Objectively, Honda created the sub-compact crossover segment in the Philippines back in 1999. At first, buyers didn’t warm up to something smaller than a compact crossover, but fast forward to today and they’re considered vogue. They’re a foil to the diesel-powered SUVs, providing more style, driving fun, and urban maneuverability while still giving that added ground clearance that people crave nowadays. More than anything, they’re now seen as the compact sedan’s more fashionable alternative. And while you can buy a Honda Civic or Mazda3 for this sort of money, one can argue that going for either HR-V and the CX-3 is a visible sign that you’ve finally made it. The question is: which one is the fashion leader and which is the fashion follower?





Exterior

The best way to appreciate the styling difference between the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 is to park them side-by-side. On one hand, there’s the HR-V and its highly geometric shape. With or without the optional MUGEN body kit, it’s filled with tons of angles and creases. While it’s commendable that Honda is finding its styling form once more, it also makes the HR-V hard to digest. It tries to tick all the design must haves (pronounced wheel arches, flowing side creases, and rear door handles to name three) and a result, comes out fussy. Looking at the HR-V is like having a rich and heavy meal that’s chockfull of flavor; it’s good, but gets tiring on the taste buds after a few bites.

Mazda on the other hand has become the king of subtleties, tweaking its design formula to create a satisfying eye candy. Look around the CX-3 and there’s not one single element that overpowers the rest. Everything is done cohesively that it feels balanced. Where the HR-V goes bionic to gain attention, the CX-3 is more organic. The flowing lines make the Mazda way easier on the eyes and as an added bonus, it’ll likely stand the test of time. Of course, there are those who’ve begun to criticize Mazda for their cut-and-paste design. Rest assured though, there’s enough differentiation to go around. There’s a strong family resemblance going around for sure, but it’s not simply a case of using an enlarging or shrinking ray.

Winner: Mazda CX-3






Interior

Like its wedge-like and futuristic shape suggests, the Honda HR-V’s interior looks fussy. There are attempts to give it a techie vibe only to make the cabin look messy. A measure of design restraint aside, there’s little else to fault with the HR-V. The fit and finish are generally good and the choice of materials is at par with others in this class. There are some hard plastic bits, particularly on the doors, but nothing distracting. Though the cabin doesn’t strike one as being inviting to drive, the ergonomics are top-notch with the exception of the oddly uncomfortable seats. All the controls, stalks, and button are placed logically while the steering wheel and seats offer ample adjustment.

Next to the HR-V’s sensory overloading interior experience, the Mazda CX-3 once again plays towards one’s subtleties and sensibilities. The material variation here is way higher with four kinds of leather, suede, and aluminum to name just a few, and yet, everything comes together nicely to create a balanced driving environment. Apart from the more complex yet cohesive material choices, there’s also no questioning that the CX-3 takes the lead in fit and finish and in ergonomics. Mazda’s Jinba-ittai philosophy is at work here, resulting in a naturally sporty and therefore more comfortable experience. It goes without saying though that this “horse and rider as one” philosophy results in a driving position no higher than a typical hatchback which may be a turn off for some.

Winner: Mazda CX-3






Space and Practicality

Naturally, Mazda’s impeccable driving position comes with one major drawback and that’s a tighter than average interior space. Though not much separates the CX-3 and the HR-V dimension-wise, the Mazda feels like a size down. When the maximum occupancy remains at one or two, it’s perfectly fine with ample head, shoulder, and leg room upfront. Though the driver’s right knee can sometimes bang against the center console during enthusiastic cornering, it’s all part of the experience especially since Mazda managed to put padded leather bolsters there. It’s only when one thinks of it as a family vehicle that its shortcomings show. For starters, the rear seats are tight. Three headrests offer the illusion that you can fit three adults at the back only for complaints to start rolling in by the time the second back passenger sits down. Then, you have the limited luggage space. It can be supplemented by folding the rear seat backs, but it’s obviously down to the HR-V’s. The biggest issue though is the limited cubby holes around the cabin. There are small storage pockets for smart phones (it cannot accommodate a phablet) and loose change, but none are lidded or deep enough.

This is where Honda manages to weave its packaging magic producing a landslide win for the HR-V. Apart from the generous front quarters that can fit even super-sized adults, this one offers a wider and longer rear bench and a flat rear floor enabling it to accommodate three people knees, shoulders, and all. The rear seats themselves don’t offer the same level of support as on the CX-3, but that’s likely because of the ULT seats. This neat trick allows the HR-V to raise its luggage space to impressive levels not only by folding the seats in a 60/40 split, but by folding the seat cushions up as well. The HR-V also shines with its various storage solutions. It can easily accommodate stuff at the bottom of the “floating” transmission tunnel, two small or large drinks in its neat double-layer cup holders, and other valuables in its lidded center console box that also acts as the arm rest. If there’s one problem with the HR-V, it’s the position of the air vents. It doesn’t distribute cool air effectively, especially for those seated at the back.

Winner: Honda HR-V






Performance and Fuel Economy

Equipped with a small four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and a rear torsion beam axle suspension, one would suspect that these two would have similar on-road behavior. That though is further from the truth. First up is the HR-V which behaves in the same vein as its larger sibling, the CR-V. As such, it values comfort and isolation over excitement and involvement. The drivetrain, a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine mated to an Earth Dreams CVT delivers punch from down low only to turn lackluster as the revs and speeds go up, even with the ECON mode turned off. The engine note isn’t remotely sporty, but it rewards on-road civility with a fuel economy rating of 9.8 km/L (average speed 17 km/h). The steering is weighty for an EPS set-up and together with a suspension that’s not willing to dance, it reduces the HR-V’s sportiness. On the flipside, it tracks straight and feels stable even during high speed driving. Unwanted noise is also quelled except for the obnoxious tire noise, though that’s probably down to the optional MUGEN wheel and tire package. In terms of ride, it’s firm but comfortable. However, some road undulations don’t get filtered very well.

While the HR-V tries to act big for its size, the CX-3 goes the opposite way and embraces its small size. This sounds crazy, but it actually behaves more sports car-like. It never goes full-blown Miata, but the feeling is there. The steering is single-handedly the best thing here: quick and responsive at low speeds, stable and smooth at high speeds. Hand-in-hand with this communicative steering is the chassis’ agility. At any occasion barring extreme cornering, it handles tidily. Toss it through a corner and it obeys without fuss. The brakes are also linear and easy to modulate. The engine, a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G needs some poking for sure, but less so compared to Honda’s engine. The well-modulated throttle and traditional 6-speed automatic also make it more engaging. Without the penalty of an AWD system, the i-STOP (but no i-ELOOP) system pushes a fuel efficiency of 9.8 km/L (average speed 17 km/h), a vast improvement over its range-topping AWD variant and equal to the smaller-engined HR-V. That said, the sporty handling comes with a penalty of a stiffer ride. What’s surprising is that it’s not far off from the HR-V’s. Whereas the HR-V feels crashy through bumps, the CX-3 hops through them. Neither is perfect, but as the driver (some passengers also agree), the behavior of the CX-3 is much more acceptable for comfort.

Winner: Mazda CX-3






Value for Money

Now comes the most interesting bit: pricing and equipment. At P 1,353,000 for the HR-V EL (minus the MUGEN kit) and P 1,380,000 for the CX-3, they’re actually both more expensive than their own brand’s bigger and more comfortable compact car offerings by P 250,000 (HR-V EL vs Civic 1.8 E) and P 112,000 (CX-3 Sport vs Mazda3 2.0 R) respectively. Because of this, neither of them can claim that they’re beacons of value. Shrugging that thought though, not much differentiates the CX-3 and HR-V in terms of equipment. Outside, both have LED headlights with daytime running lights, power folding mirrors, and large alloy wheels (17-inchers for the HR-V and 18-inchers for the CX-3). Inside, both have leather seats (with suede inserts on the CX-3), full-fledged infotainment systems, and automatic climate control. Heck, even in safety equipment, both have 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control, and a rear parking camera (with added back-up sensors on the HR-V).

The HR-V though manages to squeeze out a win here because of two things, one of which is underappreciated: Auto Brake Hold. An extension of the electronic parking brake system, it allows the HR-V to apply the parking brake automatically during stop-and-go traffic. It’s an example of lazy motoring, but it also reduces driver fatigue. The last advantage is cruise control which is quite helpful when going on long drives involving a lot of cruising on the expressways.

Winner: Honda HR-V





There are two kinds of car buyers: one who goes with his heart, buying what quenches his desires; the other, who goes with his mind, settling for what satisfies his needs. In every automotive segment, these two polar opposites exist and co-exist because of the varied taste of customers. While the Honda HR-V fulfills the requirements of being mind over heart, winning convincingly in terms of practicality and value for money; in this fashion-forward sub-compact crossover segment, the Mazda CX-3 wins out thanks to its stylish exterior, well-made interior, and unrivalled driving dynamics. It’s a heart over mind choice, something most car enthusiast would agree making.

Winner: Mazda CX-3