The two compact cars that made an appearance and can be perfect for the drive are the 2020 Toyota Corolla and the 2019 Mazda3.
The direction of the automotive market is toward crossovers and away from sedans and hatchbacks. Because of this, it was a surprise to see new compact sedans that were presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. While we don’t have a full comparison test of these two cars on the road, there was enough to compare the two with what we saw on the stage in LA.
Exterior Design
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is a polarizing car with wide windows, a large cabin, and a more upright look to its stance. The hatchback version of this car offers you the shorter length desired and the look needed for the drive. This is a car that looks sporty and aggressive before you ever take it for a drive.
Moving to the 2019 Mazda3, you see a longer hood with the cabin pushed back and a swoopy and dramatic style that flows with lines that almost wave across the car. The headlights are thin and the cabin appears to be narrow and lower than what you see in the Corolla.
Getting in the Cabin
Both cars offer a minimalistic style. The Corolla interior is built around a large center touchscreen that’s flanked by rows of buttons and knobs to give you the controls you want. This screen and center look like they are floating. The seats are supportive and comfortable for the drive you want to enjoy.
The Mazda3 offers you an interior that leans more toward the premium end of the spectrum to give you the look and feeling of quality. The dash does offer a large center touchscreen, but that’s not the only feature in this cabin that looks great and feels right for you.
Power for the Ride
When you look at the power offered for the 2020 Toyota Corolla you’ll find the carryover 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a new 2.0-liter engine for the drive. For the first time, the Corolla will be offered as a hybrid model and it’s made to give you better handling than in the past with the new four-wheel independent suspension layout.
The 2019 Mazda3 also gives you two powertrain offerings with the new SkyActiv-X 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is an advanced version with the new compression technology. There’s also a conventional SkyActiv-G engine that we’ve seen in previous models of this car. The new engine is the first to come with Mazda’s new mild hybrid system and this car is offered with the option of AWD. You’ll have the expected driving experience in the Mazda3 that’s equipped with the perfectly tuned suspension and steering that you’ve admired in previous models of this car.
Waiting for the Real Test
While we wait for the real comparison to be completed for these two new compact sedans, you can see that both offer distinct personality traits and are built to offer you the driving experience you’re looking for.
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