. This system had a steep learning curve and made navigating menus clumsy. Standard features included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Higher trims added navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

Using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was challenging due to the unintuitive operation of the dial controller and the confusing layout of icons. This forced drivers to take their eyes off the road more often, presenting a safety concern.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered a comprehensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), many as standard equipment. These included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, a driver-attention monitor, Pre-Safe system, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, park assist, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control.

The C-Class also featured Car-to-X communication, allowing vehicles to share information about road conditions. This technology successfully provided warnings about potholes during testing, although its effectiveness depended on the number of networked vehicles in the area.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with a range of safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Select trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Turbo Premium Plus featured traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system.

The traffic-sign recognition feature was particularly helpful, and the side mirrors tilted down when in reverse to avoid curbs while parking. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the confusing infotainment system presented a distraction and safety concern.