One of the main issues we found with the Mazda was it was trying to be too many cars at once. It was trying to be sporty, and practical, but lacked decent space inside, and the centre console was comicly large, so large that I had nowhere to put my left knee. It sort sounded ok..ish. when you thrashed it...but didn't feel like it had much substance, not like the 2.5mzr engine in our 6 Sport, that really was a cracking car 0-60 in 8 seconds. This was more show and less go..and it felt strangled..heavy... underpowered..and sort of clumsy,.I did like the outside styling though, but it let's you down as you expect more from it than it can really deliver.
In comparison the Honda is more go and less show, it's not sporty inside compared to the Mazda, and the styling outside is more akin to understated, but that rapid instant torque, and deadly quiet cabin (unless thrashed) our 2wd gets to 60 in 8 seconds like the 2.5 6 Sport used to, and can deliver 60mpg, is massive inside, lots of leg room and i think is the best designed interior of any car full stop. It's not perfect, it has some annoyances..but no car is perfect. We are very happy with our choice of car, and even more so Honda. I am even considering buying a second Honda, Civic Type R either used or brand new as a toy as I never considered Honda before now..