- Most agree the Mazda3 is an excellent car
- A study shows the Mazda3’s infotainment system is the safest
- On the other hand, the BMW iDrive 8 infotainment system is a disaster
Compact cars are excellent options that give owners numerous features without breaking the bank. One of the best in the segment is the Mazda3. It combines a stylish exterior, comfortable interior, and agile handling, making it a fantastic vehicle for buyers who want a reliable and affordable compact car. Plus, a recent study shows the Mazda3’s infotainment system is the safest on the market.
Here’s more about the Mazda3 and what makes its infotainment system so safe.
Most agree the Mazda3 is an excellent car
U.S. News ranks the 2022 Mazda3 as its top choice in the compact car class, above even the 2022 Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. The Mazda3 has better acceleration than comparable vehicles, and its handling actually feels sporty. Plus, the interior looks and feels great, not cheap or uncomfortable like some rivals.
Starting at $20,800, the 2022 Mazda3 comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 hp. But you can upgrade to a trim that packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Need even more power? There’s also a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder harnessing 250 hp with premium fuel.
In addition, the 2022 Mazda3 packs plenty of tech features as standard equipment. They include HD Radio, voice command Bluetooth, remote keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and more.
However, U.S. News reviewers also acknowledge the smaller rear cargo area compared with other compact cars and the cramped back row. Those complaints are typically par for the course in this segment, but the Mazda3 ranks slightly below average in those departments.
A study shows the Mazda3’s infotainment system is the safest
Mazda3 infotainment system | Mazda North American Operations
The Mazda3 has numerous strengths, but one of the most notable is its innovative infotainment system. Poorly designed infotainment systems have challenging controls that can lead to distracted driving and even cause accidents. Not the Mazda 3’s.
According to CarBuzz, a study by the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany shows that the Mazda3’s infotainment system is the safest on the market. That’s because the infotainment system’s main control is a dial placed in an easy-to-reach location that allows the driver to adjust settings more safely.
The study also notes the Mazda3’s easy-to-use climate controls. They’re located below the infotainment screen, allowing drivers to adjust settings without taking their eyes off the road for long periods.
There are many reasons to recommend the Mazda3 — price point, handling, style, reliability — but the infotainment system’s ergonomic design is yet another benefit.
On the other hand, the BMW iDrive 8 infotainment system is a disaster
.@BMW reveals new iDrive 8 infotainment system, rotary controller included: https://t.co/qqVAhJLEMk pic.twitter.com/nRXzgeD2Ha
— Car and Driver (@CARandDRIVER) March 16, 2021
BMW is known for making high-quality vehicles oozing style, class, and amenities. The German automaker has striven to stay at the forefront of innovation with its tech, especially regarding its infotainment systems. BMW recently released its iDrive 8 infotainment system, but critics have plenty of gripes about it.
For instance, AutoBlog complains the controls are no longer as straightforward as they were in the iDrive 7 system. Controls that should take only one or two taps instead require several, which could lead to distracted driving and frustration.
Even something as simple as adjusting the climate controls has become a chore with BMW’s new system, and the radio controls are no better.
If an intuitive and safe infotainment system is a top priority, consider the Mazda3.
Keyword: Mazda3 Infotainment Systems Prove to Be the Safest According to This Study