Head to Head

The B-Segment crossover segment is hotly contested right now. With new models being launched left and right, manufacturers are pulling out all the stops for your cash. For this week's head to head, we look at the higher end of the spectrum with the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3. Let the spec-check begin.

Let's start by taking a look under the hood. Powering the Honda HR-V is the trusty 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams technology. It puts out 141 PS and 172 Nm of torque and it shifts via a continuously variable transmission with a seven-speed mode. Moving to the Mazda, it is powered by a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G mill, similar to the one found in it's big brother, the CX-5. Power is rated at 148 PS with 192 Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard for the baby crossover.

The Honda HR-V is front wheel drive only while the Mazda can be specified with all-wheel drive. As for their suspension set ups, both utilize MacPherson Struts at the front but the two differ at the rear. In the HR-V, it uses a double wishbone setup whereas the CX-3 comes with multi-link suspension.

Inside, each of these crossovers offer a different personality. In the CX-3, the dash design is inspired from the MX-5 roadster. It features a swooping, wraparound dashboard with a minimalist theme. A thick, leather trimmed steering wheel with stitching and leather seats with red highlights boost the athletic ambiance. Its instrument cluster also gets a similar layout as the MX-5 with a large dial in the center and flanked by two trapezoidal displays that show fuel level, trip meter, average fuel economy, real-time fuel economy and more.

Moving to the HR-V, Honda did an upmarket approach with swooping lines and intricate design details. The wide dashboard houses three air-conditioning vents for the front passenger with the touchscreen dominating the center. Also present is a novel touchpad for the climate control system. Honda's B-segment crossover also makes wise use of interior storage space with its unique floating center console. The allows the occupants to use a wide variety of cubby holes for added versatility. Ad for the instrument cluster, it has a floating effect with the cluster of dials logically arranged. A multi-information display shows various vehicle status, as well as various options.

The two also have different approaches for their infotainment systems. In the Honda HR-V, all variants come standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display that houses not just entertainment functions but vehicle information and other options as well. As for connectivity, it packs Bluetooth, 2 USB Ports, and HDMI-in, iPod & iPhone Connectivity. Smartphone mirror-linking can be done through the HDMI port and it channels sound through 6 speakers.

Mazda CX-3 also has 7-inch screen that can be operated either through touch or the scroll wheel found in the center console. Like the Honda, it accommodates both entertainment options and vehicle information and other menus. Bluetooth is standard, as is 2 USB ports, CD, and auxiliary-in. All models get six speakers but the top of the line model get a Bose sound system.

With the interior covered, let's move to the outside of each car. Starting with the Mazda, it follows the brand's 'Kodo' design language that features slim headlights plus Mazda's current signature grill. The lower half of the bumper is given an aggressive look with sharp lines and defined angles. On to the side, the window line creases upwards all the way to the tail end of the crossover. As for the rear section of the car, the tail lights have been inspired from the car it is based on, the Mazda 2 hatchback.

As for the HR-V, it too follows the marque's design philosophy, especially at the front end. The front fascia follows the 'Solid Wing Face' theme with its headlights that blend into the grille. Soft curves define the side of the HR-V and boasts a door pillar mounted handle at the rear doors. Moving to the rear, more curves are to be seen with the tail lights complementing the rest of the design. An integrated rear spoiler is standard.

In the safety equipment check, both models get dual airbags in their respective entry-level variants. Move up the range and both will get fitted with side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags and rear parking sensors. All variants of the HR-V and CX-3 get rear-view cameras, traction control, stability control and anti-lock brakes. On top of all those features, the HR-V adds Auto Brake Hold, Hill-start assist and Emergency Stop Assist.

There are four variants to choose from in the Honda HR-V. It starts with the 1.8 E, then moves up to the 1.8 EL. There is also the 1.8 E Modulo and the kitted-out 1.8 EL Mugen. Prices range from Php 1,243,000 to Php 1,513,000. The Mazda meanwhile has three trim levels available. The entry-level model is the 2.0 FWD Pro while the mid-spec model is the 2.0 FWD Sport. Topping the range for the CX-3 is the 2.0 AWD Activ. CX-3 prices start at Php 1,280,000 to Php 1,480,000.